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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Zebah
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ZEBAH (‘victim’).—A Midianite king, mentioned together with Zalmunna, who was killed by Gideon as the result of blood-revenge (Jdg_8:18-21); both kings had, however, been previously overcome in battle by Gideon, who championed the Israelites against their Midianite oppressors. This victory must have been of vital and far-reaching consequence to the Israelites, for it is more than once commemorated long after as a landmark in the nation’s history (Isa_9:4; Isa_10:26, Psa_83:11). The death of Zebah and Zalmunna is very graphically described. Gideon commands Jether, his eldest son, to slay them, but being only a youth he is afraid; so the kings ask Gideon himself to kill them; he does so, and takes the crescents from the necks of their camels. This last action may conceivably Imply a kindly remembrance of the kings on the part of Gideon, for from Jdg_8:19 it would seem that it was only reluctantly, and from a sense of duty, that he slew them.
W. O. E. Oesterley.