Judges 8:18
Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.
Judges 8:18 · King James Version
Meaning
When considering the meaning of the verse where Gideon questions Zebah and Zalmunna about the men they had killed at Tabor, it is important to understand the context in which the conversation takes place. Gideon, a judge in Israel, had been called by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. In this particular instance, Gideon is seeking justice for the deaths of his brothers who were slain by Zebah and Zalmunna. When Gideon asks about the appearance of the slain men, Zebah and Zalmunna respond by saying that the men resembled the children of a king, much like Gideon himself. This revelation serves to highlight the dignity and nobility of the men who were killed, emphasizing their status and importance. It also reinforces the idea that the Israelites were being oppressed by powerful and ruthless enemies. Ultimately, this verse offers insight into the brutal realities of conflict and the honor and valor of those who fought for their people.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the Book of Judges, Gideon questions the kings Zebah and Zalmunna about the men they had killed at Mount Tabor. The response they give is significant in the theological interpretation of the passage. When they say that the men they killed resembled the children of a king, it not only speaks to their physical appearance but also highlights a deeper spiritual truth. The men slaughtered by Zebah and Zalmunna were innocent and noble, just like the children of a king. This can be seen as a reflection of how God views all His children - as precious and worthy of protection. The word study on 'resembled' can further emphasize the idea that these men were not just physically similar to royalty but possessed qualities that made them valuable in God's eyes. This verse invites readers to consider the value of human life and the importance of treating each individual as a child of God.
Judges 8:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.
World English Bible
Then he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men were they whom you killed at Tabor?” They answered, “They were like you. Each one resembled the children of a king.”
Douay-Rheims
And he said to Zebee and Salmana: What manner of men were they, whom you slew in Thabor? They answered: They were like thee, and one of them as the son of a king.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then saide he vnto Zebah and Zalmunna, What maner of men were they, whom ye slew at Tabor? and they answered, As thou art, so were they: euery one was like the children of a King.