21. “What's the matter, Gideon?” Zebah and Zalmunna asked. “Do it yourself, if you're not too much of a coward!”Gideon jumped up and killed them both. Then he took the fine gold ornaments from the necks of their camels.
22. After the battle with the Midianites, the Israelites said, “Gideon, you rescued us! Now we want you to be our king. Then after your death, your son and then your grandson will rule.”
23. “No,” Gideon replied, “I won't be your king, and my son won't be king either. Only the Lord is your ruler.
24. But I will ask you to do one thing: give me all the earrings you took from the enemy.”The enemy soldiers had been Ishmaelites, and they wore gold earrings.