Q2. Dealing with Ephraimite Arrogance

[Nina]

Gideon asked the Ephramites to capture the waters of the Jordan River ahead of them as far as the Beth Barah. This cut off the escape route for the Midianites. They did this and also captured some Midianite leaders.

The Ephramites were angry because they had not been called to help earlier. They were jealous of the spoils of war taken with the victory.

Gideon ignored their anger and praised them for their help and ability. He ignores what could have escalated into a real problem between them and built them up while downplaying himself. This is an example that we should also follow. It solved what could have been a real problem for them.

[JustJeff]

Because of their might, the men of Ephraim were insulted when ordered to do a mop up operation. Gideon wisely humbled himself and exhalted their work, defusing a potentially devisive situation. A little humility always goes a long way.

[masika]

Q2. What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? Who do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance? (7:24-8:3)

Gideon asked the Ephramites to attack the Miianites, they were to cut them off at the shallow crossing of the Jordaan River at Beth-barah.

They were angry because they felt Gideon had left them to join the battle but had left them in place to "clean up" the escaping Midianites (Left overs).

Gideon assured them that their accomplishment was even greater that his own clan.

Not every necessary job is a highly visible leadership role. Much of the necessary labor of any effective enterprise is considered by many to be dirty work. But such work is vital to getting any big task done. Engineers and millionares my design and finance an elegant building but it is the bricklayer who get the work done.

Pride cause us want recognition.

Are we content to be God's bricklayers or do we resent the work God has given us?

[Don W]

Gideon doesn

[Robin D]

Gideon asks the Ephraimites to come down against the Midianites and block their escape routes by the water. They are angry because Gideon had not called them before to be part of his army. Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites is very complimentary. He praises the Ephraimites for what they have done.

[sahala p.s.]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

Gideon asks the Ephraimites to capture and destroy the remaining Midianites and seize the fords of the Jordan River

They are so angry because Gideon did not call them earlier to fight Midianite

That I learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance is although his achievements is greater than their, he does not try argue for it to but he humbly compliments them on their achievement

[brotherbill]

Gideon asks the Ephraimites to attack the Midianites at the Jordan. I think think this would have stopped them from traveling down the river valley which would have been a quicker retreat than over "hill and dale."

They were angry that they were not called as part of the original army and a part of the planning and attack.

When we approach a negative with negative it tends to make the matter worse. Gideon reminded them they were already more victorious than others in the battle they had captured two kings. And therefore their contribution was vital and impressive already in the short time they had been in the fray.

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

[Barbara1]

1. To stop the Midianites at the Jordan river.

2. They are angry because Gideon didn't call them to help in the begining.

3. To push your own accplisments to the wind and give all credit to God for His glory.

[paulcrf]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

[Jen]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

Gideon asks the help of the Ephramites to cut off the enemies retreat by securing two passes over Jordan.

The Ephramites are angry that they weren't asked before this for the main battle as they were afraid they were going to be thought of as inferior.

Gideon was humble in his response and magnified what they did instead of his own accomplishments which were really the Lord's as was what the Ephramites did. What I learn is to be humble in your approach to jealousies and quarrels and to praise the other and not yourself. It justs gets you further into the back and forth if you boast and brag about what you have done. Plus we all need to recognize the desire and need for everyone to feel important in your life relationships. And we don't do anything good without the Lord so we have nothing to boast about. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me. Jeremiah 9:24a

God Bless!

Jen

Numbers 6:24-26

[Loisb]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

[Pamela Harms]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

[JanMary]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do?

He asked them to do "mop up" and defeat the Midianites when they tried to cross the river to escape from Gideon's army in pursuit.

Why are they so angry?

They were pridefully furious because they had not been included in the original call to battle...they felt slighted and seen as inferior. It apparently didn't occur to them that the Lord drew up the battle plan which delayed their participation until time for their role in blocking the escaping army. They wanted honor and recognition and seemed to believe their call to battle in the original plan would have routed the Midianites so that this mop up wouldn't have been necessary.

What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

He took the high road...the more excellent way of diffusing the situation using Godly wisdom and tact. Rather than being defensive and making legitimate excuses, he commended them for the part they did play, and for their victory in killing the Midianite leaders. To have argued would have caused delay in the real battle... pursing the Midianites. That was God's mandate to Gideon and he remained focused rather than allowing a "sideways" attack to deter him from the goal. "A soft answer turns away wrath".....

[Seeking His Face]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

[hanks]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3)

What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do?

Gideon had blocked off the escape route to the north and west, but he needed help from the Ephraimites to help block the Midianites escaping towards the south, and particularly the south-west.

Why are they so angry?

They were angry because they had not been invited sooner to partake in the battle. They felt left out of this great victory and I suppose they also wanted to share in the glory of this triumph.

What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

Gideon was very diplomatic in his dealings with the Ephraimites, at the same time showing leadership skills. He did not want to get into an argument with them so he minimized his victory and then compliments them on their achievement in killing two Midianite leaders. This he did so as not to delay the pursuit of the fleeing Midianites.

[Old Jerry]

Gideon has asked the Ephraimites to help mop up after the battle. But the Ephraimites were angry because Gideon had not asked them to the big battle.

Gideon’s answer was the best. He bragged about how much the Ephraimites had done and had said almost nothing that they had done. He placed them on a pedestal and was praising them for their job.

[wifee]

2a)Gideon asks Ephramites to seize control of the waters ahead of the midianites, fighting their army,capturing the leaders Zeeb and Oreb,while Gideon pursues escaping Midianites.

B)They are angry because Gideon didn’t ask their large army to be involved in battle for Midiante’s camp, they wanted to also be part of the amazing victory

c)Gideon didn’t boast in victory achieved, was gracious, not defensive,but humble, kept calm,wasn’t drawn by their anger, showed wisdom and complimented them on capture of Oreg & Zeeb, keeping focus on pursuing fleeing Midianites,know God was the true victor.In doing so he received Ephramites support in mopping up Midianties and the outcome sought achieved.

[DebLam3teach]

Gideon asks the Ephraimites to capture the Midianites that are escaping toward the Jordan River.  They are angry because Gideon didn't call them to battle when he originally called the other tribes to war.  They didn't feel included in the victory or respected as one of the tribes.  Gideon is a good example of humbly acknowledging the Ephraimites' importance in the battle (slaying the Midianite leaders) versus the small triumphs his clan had accomplished.  We need to emphasize people's strengths during conflict, and avoid unnecessary arguments, especially in the Body of Christ.

[haar]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3)

Q. What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do?

A. To come and join him route the fleeing Midianites soldiers at strategic points of the Jordan river.

Q. Why are they so angry?

A. Because Gideon did not involve them at the initial stages of the war.

Q. What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance? 
 

A. Wisdom and humility is the answer and way to peace

[Jesus Follower]

On 1/31/2003 at 10:07 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance?

Seize the fords of the Jordan River to attack the fleeing Midianites.

They wanted to participate in the whole battle, not just the final operation. I suspect to share in the spoils and glory.

He complimented their success, and that it was great er than his and his tribe's.

He didn't let their arrogant and sinful response determine his response.

[Jonathan Edwards]

They were mad due to the fact that Gideon had not invited the Ephramites to join the war earlier. Gideon knew he had to secure the Jordan so as to stop the escape of the Midianites.   Gideon in haste sent messengers to Ephraim to get I volved in the battle

Gideon was very wise dealing with tribe of Ephraim.  A soft answer turned away wrath.  Gideon knew that the Ephraim tribe had a haughty character and that they were not on top of the totem pole.   Gentleness was the way to go.  Or else more strife would have been engendered.    The unhospitable princes and elders of Succoth and Penuel are punished; the common people, who were helpless, were spared.

[Krissi]

Your map was helpful. The three tribes from whose help he originally asked were to the north; Ephraim was to his south. It seems as if the battles were fought on his own territory, or that a bit north, not to the south.

Just thinking about this strategically, it makes sense that he didn't use the Ephraimites (sp?) until he needed them. Until the enemy escaped to the South through his own territory into that of the Ephraimites, he didn't need their help. Better to keep your allies rested and ready, no?

Besides that, the Ephraimites would have had to trod through his own territory, potentially hurting his own tribe. To wait until the enemy was at Ephraim meant that the Ephraimites were fighting on or nearby their own territory, which would have been familiar and a much easier battle with a more likely victory.

It could be that the Ephraimites were miffed, not because they weren't called earlier, but because their northerly neighbour just had a major victory. Gideon's reputation was enhanced. His "stock had risen. And there they had been, sitting it out, not sharing in the victory, out of the limelight. If this is the case, it makes sense that they were easily mollified with some ego-gratifying compliments. 

Gideon was wise to build the Ephraimites up in their own eyes. Strategically, he defused a potentially disruptive situation. Spiritually, it's always good to build up those who criticize you, even when they're wrong, but particularly when they're right.

 

[Irmela]

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3)

What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do?

To stop the enemy from crossing the intervening fords and also the Jordan.  In this way stopping their escape routes.  Basically finishing off the enemy that had escaped the original battlefield and who were trying to escape and possibly join up again with others and continue to destroy their crops etc. and impoverishing the land. 

Why are they so angry?

The Ephraimites are angry that they seem to have been overlooked and had not been called to join in in the main battle.  

What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance? 

Gideon remained humble in his answer.   He did not blow his own proverbial trumpet but instead pointed out the fact that they had "caught the bigger fish", so to say.  

Humility of conduct is the  .   .   .   surest method of ending strife  

[ShariRose]

Gideon asks the Ephraimites to "mop up" after them.  The Ephraimites were angry to not be part of the original skirmish. Gideon complemented them saying their part in the war was more important than Gideon's tribe.  
Gideon exhibits humility and tact throughout his dealings with the Midianites (the war). He could have called them out, telling them or God's preference for him.  He didn't bother.  He exercised restraint.