Judges 8:1-17.  Most of Israel is on the west of the Jordan River.  But part of the tribes had settled on the east side of the river when they came to the land; specifically Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh.  Gideon was from tribe of Manasseh that lived on the west side of the Jordan.  The tribe of Ephraim also lived on the west side of the Jordan River just south of Manasseh’s territory.  The Midianites and their allies were from the desert region on the east side of the Jordan and south of Israel’s territory.  They had been camped in valley that runs east and west just north of Manasseh’s territory on the west side of the Jordan river.  When they retreated they would have gone east toward the Jordan and then south down the Jordan River valley toward the territory of Ephraim.  Eventually they would have to cross the Jordan and flee through the territory of either Gad or Reuben.

In yesterday’s reading Gideon sent messages to the Ephraimites to come block the invaders retreat.  In mean time Gideon pursued some of the invaders down the Jordan River Valley.  The Ephraimites caught two of the kings of Midian whom they killed.  They then continued on to catch up with Gideon and his troops.  The Ephraimites were pretty mad that they had not been called to the battle sooner and Gideon ‘kisses up” to them by pointing out that they were the ones that had caught the two Midianite kings.  He uses a metaphor saying that the grapes left over in  Ephraim’s field after picking are better than the best wine in Manasseh.  At this point Gideon and his 300 men are on the west side of the Jordan.  They cross over near a river that feeds into the Jordan from the east, the Jabbok River.  The valley that the Jabbok follows leads out of Israel’s territory and was the route the remaining Midianites were taking to escape.  Evidently there were two more enemy kings to capture.

Near where the two rivers meet was a town named Succoth.  It was an Israelite town.  By this time Gideon’s men are very tired and hungry.  Gideon asks the people of the town for food and is basically told, “We are not taking sides until the battle’s over.”  Interesting, the Ephraimites were mad for not being included and now these Israelites are wanting nothing to do with the fight.  Gideon continues the chase and comes to another town, Penuel.  Same request and same response.  Eventually Gideon catches up with the two kings and their troops.  At this point we are told that there are 15,000 left and that 120,000 enemy troops had already died.  The enemy troops run away afraid and Gideon captures their two kings.  He then returns to the two cities he had asked for help showing them the two captured kings.  At Penuel he destroys a tower and kills the men of the city.  At Succoth he brings out the city leaders and beats them.  Remember that these were all Israelites.

Gideon is a long way away from the “loaf of bread” God used to cause the Midianites to fight among themselves and run.  He is also a long way away from the scared farmer beating out his grain in a wine press.  No more signs from God just fits of rage.  He has openly beaten his fellow Israelites and even killed some of them.  It is clear from this part of the story that the Israelites were not a unified people.  There were tribal jealousies and disrespect all around.  They were supposed to be one family, one people for God.  An example to the world.  Now in history there is a new family for God, the church.  We are supposed to be God’s light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16).  Are we happy to do our part or are we jealous of others?  Are we becoming political like Gideon seemed to be,  “kissing up” to some and pushing our power on others?  Are we forgetting to stay in touch with our real leader?  Are we looking out for our own personal interests and not serving each other?  I hope not.

Lord help me be a good member of your family.  Help me stay in touch woth you.  Let me be happy to do the part you have for me.  Help me be spiritually productive rather than politically correct.  Thank you for making me a part of your kingdom and your family.  Let me live like it today and every day until you return.