Gideon and His Victory

I. Summary of Judges 6:1-10

In Judges 6:1-10, Israel finds itself under severe oppression from the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. For seven years, the Israelites are subjected to raids and invasions by the Midianites, who, along with the Amalekites and other eastern tribes, devastate the land. The Midianites would come in large numbers, overwhelming Israel by destroying crops and livestock, reducing the Israelites to hiding in caves and strongholds. This constant pressure leads Israel to cry out to the Lord for help.

In response, God sends a prophet to explain the reason for their suffering. The prophet reminds Israel of how God had delivered them from Egypt and given them the land of Canaan, but they had not obeyed His commands. Instead of worshiping and following God, they turned to the gods of the Amorites, leading to their current distress.

Two Main Reasons for Israel's Oppression

1. Disobedience to God's Command (Judges 6:1)

• Reason: Israel's fundamental issue was their disobedience to God. Despite the many times God had delivered them from oppression in the past, the Israelites repeatedly fell into the pattern of abandoning God's covenant and turning to the worship of foreign gods, including the Baals and the gods of the Amorites.
• Consequence: As a result of their idolatry and rebellion, God allowed them to be oppressed by the Midianites as a form of judgment. This reflects the cycle seen throughout the book of Judges: Israel sins, faces consequences through oppression, cries out to God, and then experiences deliverance.

2. Idolatry and Assimilation with Canaanite Practices (Judges 6:10)

• Reason: The Israelites failed to heed God's warnings to avoid adopting the practices and gods of the surrounding nations. Despite God's command to worship Him alone, they assimilated with the Canaanites and adopted their religious practices, which involved idol worship and turning away from the Lord.
• Consequence: Their turning to the gods of the Amorites, whom God had driven out before them, led to the withdrawal of God's protection and the subsequent domination of the Midianites. The prophet sent by God in Judges 6:8-10 specifically rebukes Israel for not listening to God's command and choosing instead to follow foreign gods.

Conclusion

Israel's oppression under the Midianites was a direct consequence of their disobedience and idolatry. By failing to remain faithful to the covenant and turning to the gods of the nations around them, they experienced the loss of God's protection, leading to their suffering. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of abandoning God's commands.

II. Orderly Summary of Judges 6:11-27

1. The Angel of the Lord Appears to Gideon (Judges 6:11-12)

Event: The Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon while he is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel addresses Gideon as a "mighty warrior" and tells him that the Lord is with him.

Observation: Gideon's location and activity reflect Israel's fear and desperation under Midianite oppression. Threshing wheat in a winepress, a location typically used for pressing grapes, was an effort to hide from the Midianite raiders. Despite Gideon's apparent fearfulness, God sees potential in him, addressing him as a "mighty warrior" (indicating what Gideon would become under God's empowerment).

2. Gideon's Question and Doubt (Judges 6:13)

Event: Gideon responds to the Angel of the Lord with doubt, questioning why Israel is suffering if the Lord is truly with them. He recalls the stories of God's past deliverance (like the Exodus from Egypt) but laments that the Lord seems to have abandoned them.

Observation: Gideon's response shows the depth of Israel's despair and his own skepticism about God's presence. While Gideon acknowledges God's past works, his current circumstances lead him to doubt God's care. This highlights the theme of faith and trust in God's timing and plans.

3. God's Commission to Gideon (Judges 6:14-16)

Event: The Lord turns to Gideon and commands him to "Go in the strength you have" and save Israel from the Midianites. Gideon expresses doubt, citing his own weakness and his low status as a member of the weakest clan in Manasseh and the least in his family. God reassures him with the promise, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive."

Observation: God calls Gideon despite his feelings of inadequacy, reminding him that success will come not from his own strength but from God's presence. This mirrors the biblical theme that God often uses seemingly weak or unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that the source of strength is God, not human capability.

4. Gideon Seeks a Sign (Judges 6:17-21)

Event: Gideon, still unsure, asks for a sign to confirm that the Angel of the Lord is truly speaking with him. He prepares a meal (a young goat, unleavened bread, and broth) and brings it as an offering. The Angel instructs him to place the food on a rock. The Angel then touches the offering with the tip of his staff, and fire consumes it, followed by the Angel disappearing.

Observation: Gideon's request for a sign shows his cautious faith and need for assurance. The miraculous consumption of the offering by fire serves as divine confirmation of God's call and presence. This event highlights Gideon's growing, but still tentative, faith and God's willingness to provide reassurance.

5. Gideon Realizes He Has Seen the Lord (Judges 6:22-24)

Event: Gideon realizes that he has seen the Angel of the Lord face to face and fears for his life, believing that seeing God will result in death. However, the Lord reassures him, saying, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die." In response, Gideon builds an altar to the Lord and names it The Lord is Peace (Yahweh Shalom).

Observation: Gideon's fear of seeing God reflects a common biblical theme that encountering the divine could result in death (Exodus 33:20). God's assurance of peace transforms Gideon's fear into worship, leading him to establish an altar to memorialize the encounter and God's promise of peace. The naming of the altar emphasizes God's peaceful nature in the midst of Israel's turmoil.

6. Gideon's Act of Obedience: Destroying the Altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-27)

Event: That night, God commands Gideon to destroy his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Gideon is to build an altar to the Lord in its place and sacrifice one of his father's bulls on it, using the wood from the Asherah pole for the fire. Gideon obeys, but because he is afraid of his family and the townspeople, he performs the act at night.

Observation: This is Gideon's first act of obedience, but it is done cautiously and in secret. It reflects his continued struggle with fear, yet also his willingness to follow God's commands despite the potential backlash from his family and community. Destroying the altar of Baal was a bold rejection of the idolatry that had plagued Israel, indicating the beginning of spiritual restoration through Gideon's leadership.

Key Observations Particular to This Passage

1. God's Selection of the Unlikely

God often chooses individuals who seem weak or unqualified by worldly standards to carry out His purposes. Gideon's low status and feelings of inadequacy do not disqualify him from being God's chosen leader. This theme is prevalent throughout the Bible and shows that it is God's presence that empowers His people for great tasks, not their own strength.

2. The Need for Reassurance and Growth in Faith

Gideon's request for a sign and his fear throughout this passage reflect his human weakness and doubt. However, God is patient with Gideon, giving him the signs and assurances he needed to build his faith. Gideon's gradual growth in faith mirrors the journey many believers experience, where trust in God deepens through successive acts of obedience.

3. The Importance of Private Acts of Obedience Before Public Leadership

Before Gideon can lead Israel into battle against the Midianites, he must first demonstrate his faithfulness in private by tearing down his father's altar to Baal. This act signifies the spiritual preparation that often precedes public ministry or leadership. Gideon's first test is to confront idolatry in his own family and community, laying the groundwork for larger victories.

III. The reaction to Gideon's destruction of the altar to Baal – Judges 6:28-35

1. The Townspeople's Response to Gideon's Actions (Judges 6:28-30)

Discovery of the Destroyed Altar

The next morning, the townspeople discover that the altar of Baal has been torn down, the Asherah pole cut down, and a bull sacrificed on an altar to the Lord. They are outraged and immediately seek to find out who has done this.

Demand for Gideon's Death

After investigating, they discover that Gideon is responsible for the destruction of the altar. The townspeople demand that Gideon be brought out to be killed for desecrating the altar of Baal and defying the worship of their local deity.

2. Joash's (Gideon's Father) Defense of Gideon (Judges 6:31-32)

Joash's Response

Surprisingly, Gideon's father, Joash, defends him. He challenges the people's faith in Baal by asking, "Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him?" Joash argues that if Baal is truly a god, he should be able to defend himself and take revenge on the one who destroyed his altar.

Nickname for Gideon

Because of Joash's defense, Gideon is given the nickname Jerubbaal, which means "Let Baal contend against him," implying that Baal should take action if he is a true god. This shows Joash's shift from allegiance to Baal to supporting his son's actions.

3. The Midianites and Allies Prepare for Battle (Judges 6:33-35)

Enemy Forces Gather

In response to Gideon's growing influence, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples unite and cross the Jordan River, encamping in the Valley of Jezreel, ready to attack Israel.

Gideon's Response

Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Gideon blows the trumpet and summons the Abiezrites (his clan) to follow him. He also sends messengers to the tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, calling them to join the fight against the Midianites.

Key Observations

Joash's Shift in Loyalty

Joash's defense of Gideon marks a significant turning point. Despite being the owner of the altar, he questions the power of Baal and sides with his son. This shift reflects a broader movement away from Baal worship, catalyzed by Gideon's bold actions.

God's Empowerment of Gideon

The passage also emphasizes the empowerment of Gideon by the Spirit of the Lord. Despite the initial opposition from his community, Gideon gains support as he prepares to lead Israel in battle against the Midianites, demonstrating God's favor and the beginning of Gideon's rise as a leader.

IV. Gideon Asks for Signs – Judges 6:36-40

After being called by God to lead Israel against the Midianites, Gideon still seeks reassurance from God that He will indeed deliver Israel through him. In Judges 6:36-40, Gideon asks for two signs using a fleece of wool to confirm God's promise.

1. First Sign – Dew on the Fleece (Judges 6:36-38)

Gideon's Request

Gideon asks God to prove His promise by performing a miracle with a fleece. He requests that the fleece be wet with dew in the morning, while the ground around it remains dry.

God's Response

God grants Gideon's request. When Gideon wakes up the next morning, he finds that the fleece is soaked with dew, while the ground is dry. He wrings out enough water from the fleece to fill a bowl.

2. Second Sign – Dew on the Ground (Judges 6:39-40)

Gideon's Second Request

Despite the first sign, Gideon asks for another test, reversing the conditions. This time, he asks for the fleece to remain dry while the ground around it is wet with dew.

God's Response

Again, God grants the request. The next morning, the ground is covered with dew, but the fleece is completely dry.

Key Observations

Gideon's Hesitation

Gideon's repeated request for signs shows his continued hesitancy and need for reassurance, despite already being called by God and empowered by the Spirit (Judges 6:34). This reflects both his human weakness and desire to be absolutely certain of God's will.

God's Patience

Even though Gideon's repeated testing could be seen as a lack of faith, God is patient with him. By granting both signs, God reassures Gideon and demonstrates His willingness to work through Gideon's doubts to confirm His divine plan.

This episode highlights Gideon's cautious faith and God's gracious confirmation of His promises, as Gideon prepares to take on the immense task of delivering Israel from the Midianites.

V. Summary of Judges 7:1-25

1. Gideon's Army is Reduced (Judges 7:1-8)

Gideon's army, initially 32,000 strong, is reduced by God in two phases. First, those who are afraid are allowed to leave, reducing the army to 10,000. Then, God instructs Gideon to conduct a water-drinking test, further reducing the army to 300 men. The purpose is to ensure that Israel doesn't take credit for the victory but attributes it solely to God.

2. Assurance through a Dream (Judges 7:9-15)

At night, God tells Gideon to go to the Midianite camp for reassurance. Gideon overhears a Midianite soldier recounting a dream where a barley loaf tumbles into the Midianite camp, overturning a tent. The dream is interpreted by another soldier to mean that Gideon will defeat the Midianites. Encouraged by this, Gideon worships God and prepares for battle.

3. The Battle Strategy and Victory (Judges 7:16-25)

Gideon divides his 300 men into three companies, equipping each with a trumpet, an empty jar, and a torch. They surround the Midianite camp at night. Following Gideon's lead, they blow their trumpets, break their jars, and shout, "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!" This creates confusion in the Midianite camp, causing them to turn on each other in panic. The Midianites flee, and the Israelites pursue, eventually capturing two Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb, and securing a decisive victory.

Observation of the Significance:

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance: This passage highlights how God orchestrates victory through improbable means. By reducing the army to just 300 men and using unconventional weapons (trumpets and jars), God ensures that Israel understands their victory is not by their own strength but by His power. It illustrates God's ability to deliver His people in ways that defy human expectations.

VI. The Unusual Account of Gideon's Conflict with Ephraim and Zebah and Zalmunna – Judges 8:1-21

1. Conflict with the Tribe of Ephraim (Judges 8:1-3)

Ephraim's Complaint

After the victory over the Midianites, the tribe of Ephraim confronts Gideon angrily. They are upset because they were not called earlier to join the fight against Midian, feeling left out of the glory of the battle. Ephraimites had a prominent position in Israel and likely felt insulted for not being initially involved.

Gideon's Diplomatic Response

Instead of confronting their anger directly, Gideon uses diplomacy. He praises the Ephraimites for their role in capturing two Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb, highlighting that their contribution was significant. He compares their victory to his, downplaying his own role in the battle. This flattery and diplomacy cool Ephraim's anger, and the potential conflict is averted.

Observation

This episode highlights Gideon's wisdom and leadership in managing potential internal conflicts within Israel. Despite the military victory over Midian, disunity among the tribes could have threatened the stability of Israel.

2. Gideon's Pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:4-12)

Gideon's Request for Aid

Gideon and his 300 men continue pursuing the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, who are fleeing with the remnants of their army. They reach the towns of Succoth and Penuel, both located east of the Jordan River. Gideon asks the leaders of these towns for food and supplies to sustain his men, but both refuse, fearing retaliation from Zebah and Zalmunna should Gideon fail to capture them.

Gideon's Vow

Offended by their refusal to help, Gideon vows to return and punish both towns once he captures the Midianite kings.

Capture of Zebah and Zalmunna

Gideon continues his pursuit, and with God's help, he captures the two Midianite kings, defeating the remaining Midianite forces.

Observation

The refusal of Succoth and Penuel to aid Gideon reflects the fracturing of loyalty and the fear of retribution from powerful enemies. This shows the lack of unity and trust in God's deliverance within Israel, as even Israelites hesitated to support their own leader.

3. Retribution against Succoth, Penuel, and the Death of Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:13-21)

Punishment of Succoth and Penuel

Upon returning victorious, Gideon confronts the elders of Succoth and Penuel. He captures the elders of Succoth and punishes them by whipping them with thorns and briers as he had promised. He then destroys the tower of Penuel and kills the men of the city as retribution for their refusal to support him.

Execution of Zebah and Zalmunna

Gideon questions Zebah and Zalmunna about the killing of his brothers at Tabor. The Midianite kings confirm that they were responsible for the deaths, describing Gideon's brothers as resembling Gideon himself—royal and dignified. Gideon, seeking personal justice for the murder of his family, orders his young son, Jether, to execute the kings. However, Jether hesitates due to fear, so Gideon himself kills Zebah and Zalmunna.

Observation

This episode reveals a more personal, almost vengeful side of Gideon. His actions go beyond the military mission of delivering Israel from Midianite oppression. By punishing the towns of Succoth and Penuel and avenging his brothers' deaths, Gideon acts out of personal retribution, which introduces a more complex and human side to his character not in submission to God's will.

Significance and Themes

These issues foreshadow the increasing moral and social fragmentation in Israel during the time of the Judges.

VII. The Conclusion of Gideon's Account – Judges 8:22-35

1. Israel's Offer of Kingship to Gideon (Judges 8:22-23)

The Offer

After Gideon's victory over the Midianites, the Israelites ask him to become their king and establish a dynasty, requesting that he, his son, and his grandson rule over them.

Gideon's Refusal

Gideon refuses the offer of kingship, stating that "The Lord will rule over you." This response reflects the biblical principle that God is Israel's true ruler and that human kingship is not God's design for Israel at this time.

2. Gideon's Request for Gold and the Creation of the Ephod (Judges 8:24-27)

The Ephod

Although Gideon refuses kingship, he asks the Israelites for gold from the spoils of war. With this gold, he creates an ephod (a priestly garment or object). This ephod becomes a stumbling block for Israel, as it is worshiped and leads them into idolatry.

Significance

Despite his initial rejection of kingship, Gideon inadvertently creates an object of idolatry, undermining his earlier devotion to God. The ephod becomes a symbol of Israel's spiritual downfall, as it diverts the people's worship away from God.

3. Gideon's Legacy and Death (Judges 8:28-32)

Peace During Gideon's Lifetime

Israel experiences peace for forty years during Gideon's lifetime, marking a period of stability and rest from their enemies.

Gideon's Family

Gideon has many wives and seventy sons. He also has a son named Abimelech by a concubine from Shechem.

Gideon's Death

After a long life, Gideon dies and is buried in Ophrah, the town of his family.

4. Israel's Apostasy After Gideon's Death (Judges 8:33-35)

Return to Baal Worship

After Gideon's death, the Israelites quickly turn away from God and begin worshiping Baal-berith. They forget the Lord's deliverance and fail to show loyalty or gratitude to Gideon's family.

Israel's Unfaithfulness

This marks a return to the cycle of apostasy and idolatry, highlighting the instability and spiritual decline of Israel, even after periods of deliverance.

Lessons

1. Negative Lesson:
The Dangers of Spiritual Drift and Idolatry

Gideon's story illustrates how even well-meaning leadership can inadvertently lead people astray. After Gideon's victory over the Midianites, he created an ephod that became an object of idolatry for Israel (Judges 8:27). Despite his initial rejection of kingship, Gideon's actions led to spiritual confusion and disobedience. The Israelites quickly returned to worshiping false gods after his death, showing how easily people can drift away from God when they lose focus on true worship.

Modern Application: Today, we must be vigilant about avoiding "modern-day idols"—anything that takes the place of God in our hearts, whether material wealth, power, status, or personal achievements. Even good things, like traditions or leadership structures, can become harmful when they distract us from worshiping God wholeheartedly

2. Positive Lesson:
God Uses the Weak and Unlikely for His Purposes

Gideon's initial response to God's call was one of fear and self-doubt, yet God chose him to deliver Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6:15-16). Despite his feelings of inadequacy, God assured Gideon that His presence would be enough. The victory of Gideon's small army of 300 men over a much larger Midianite force (Judges 7) demonstrates that God works powerfully through those who are willing to trust Him, even in their weakness.

Modern Application: This teaches us that God can use anyone, no matter how inadequate they may feel, to accomplish great things. In a world that often values strength, power, and self-sufficiency, this story reminds us that reliance on God is what brings true success. When facing challenges, believers can take heart knowing that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12:9), and He is able to use us for His purposes, regardless of our perceived limitations.