And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? (Judges 8:2)
Gideon did not even mention himself, but modestly referred to the 300 men of the family of Abi-ezer who were with him. By his classic figure Gideon implied that Ephraim, by a subsequent and secondary effort, had achieved more than he and his group. However, there was no lack of truth in his remark, for Ephraim had wrought a significant victory (see Isa. 10:26), even though the account of their battle is extremely brief.
Gideon’s qualities of leadership and self-control enabled him to deal effectively with the envious Ephraimites. His courtesy and diplomacy enabled him to appease their wrath and extricate himself from a difficult situation.