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24. Gideon sent messengers. To the south of the scene of battle dwelt the tribe of Manasseh and the populous tribe of Ephraim. The latter had not been called by Gideon when he mustered the Hebrews. When the Midianite hosts began their flight, Gideon sent speedy messengers to the territory of Ephraim, urging the people there to go quickly toward the Jordan River and to get command of the fords toward which the Midianites were headed. The Ephraimites responded promptly, blocking the escape over the southern fords. The river at the time was probably high, forcing the enemy to use a certain ford.

Beth-barah. The site of this place is unknown, but it must have been some distance down the river near Ephraimite territory for Gideon to have asked the Ephraimites to cover that route of escape. Further evidence that the Midianites turned down-river before trying to cross is shown by the fact that Gideon’s pursuit of the enemy across the river took him to Succoth, a town near the Jabbok (ch. 8:5).