Gideon Appeases the Ephraimites

7:24 Now Gideon sent messengers throughout the Ephraimite hill country who announced, “Go down and head off the Midianites.56 Take control of the fords of the streams57 all the way to Beth Barah and the Jordan River.”58 When all the Ephraimites had assembled,59 they took control of the fords60 all the way to Beth Barah and the Jordan River. 7:25 They captured the two Midianite generals, Oreb and Zeeb.61 They executed Oreb on the rock of Oreb and Zeeb62 in the winepress of Zeeb. They chased the Midianites63 and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was now on the other side of the Jordan River.64

8:1 The Ephraimites said to him, “Why have you done such a thing to us? You did not summon us1 when you went to fight the Midianites!” They argued vehemently with him. 8:2 He said to them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Even Ephraim’s leftover grapes2 are better quality than Abiezer’s harvest!3 8:3 It was to you that God handed over the Midianite generals, Oreb and Zeeb! What did I accomplish to rival that?”4 When he said this, they calmed down.5