(8:1-3) A Warning About Pride - Ephraim's leaders felt left out because Gideon had not called them to join the battle but had left them in place to "clean up" the escaping Midianites ("the gleaning of the grapes"), and so they angrily confronted him. Gideon assured the leaders of Ephraim that their accomplishment was even greater than that of his own clan (Abiezer). His diplomatic explanation pointed out that this rear guard had managed to capture the enemy's generals, thus cutting off the leaders from their army. Not every necessary job is a highly visible leadership role. Much of the necessary labor of any effective enterprise is considered by many to be dirty work. But such work is vital to getting any big task done. Engineers and millionaires may design and finance an elegant building, but it is the bricklayers who raise the structure. The church needs all kinds of workers to help it function effectively. Pride causes us to want recognition. Are you content to be God's bricklayer, or do you resent the work God has given you?

(8:5-9) Consequences of Doubting God - The leaders of Succoth and Penuel refused to help Gideon, probably fearing Midian's revenge should he fail (Gideon's army was 300 men chasing 15,000). They should have realized that victory was certain because God was with Gideon. But they were so worried about saving themselves that they never thought about God's power to save. Because of our fear, we may not recognize God's presence in other people and may therefore miss God's victory. If this happens, we must face the often-bitter consequences of failing to join forces with those God has chosen to do his work. Because God will prevail with or without you, eagerly join others who are engaged in his work. Lend support with your time, money, talents, and prayer.

(8:10-11) The Midianites Didn't Anticipate the Resilience of Gideon -  The Midianites were escaping into the desert area, where the tent-dwelling nomads lived. They didn't expect Gideon to follow them that far.

(8:15-17) Gideon Keeps His Word - Gideon carried out the threat he had made earlier (8:7-9). Were Gideon's actions justified in the midst of war, or should he have left the punishment up to God? Gideon was God's appointed leader, but the officials of Succoth and Penuel had refused to help him in any way because they were afraid of the enemy. They had shown neither faith nor respect for God or the man God had chosen to save them. We should help others because it is right, regardless of whether we will benefit personally.

(8:20-21) The Ultimate Humiliation - For the kings to be killed by a boy would have been humiliating. The two kings wanted to avoid that disgrace, as well as the slower and more painful death that an inexperienced swordsman might inflict.

(8:22-23) Gideon Refuses to Be King - The people wanted to make Gideon their king, but Gideon stressed that the Lord was to rule over them. Despite his inconsistencies, Gideon never lost sight of the importance of putting God first. Is God first in your life? If so, he will affect every dimension of your life, not just what you do in church.

(8:26-27) Wealth and Idolatry - In the ancient world, those who were very wealthy put ornaments on their camels as a way of displaying their riches. Both men and women wore earrings to symbolize their devotion to worshiping their gods and to remind them to listen to their gods. All the gold the Israelites plundered from the Midianites would have been worth a lot, After Gideon's rise to power, he seems to have become carried away with this accumulation of wealth. Eventually, it led the Israelites to idolatry.

(8:27)  The Ephod - An ephod was a linen garment worn by a priest over his chest. It was considered holy (Exodus 28:5-35; 39:2-24; Leviticus 8:7-8). Gideon probably had good motives for making the ephod, intending it to be a visible remembrance commemorating the victory. Unfortunately, the people began to worship the ephod as an idol. Sadly, many decisions that stem from good motives produce negative results. This often happens when no one stops to ask, "What might go wrong?" or "Is there a possibility of negative consequences?" In our plans and decisions, we should take time to anticipate how a good idea might lead to a potential problem.

(8:28-32) Gideon's Failed Family Relationship -  This relationship between Gideon and a concubine produced a son who ended up tearing apart Gideon's family and causing tragedy for the nation. Gideon's story illustrates the fact that people who succeed in one area of life aren't necessarily perfect in other areas. Gideon led the nation well but apparently failed to carry his wisdom over into his personal and family relationships. And though he officially rejected the role of a king in Israel, having many wives and sons was something that, in this culture, only kings or extremely wealthy people practiced. This was also something that Moses had forbidden for any future kings in Israel (Deuteronomy 17:17), and it certainly set Gideon and his family up for trouble. No matter who you are, defining your relationships around personal convenience, pleasure, and power will cause problems. And just because you have won a single battle with temptation does not mean you will automatically win the next one. We need to be constantly watchful against temptation in our relationships. Sometimes Satan's strongest attacks come after a victory.

(8:33) Baalberith -  Baal-berith means "Baal (lord) of the covenant." Worship of this idol may have combined elements of both the Israelite and Canaanite religions.