Judges 8:24 — Meaning and Application

Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian.

And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.

And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they {were} Ishmaelites.)

And they answered, We will willingly give {them}. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.

And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred {shekels} of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that {was} on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that {were} about their camels' necks. {collars: or, sweet jewels}