This brief comment is a pivot verse between two major sections. The long noun phrase, Jerubbaal the son of Joash, could indicate that this verse is a conclusion to the Gideon story. At the same time it serves as an explanation of Gideon’s family situation, leading up to the presentation of the next important character in the book, Gideon’s son Abimelech (verse 8.31). Since a new unit begins at 8.30, it is better to consider this brief verse as the formal end of the Gideon story. It can be placed directly after 8.28, or it can be considered on its own as a simple concluding paragraph. This conclusion of the Gideon story is unusual, since verse 8.32 seems to provide yet another one. However, the account of Gideon’s death and burial in 8.32 is embedded in the beginning of the story of Abimelech, much like Joshua’s death provides background for the beginning of this book (verse 1.1).
Revised Standard Version does not translate the Hebrew waw conjunction at the beginning of this verse. Gideon’s return home certainly took place during the time of peace (verse 8.28). However, an appropriate connector might be “So” (New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).
Jerubbaal the son of Joash: This mention of Gideon’s new name, Jerubbaal (meaning “let Baal defend himself”), links this verse back to an earlier part of the story (verse 6.32). Its appearance here is very ironic, since Gideon has gone from destroying the worship of Baal to the installation of another system of worship that does not honor Yahweh. Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version use the name “Gideon” instead of Jerubbaal, but this name is here for a reason, and so if possible, it should be kept. If readers are confused, both names can be used by saying “Jerubbaal—that is, Gideon—the son of Joash.”
Went and dwelt in his own house: Up to this point Gideon has traveled far and wide. He and his men have pursued and defeated the Midianite army. He has killed the two remaining Midianite kings and has finally gained peace for Israel. The verb went may be understood as Gideon’s definitive return to civilian life. Went and dwelt in his own house is a literal rendering of the Hebrew, which may be translated “returned home for good.”
Translation models for this verse are:
• So Jerubbaal, that is Gideon, son of Joash, went back home to live.
• So Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, son of Joash, finally returned home.
Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .