Charles Spurgeon Commentary Judges 8:1

"And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with Midian? And they did chide with him sharply." — Judges 8:1 (ASV)

We have some friends, like these men of Ephraim, who do not like being left out of the battle for the Lord. They say, "Why are we not asked for our help? Why are we not allowed to take our share?"

These are very good people; but we have known some of them who have made these inquiries rather late in the day. These Ephraimites knew all about the war, and they might have volunteered to help Gideon, and we would have been glad of the earlier help of some who delayed until the victory was won.