KJV ORIGINAL
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Gideon said to them, 'I will not be your ruler, and my son will not rule over you either. The LORD will be your ruler.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Gideon is refusing to become king over Israel, declaring that God alone should rule over His people.
📚 Historical Context
After Gideon's miraculous victory over the Midianites with just 300 men, the Israelites were so impressed they wanted to make him their king and establish a dynasty with his family. This was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as they had been a theocracy (ruled by God through judges) rather than a monarchy like surrounding nations. Gideon's response shows his understanding that God, not human kings, should be Israel's ultimate authority.
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