Judges 7:24
New International Version
Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth Barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth Barah.

New Living Translation
Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down to attack the Midianites. Cut them off at the shallow crossings of the Jordan River at Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim did as they were told.

English Standard Version
Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them, as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.

Berean Standard Bible
Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim to say, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah.

King James Bible
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.

New King James Version
Then Gideon sent messengers throughout all the mountains of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites, and seize from them the watering places as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.” Then all the men of Ephraim gathered together and seized the watering places as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.

New American Standard Bible
Then Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against Midian and take control of the waters ahead of them, as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were summoned, and they took control of the waters as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.

NASB 1995
Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against Midian and take the waters before them, as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were summoned and they took the waters as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.

NASB 1977
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against Midian and take the waters before them, as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were summoned, and they took the waters as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Gideon had sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down to meet Midian and capture the waters before them, as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were summoned, and they captured the waters as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.

Amplified Bible
Then Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of [the tribe of] Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and take [control of] the waters before them [thereby cutting off the Midianites], as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan [River].” So all the men of Ephraim were assembled together and they took control of the waters, as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.

Christian Standard Bible
Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim with this message: “Come down to intercept the Midianites and take control of the watercourses ahead of them as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they took control of the watercourses as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim with this message: “Come down to intercept the Midianites and take control of the watercourses ahead of them as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they took control of the watercourses as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan.

American Standard Version
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill-country of Ephraim, saying, Come down against Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as Beth-barah, even the Jordan. So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together, and took the waters as far as Beth-barah, even the Jordan.

Contemporary English Version
He also sent messengers to tell all the men who lived in the hill country of Ephraim, "Come and help us fight the Midianites! Put guards at every spring, stream, and well, as far as Beth-Barah before the Midianites can get to them. And guard the Jordan River." Troops from Ephraim did exactly what Gideon had asked,

English Revised Version
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, Come down against Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as Beth-barah, even Jordan. So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together, and took the waters as far as Beth-barah, even Jordan.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Gideon also sent messengers to the whole mountain region of Ephraim with this message, "Go into battle against Midian. Capture the watering holes as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan River." All the men of Ephraim were also summoned to help. They captured the watering holes as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan River.

Good News Translation
Gideon sent messengers through all the hill country of Ephraim to say, "Come down and fight the Midianites. Hold the Jordan River and the streams as far as Bethbarah, to keep the Midianites from crossing them." The men of Ephraim were called together, and they held the Jordan River and the streams as far as Bethbarah.

International Standard Version
Gideon dispatched messengers throughout the mountainous region of Ephraim, notifying them, "Come down to fight Midian. Capture the water crossings as far as Beth-barah and the Jordan River before they can get to them."

Majority Standard Bible
Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim to say, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah.

NET Bible
Now Gideon sent messengers throughout the Ephraimite hill country who announced, "Go down and head off the Midianites. Take control of the fords of the streams all the way to Beth Barah and the Jordan River." When all the Ephraimites had assembled, they took control of the fords all the way to Beth Barah and the Jordan River.

New Heart English Bible
Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against Midian, and capture the waters, as far as Beth Barah, even the Jordan." So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together, and seized the waters as far as Beth Barah, even the Jordan.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters to Beth-barah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim assembled, and took the waters to Beth-barah and Jordan.

World English Bible
Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against Midian and take the waters before them as far as Beth Barah, even the Jordan!” So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together and took the waters as far as Beth Barah, even the Jordan.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Gideon has sent messengers into all the hill-country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down to meet Midian, and capture the waters from them as far as Beth-Barah, and the Jordan”; and every man of Ephraim is called, and they capture the waters as far as Beth-Barah, and the Jordan,

Young's Literal Translation
And messengers hath sent Gideon into all the hill-country of Ephraim, saying, 'Come down to meet Midian, and capture before them the waters unto Beth-Barah, and the Jordan;' and every man of Ephraim is called, and they capture the waters unto Beth-Barah, and the Jordan,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Gideon sent messengers into all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down to meet Midian, and take before them the waters even to the House of Passage, and Jordan. And every man of Ephraim will be called together, and they will take the waters even to the House of Passage and Jordan.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Gedeon sent messengers into all mount Ephraim, saying: Come down to meet Madian, and take the waters before them to Bethbera and the Jordan. And all Ephraim shouted, and took the waters before them and the Jordan as far as Bethbera.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all of Mount Ephraim, saying, “Descend to meet Midian, and occupy the waters ahead of them as far as Bethbarah and the Jordan.” And all of Ephraim cried out, and they occupied the waters ahead of them, from the Jordan even to Bethbarah.

New American Bible
Gideon also sent messengers throughout the mountain region of Ephraim to say, “Go down to intercept Midian, and seize the water courses against them as far as Beth-barah, as well as the Jordan.” So all the Ephraimites were called to arms, and they seized the water courses as far as Beth-barah, and the Jordan as well.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters against them, as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they seized the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters as far as Beth-barah, which is by the Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together and seized the waters as far as Beth-barah by the Jordan.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Gedun sent Messengers into all the Mount of Aphreim and he said: “Go down for a meeting of Midian and seize the waters unto Bayth Bara that are upon the side of the Jordan.” And all of the house of Aphreim shouted and they seized the waters unto Bayth Bara of Jordan
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill-country of Ephraim, saying: 'Come down against Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.' So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together, and took the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Gedeon sent messengers into all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down to meet Madiam, and take to yourselves the water as far as Baethera and Jordan: and every man of Ephraim cried out, and they took the water before hand unto Baethera and Jordan.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gideon Defeats Midian
23Then the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and they pursued the Midianites. 24Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim to say, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah. 25They also captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian; and they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. So they pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.…

Cross References
Joshua 2:9-11
and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.

1 Samuel 7:5-12
Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.” / When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah. / When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, their rulers marched up toward Israel. And when the Israelites learned of this, they feared the Philistines ...

2 Chronicles 20:20-23
Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” / Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” / The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. ...

Isaiah 41:10-13
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. / Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. ...

Exodus 14:13-14
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Hebrews 11:32-34
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.

Psalm 83:9-11
Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, / who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. / Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,

Isaiah 9:4
For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

2 Kings 7:6-7
For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.


Treasury of Scripture

And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters to Bethbarah and Jordan.

sent

Judges 3:27
And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.

Romans 15:30
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

take before

Judges 3:28
And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

Judges 12:5
And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;

Beth-Barah.

John 1:28
These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Jump to Previous
Assembled Beth Country Ephraim Hill Hill-Country Jordan Messengers Midian Midianites Mount Themselves Throughout Together Waters
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Assembled Beth Country Ephraim Hill Hill-Country Jordan Messengers Midian Midianites Mount Themselves Throughout Together Waters
Judges 7
1. Gideon's army of thirty-two thousand is brought to three hundred
9. He is encouraged by the dream and interpretation of the burley cake
16. His plan of trumpets and lamps in pitchers
24. The Ephraimites take Oreb and Zeeb














Gideon sent messengers
The act of sending messengers highlights Gideon's role as a leader and strategist. In the Hebrew context, the word for "messengers" (מַלְאָכִים, mal'akhim) can also mean "angels" or "envoys," indicating the importance of the message being delivered. Gideon's leadership is divinely inspired, as he acts on God's command to deliver Israel from the Midianites. This reflects the biblical theme of God raising leaders to fulfill His purposes.

throughout the hill country of Ephraim
Ephraim was one of the prominent tribes of Israel, known for its strength and strategic location. The hill country provided a natural defense and a vantage point for military operations. Historically, Ephraim was often involved in significant biblical events, and its involvement here underscores the unity and collective effort required to defeat the Midianites. The geographical reference also emphasizes the widespread call to action across the tribe.

saying, 'Come down against the Midianites
The phrase "come down" suggests a movement from a higher elevation, consistent with the topography of the hill country. The Midianites were a nomadic people who had oppressed Israel, and this call to action is a rallying cry for liberation. Theologically, it represents a divine mandate to confront and overcome oppression, with Gideon as God's chosen instrument.

and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them
The Jordan River was a critical geographical and symbolic boundary in Israel's history. To "seize the waters" implies cutting off the Midianites' escape route, a strategic military maneuver. The Jordan often represents transition and divine intervention, as seen in Israel's crossing into the Promised Land. Here, it signifies a turning point in the battle against the Midianites, orchestrated by God's guidance.

as far as Beth-barah
Beth-barah is a location of uncertain exact identification, but it is believed to be near the Jordan River. The name itself means "house of crossing," which is fitting given the strategic importance of controlling the river crossings. This detail underscores the thoroughness of Gideon's plan and the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance.

So all the men of Ephraim were called out
The collective response of Ephraim's men indicates a unified effort and obedience to Gideon's call. This unity is crucial for the success of God's plan, reflecting the biblical principle that God's people must work together to achieve His purposes. It also highlights the importance of community and cooperation in fulfilling divine missions.

and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah
The successful execution of this plan demonstrates God's favor and the effectiveness of Gideon's leadership. The phrase "seized the waters" signifies a decisive victory, preventing the Midianites from regrouping or escaping. This victory is a testament to God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people when they act in obedience and faith.

(24) Throughout all mount Ephraim.--He had not ventured to summon these haughty clansmen before his victory was assured.

Take before them the waters.--i.e., "intercept their flight unto Beth-barah and Jordan." The "waters" are probably the marshes formed by streams which flow from the watershed of the hills of Ephraim into the Jordan.

Beth-barah.--"House of the waste," not, as Jerome says, "of the well." It can hardly be the Bethabara (house of the passage) of John 1:28, which seems to be too far south.

Verse 24. - Mount Ephraim. Rather, the hill country, of Ephraim. For some reason Gideon had not invited the Ephraimites to join in the war before (Judges 8:1); but now, seeing the extreme importance of seizing the fords of Jordan, so as to stop the escape of the Midianites, he sent messengers in all haste to the men of Ephraim, who accordingly "took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan." The waters seem to mean a number of streams running from the hill country of Ephraim into the Jordan, and which had to be crossed by the Midianites before they could reach the Jordan fords. The site of Beth-barah is unknown. It is not thought to be the same as Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptising (John 1:28). Beth-barah must have been on the west of Jordan.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Gideon
גִּדְעוֹן֩ (giḏ·‘ō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1439: Gideon -- a judge of Israel

sent
שָׁלַ֣ח (šā·laḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

messengers
וּמַלְאָכִ֡ים (ū·mal·’ā·ḵîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

throughout
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the hill country
הַ֨ר (har)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of Ephraim
אֶפְרַ֜יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

to say,
לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Come down
רְד֞וּ (rə·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

against
לִקְרַ֤את (liq·raṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way

the Midianites
מִדְיָן֙ (miḏ·yān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4080: Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled

and seize
וְלִכְד֤וּ (wə·liḵ·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

the waters
הַמַּ֔יִם (ham·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

of the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

ahead of them
לָהֶם֙ (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

as far as
עַ֛ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

Beth-barah.”
בָּרָ֖ה (bā·rāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1012: Beth-barah -- 'place of ford', a place in Palestine

So all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the men
אִ֤ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of Ephraim
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙ (’ep̄·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

were called out,
וַיִּצָּעֵ֞ק (way·yiṣ·ṣā·‘êq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6817: To shriek, to proclaim

and they captured
וַיִּלְכְּד֣וּ (way·yil·kə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

the waters
הַמַּ֔יִם (ham·ma·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

of the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃ (hay·yar·dên)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

as
עַ֛ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

far as Beth-barah.
בָּרָ֖ה (bā·rāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1012: Beth-barah -- 'place of ford', a place in Palestine


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OT History: Judges 7:24 Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill (Jd Judg. Jdg)
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