Gideon

“So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15)

Date

Between 1300 BC and 1100 BC

Bible Reference

Judges 6:11 – 8:35

Summary

Gideon (Jerubbaal) was a farmer who was summoned by an angel to save the Israelites from the invading Midianites. Gideon pointed out that he was the least of his clan, and his clan was the weakest in the land of Manasseh.

The angel commanded Gideon to destroy an altar to Baal. So, Gideon took ten of his servants and destroyed the altar that night. The next day the people tried to kill Gideon. Gideon’s father said if Baal was god, he could defend himself. So, Gideon was renamed “Jerubbaal,” which means “Let Baal contend against him.” Then God called Gideon to gather an army to attack the large Midianite army.

Gideon sought reassurance by asking for dew to appear on a fleece, but not on the floor, for one night and then dew on the floor, but not on the fleece, the next night. God gave Gideon this sign to reassure him of success. When the troops arrived, God narrowed them down from 32,000 to 300 men. Gideon and these 300 men defeated the Midianites armed only with jars and torches.

The people tried to make him king, but Gideon refused. At the end of his life, Gideon disobeyed God by building an idol. (Judges 6-8)

Character

• Doubtful and reluctant. (Judges 6:13-17, 27, 36-40; 7:9-15)

• Mighty and brave. (Judges 6:12; 7:16-8:21)

• Humble. (Judges 8:22, 23)

• Irresponsible. (Judges 8:24-27)

• Faithful. (Hebrews 11:32)

Symbolism

• Gideon’s purpose was to save Israel from the invading Midianites. When sked to be king, Gideon refused and told them the LORD will rule over them. (Judges 8:23)

• Jesus refused earthly kingship and reminded people His kingdom was not of this earth. (John 6:15; 18:36)

Challenges

• Trusting God without fear of death and without demanding a sign. (Judges 6:25-40; 7:10-15)

• Taking on the enormous army of the Midianites with only 300 men. (Judges 7:1-22)

• Standing firm and resisting the temptation to become king of Israel. (Judges 8:22, 23)

• Acting responsibly as a leader and judge of Israel. (Judges 8:24-27)

Lessons

• God can do great things with a willing person, even if that person doubts an is afraid. (Judges 6:12-7:22)

• It is not by the strength of men that God accomplishes His purpose, but by the power of the Spirit. (Judges 7:2-7)

• Leaders are responsible for the spiritual welfare of their people. (Judges 8:24-27)