Judges 6:34-35 But the Spirit of the LORD came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.… What a strange, unwonted appearance must the market-place of Ophrah have presented at this juncture. The inhabitants had found something else to occupy them now than the martyrdom of Gideon. Rather than have injured a hair of his head, there was not one perhaps who would not have "plucked out his eyes, and given them unto him," had the sacrifice been demanded, such and so general was the enthusiasm for him which now prevailed. As for ordinary business, it was in a great measure suspended, the grand business now in hand being to prepare for war. The sounds with which the ear must have been most familiar at that time were the ring of the anvil, the hiss of the grindstone, the shrill notes of the bugle and the clash of arms. And ever as a new arrival from distant parts took place, and ever as the colours of the different tribes that had received a summons were recognised, how would the air be rent with joyful acclamations. Here might be seen a band of stalwart shepherds and woodcutters from Lebanon, there a crew of sailors from the coasts of Asher. Yonder, streaming over the hills, eager to join their brethren, are a long line of fishermen from Zebulon and Naphtali, who have left their nets and boats on the shores of the sea of Galilee, accompanied by many of their own tribes of various grades and of various professions. All seem to be animated by one spirit — a spirit of patriotism, a desire to rid their beloved country at once and for ever of that hateful yoke under which for seven long years they had groaned, and thus to be restored once more to their ancestral liberties and rights. (W. W. Duncan, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him. |
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