Judg 7:24-25 | NETfull | STEP | 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.

Judges 7:24-25

Gideon Appeases the Ephraimites

24 Now Gideon sent messengers throughout the Ephraimite hill country who announced, “Go down and head off the Midianites. ^{▼▼Heb “to meet Midian.”} Take control of the fords of the streams ^{▼▼Heb “capture before them the waters.”} all the way to Beth Barah and the Jordan River.” ^{▼▼ The word “River” is not in the Hebrew text, but is supplied in the translation for clarification (also later in this verse).} When all the Ephraimites had assembled, ^{▼▼Heb “And all the men of Ephraim were summoned.”} they took control of the fords ^{▼▼Heb “they captured the waters.”} all the way to Beth Barah and the Jordan River. 25 They captured the two Midianite generals, Oreb and Zeeb. ^{▼▼ The names Oreb and Zeeb, which mean “Raven” and “Wolf” respectively, are appropriate because the Midianites had been like scavengers and predators to Israel.} They executed Oreb on the rock of Oreb and Zeeb ^{▼▼ The Hebrew text repeats the verb “executed.” This has not been repeated in the translation for stylistic reasons.} in the winepress of Zeeb. They chased the Midianites ^{▼▼Heb “Midian.”} and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was now on the other side of the Jordan River. ^{▼▼Heb “beyond the Jordan.” The word “River” is not in the Hebrew text but has been supplied in the translation for clarity (also in 8:4).}