Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
Verse Takeaways
1
A Soft Answer's Power
Commentators unanimously praise Gideon's response to the angry Ephraimites as a masterful act of diplomacy. Rather than escalating the conflict, he used a "soft answer" to soothe their wounded pride. Scholars like Spurgeon and Barnes note this shows his wisdom and self-control, preventing a disastrous civil war at a critical moment in the campaign against Midian.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Judges
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Judges 8:2
18th Century
Theologian
A civil war with the great tribe of Ephraim would soon have turned Israel’s victory into mourning. Gideon therefore soothes their wounded pride by …
Charles Ellicott
On Judges 8:2
19th Century
Bishop
What have I done now in comparison of you? —Since Gideon was by no means a man of a very easily calmed and peaceful dispo…
Charles Spurgeon
On Judges 8:2–5
19th Century
Preacher
Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb…
Go Ad-Free
Go ad-free and create your own bookmark library
John Gill
On Judges 8:2
17th Century
Pastor
And he said unto them
In a very mild and gentle manner, giving soft words, which turn away wrath:
Matthew Henry
On Judges 8:1–3
17th Century
Minister
Those who will not attempt or venture anything in the cause of God, will be the most ready to censure and quarrel with those who are of a more zeal…