After thisThis phrase indicates a continuation of events following a significant occurrence. In the context of
Judges 8, it follows Gideon's pursuit and defeat of the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. This marks a transition from the battle to the aftermath, highlighting Gideon's leadership and the completion of his military campaign.
Gideon son of Joash
Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a central figure in the Book of Judges. He is called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. His lineage as the son of Joash places him within the tribe of Manasseh, one of the lesser tribes, emphasizing God's use of unlikely individuals for His purposes. Gideon's story is a testament to faith and obedience, despite initial hesitations and doubts.
returned from the battle
This indicates the conclusion of a military engagement. Gideon's return signifies victory and the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver Israel from its enemies. The battle against the Midianites was not just a physical confrontation but also a spiritual one, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.
along the Ascent of Heres
The Ascent of Heres is a geographical location, though its exact identification remains uncertain. It suggests a route or path taken by Gideon during his return. The term "Heres" can mean "sun" or "sunrise," possibly indicating a direction or a place associated with light. This ascent may symbolize the rising of Israel's fortunes under Gideon's leadership, as well as the light of God's deliverance shining upon His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
GideonA judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his faith and obedience, yet also for his human flaws and struggles.
2.
JoashGideon's father, who initially opposed Gideon's actions against the altar of Baal but later supported him.
3.
The BattleRefers to Gideon's pursuit and defeat of the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna, showcasing God's deliverance through Gideon's leadership.
4.
The Ascent of HeresA geographical location mentioned as the route Gideon took upon returning from battle. The name "Heres" can be translated from Hebrew as "sun" or "east," possibly indicating a direction or a specific landmark.
Teaching Points
God's Guidance in LeadershipGideon's journey illustrates the importance of seeking and following God's direction in leadership roles. Leaders should rely on divine wisdom rather than personal strength.
Faith and ObedienceGideon's account is a testament to the power of faith and obedience. Even when the odds seem insurmountable, trusting in God's plan leads to victory.
Human Flaws and Divine PurposeDespite Gideon's imperfections, God used him to fulfill His purposes. This encourages believers that God can work through their weaknesses.
The Importance of Returning to GodGideon's return from battle symbolizes a return to God after achieving success. Believers should remember to give glory to God and seek His presence after victories.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 8:13?
2.How does Gideon's return in Judges 8:13 demonstrate God's faithfulness in victory?
3.What can we learn from Gideon's actions about leadership and humility?
4.How does Gideon's journey back relate to God's promises in Deuteronomy 31:6?
5.How can we apply Gideon's perseverance to our spiritual battles today?
6.What does Gideon's experience teach about trusting God's timing and direction?
7.What is the significance of Gideon's return from battle in Judges 8:13?
8.How does Judges 8:13 reflect God's role in Gideon's victory?
9.What does Judges 8:13 reveal about Gideon's leadership qualities?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 8?
11.What happened to Zebah and Zalmunna in the Bible?
12.Judges 6:14-15: If Gideon was the least in his family, do other biblical records or genealogical data contradict or confirm his lowly status?
13.Judges 8:20: Why would Gideon command his young son to kill captives, and is there any historical precedent for such practices?
14.Judges 6:13: Why would Gideon still question God's presence and past miracles if they were well-known and documented among the Israelites?What Does Judges 8:13 Mean
After this• The phrase grounds the verse in the immediate aftermath of Gideon’s pursuit of the Midianite kings (Judges 8:10–12).
• It signals a clear sequence: God first grants the miraculous victory with three hundred men (Judges 7:19–22), Gideon then completes the chase, and only “after this” does he pause.
• The timing underscores divine faithfulness—God’s promise of deliverance (Judges 7:7) is fulfilled before Gideon turns back, echoing other “afterward” moments where the Lord’s work precedes rest (Joshua 21:43–45;2 Samuel 7:11).
Gideon son of Joash• Re-naming the judge reminds readers of the transformation from fearful farmer (Judges 6:11) to God-empowered leader (Hebrews 11:32).
• Mentioning his father Joash ties the victory to a family once steeped in Baal worship (Judges 6:25–32), highlighting how wholehearted obedience can reverse spiritual compromise.
• The verse thus testifies to God’s ability to raise deliverers from unlikely places, just as He later does with David, the shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:11–13).
returned from the battle• Gideon does not retreat; he returns because the conflict is decisively won—an echo of Israelite warriors who came home only when God’s assignment was complete (2 Chronicles 20:27;Deuteronomy 20:4).
• His return sets the stage for accountability with fellow Israelites, first rewarding faithful allies (Judges 8:16–17) and then refusing kingship (Judges 8:23), illustrating that victory must be followed by godly stewardship.
• Spiritually, the movement from battle to return previews the pattern of Christ, who after triumphing at the cross “sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
along the Ascent of Heres• “Ascent” points to elevated ground—likely a sun-lit slope (“Heres” means “sun”) in the hill country of Ephraim. Gideon is traveling upward, not downward, reflecting the uplift that comes after obedience (Psalm 18:33;Isaiah 40:31).
• The route may have been strategic, avoiding Midianite stragglers and enabling a swift approach to Succoth and Penuel for follow-up justice (Judges 8:5–9).
• Symbolically, the climb mirrors the believer’s journey: once God grants victory, we keep ascending toward greater faithfulness (Philippians 3:14), never settling in the valley of past battles.
summaryJudges 8:13 captures a quiet but powerful moment: after God’s promised victory, Gideon—now confidently identified as “son of Joash”—heads home by an upward path. The verse marks closure to combat and transition to accountability, reminding us that every God-given triumph should propel us higher in obedience, humility, and stewardship of His glory.
(13)
Before the sun was up.--If the rendering were certain, it would prove that he had made a night attack on Karkor; but it seems more probable that the words should be rendered "from the ascent of Heres," or "of Hechares," as in the LXX., Peshito, and Arabic. If so, it implies that he came round by some other road to attack Succoth. The word for "going up" is
maaleh,as in
Maaleh Ahrabbim,"the ascent of scorpions" (see Note on
Judges 1:36), which is also applied to sunrise. (
Genesis 19:15.) It cannot possibly mean "before
sunset" (
ehe die Sonne heraufgekommen war)
,as Luther renders it, following the Chaldee and various Rabbis. The ordinary word for "sun" is
shemesh,not
cheres;but the latter word occurs in various names (see on
Judges 1:35;
Judges 2:9), which makes it perhaps more probable that this also is the name of some place. It might, indeed, be prudent for Gideon to desist from further pursuit when the dawn revealed the paucity and exhaustion of his followers; and in poetic style (
Job 9:7)
cheresmay mean "sun," so that here the phrase
mightbe an archaism, as
cheresahis in
Judges 14:18; but the preposition used
(min) cannot mean "before." Aquila renders it "from the ascent
of the groves"and Symmachus "of the
mountains;"but this is only due to a defective reading. . . .
Verse 13. -
Before the sun was up. There is a wonderful diversity in the renderings of this verse. Some of the old versions and Jewish Rabbis interpret it
before sunset. Many of the best Jewish commentators, however, understand the phrase as the A.V. does - "Before the going up of the sun,"
i.e. before sunrise; supposing Gideon's attack on the Midianitish camp to have been a night attack, and Succoth to have been so near to Karkor that he was able to reach it by sunrise. But others say that the word here rendered
sun (
heres) is only used in poetry, and that the word rendered up is never used of sunrise, but, as, in the phrase "the going up of Akrabbim" (
Judges 1:36), of an ascent up a hill. They therefore take
heres as a proper name, and translate "from the going up of Hems." Others again, by an almost imperceptible change in the last letter, read "the mountains" instead of
Heres. But the A.V. may be well defended, and gives an excellent sense. In
Judges 14:18 the same word for the sun is used in the very similar phrase, "before the sun went down." In
Genesis 19:15 the phrase, "the morning arose," has the verb from which the word here rendered
up is derived; and a note of time here exactly suits the context. It marks the celerity of Gideon's move. ments that he was actually on his way back to Succoth at sunrise, after having routed the Midianites and taken their two kings prisoners.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
After this, Gideonגִּדְע֥וֹן(giḏ·‘ō·wn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1439:Gideon -- a judge of Israelsonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Joashיוֹאָ֖שׁ(yō·w·’āš)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3101:Joashreturnedוַיָּ֛שָׁב(way·yā·šāḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againfromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofthe battleהַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה(ham·mil·ḥā·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, waralong the Ascent ofמִֽלְמַעֲלֵ֖ה(mil·ma·‘ă·lêh)Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4608:An elevation, acclivity, platform, a rise, priorityHeres.הֶחָֽרֶס׃(he·ḥā·res)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2775:The itch, the sun
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OT History: Judges 8:13 Gideon the son of Joash returned (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
