Jether יֶ֫תֶר
Gideon's firstborn son who refused to kill captives.
Who is Jether in the Bible?
Jether was the firstborn son of Gideon, the judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory against the Midianites (Judges 8:20). After Gideon defeated the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna in battle, he commanded his young son to execute them as was customary in ancient warfare. However, Jether was too young and afraid to carry out the task, so Gideon himself killed the captive kings instead. This moment reveals Jether's inexperience and youthful timidity, contrasting sharply with his father's warrior strength and decisive leadership during Israel's deliverance from Midianite oppression.
Biography
Jether was the firstborn son of Gideon, the judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from Midianite oppression. After Gideon defeated the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna, he commanded Jether to kill them. However, Jether was still a youth and was afraid to carry out the execution. As a result, Gideon himself killed the Midianite kings. This incident highlights Jether's youth and inexperience, as well as Gideon's role as a strong leader and warrior.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookJudges 1 verse
- Judges 8:20
"So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יֶ֫תֶר |