4 And Gideon cometh in unto the Jordan, passing over, he and the three hundred men who 'are' with him—wearied, and pursuing, 5 and he saith to the men of Succoth, 'Give, I pray you, cakes of bread to the people who 'are' at my feet, for they 'are' wearied, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna kings of Midian.' 6 And the heads of Succoth say, 'Is the hand of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand, that we give to thy host bread?' 7 And Gideon saith, 'Therefore—in Jehovah's giving Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand—I have threshed your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness, and with the threshing instruments.' 8 And he goeth up thence 'to' Penuel, and speaketh unto them thus; and the men of Penuel answer him as the men of Succoth answered. 9 And he speaketh also to the men of Penuel, saying, 'In my turning back in peace, I break down this tower.' 10 And Zebah and Zalmunna 'are' in Karkor, and their camps with them, about fifteen thousand, all who are left of all the camp of the sons of the east; and those falling 'are' a hundred and twenty thousand men, drawing sword. 11 And Gideon goeth up the way of those who tabernacle in tents, on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smiteth the camp, and the camp was confident; 12 and Zebab and Zalmunna flee, and he pursueth after them, and captureth the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and all the camp he hath caused to tremble.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 8:4-12
Commentary on Judges 8:4-12
(Read Judges 8:4-12)
Gideon's men were faint, yet pursuing; fatigued with what they had done, yet eager to do more against their enemies. It is many a time the true Christian's case, fainting, and yet pursuing. The world knows but little of the persevering and successful struggle the real believer maintains with his sinful heart. But he betakes himself to that Divine strength, in the faith of which he began his conflict, and by the supply of which alone he can finish it in triumph.