Judges 8:26
And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks.
Judges 8:26 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Bible in the book of Judges describes a significant event in which Gideon, a judge of Israel, defeated the Midianites in battle. After their victory, the Israelites collected a considerable amount of spoils, including gold earrings, ornaments, collars, and purple raiment that belonged to the kings of Midian. The specific weight of the golden earrings requested by Gideon was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold. Additionally, the verse mentions the chains that were about the camels' necks, implying that even the camels of the Midianites were adorned with valuable items. This verse highlights the richness of the spoils of war that the Israelites acquired as a result of their victory. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision for His people in times of need.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to note the significance of the golden earrings that were requested by Gideon. The weight of these earrings - one thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold - holds symbolic value in the narrative. Gold is often associated with riches and wealth, but in this context, it also signifies the spoils of victory over the Midianites. Gideon's request for the golden earrings represents a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness in delivering the Israelites from their enemies. Additionally, the mention of other ornaments, collars, and purple raiment further emphasizes the lavishness of the spoils taken from the kings of Midian. The inclusion of the chains around the camels' necks highlights the extent of the plunder that was seized by Gideon and his men. Overall, this verse portrays Gideon as a victorious and prosperous leader, who is blessed by God and rewarded for his obedience.
Judges 8:26 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the weight of the golden ear-rings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred [shekels] of gold, besides the crescents, and the pendants, and the purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were about their camels' necks.
World English Bible
The weight of the golden earrings that he requested was one thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescents, and the pendants, and the purple clothing that was on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were about their camels’ necks.
Douay-Rheims
And the weight of the earlets that he requested, was a thousand seven hundred sicles of gold, besides the ornaments, and jewels, and purple raiment, which the kings of Madian were wont to use, and besides the golden chains that were about the camels necks.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the weight of the golden earings that he required, was a thousande and seuen hundreth shekels of golde, beside collers and iewels, and purple rayment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the cheynes that were about their camels neckes.