This, however, makes no difference as
to the particulars with regard to which the two narratives conflict
with each other.
But how did the difference arise? This we shall best learn by
comparing the beginnings of the two stories. We remarked that the
second, as it stands, wanted a beginning, but what is wanting may
be to some extent supplied from what follows. According to viii.
4 seq., Gideon's aim is to get hold of the two kings of the
Midianites: these appear all through as the particular enemies
whom he is pursuing: as to the rest of the Midianites he is more
or less indifferent. And the reason, as we learn from viii. 18
seq., is that the two kings had slain his brothers at Tabor; it
is to take vengeance for them that he sets out to pursue the
slayers, and does not rest till they are in his hand. It is the
duty of blood-revenge which causes him to take the war-path with
his household, unconcerned by the disproportion in numbers
between his followers and theirs: it is the powerful sentiment of
family which sets him in motion and causes him to become, as it
were incidentally, the liberator of Israel from the spoilers.
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