Judges 8:2

French S21 2007 (Bible Segond 21)

Gédéon leur répondit: «Qu'ai-je fait en comparaison de vous? Le peu qu’a pu grappiller Ephraïm ne vaut-il pas mieux que tout ce qu’a pu récolter la famille d’Abiézer?

What Does This Mean?

In Judges 8:2, Gideon is speaking to the Ephraimites, who are upset because they feel their contribution to the battle was not recognized. Gideon humbly acknowledges their greater contribution, comparing it to the more valuable harvest left for gleaning after the main harvest.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friend are picking apples. Your friend picks a lot more apples than you do. Gideon is like the friend saying, 'Look, you picked so much more than me, and that's awesome! I'm just happy we got to pick together.'

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was likely written by various authors, including Samuel, and compiled around the 10th century BC. This verse is part of the narrative about Gideon and the Israelites fighting against the Midianites. The Ephraimites were another tribe involved in this conflict, and they were concerned about their perceived lack of recognition.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, this verse encourages acknowledging and valuing the contributions of others. For example, if you work on a team project, it's important to recognize and appreciate the hard work and contributions of each team member, especially those who do the most.

Topics

• humility
• teamwork
• recognition
• honor
• comparison
• leadership

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 2:1-10
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
• Romans 12:3-8
• 1 Peter 5:5-6
• Ephesians 4:11-16

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Gideon speaking to the Ephraimites?

Gideon was speaking to the Ephraimites because they were upset about their perceived lack of recognition in the battle against the Midianites.

What does 'gleaning of the grapes' mean in this context?

In this context, 'gleaning of the grapes' refers to the valuable harvest left after the main harvest, symbolizing the greater contribution of the Ephraimites.

How does Gideon's response demonstrate humility?

Gideon shows humility by acknowledging the Ephraimites' greater contribution and recognizing their value, rather than trying to downplay their efforts.

What can we learn about teamwork from this verse?

This verse teaches us the importance of valuing and recognizing the contributions of each team member, especially those who do the most work.