Bible Biography: Gideon
SCRIPTURE: Judges 6-8; Hebrews 11:32.
BIOGRAPHY
In the period after the exodus from Egypt, Israel was a theocracy. God raised up
leaders to rule over, or judge, Israel. The Jewish tribes were unorganized (Judges
21:25). Gideon lived in the 13th Century BC. Gideon was such a judge. He was the
son of Joash of the clan of Abiezer of Mannaseh (Judges 6:11,15). The Jews were
dominated by the Midianites (Bedouin people) when the Lord appeared to Gideon. Gideon
was reluctant at first, his re-assurance including putting out of the fleece.
Gideon eventually led a small army of 300 against the Midianites in a surprise attack
and routed them. After success in throwing off the yoke of oppression, Gideon was
asked to set up a hereditary monarchy. He refused in humility, believing that Israel
should remain a theocracy - ruled by God. God granted Israel peace for the rest
of Gideon's life. He eventually died, an example of faith which is used in Hebrews
11:32. He was buried in the sepulchre of his father Joash in Ophrah (Judges 8:32)
circa 1200 BC.
SUMMARY
a) Due to apostasy, God had allowed the Midianites to dominate Israel for seven
years (Judges 6:1).
b) The Jews were greatly impoverished by this domination and turned to the Lord
(Judges 6:6).
c) The angel of Jehovah appeared to Gideon, who was threshing wheat secretly (Judges
6:11).
d) He is called a man of valor by his visitor (Judges 6:12). Gideon, however, recognizes
that he is from the poorest tribe for leading Israel and tries to withdraw from
his leadership role (Judges 6:15).
e) He is assured of God's help (Judges 6:16) and God's power is demonstrated (Judges
6:20,21) which encourages Gideon (Judges 6:24).
f) His first act is to throw down the altar of Baal and build an altar to the Lord
(Judges 6:25-32). This caused the Midianites to gather against Gideon in the valley
of Jezreel (Judges 6:33).
g) Gideon now tests God's presence by two miracles involving the fleece (Judges
6:37-40).
h) Gideon calls a large army together (Judges 6:35), but lest Gideon and Israel
consider that the army would win the day in its own strength, God reduces the army
by 22,000 who were fearful (Judges 7:3) and 9,700 who used their hands to drink
(Judges 7:6), leaving a remnant of 300 (Deuteronomy 20:1-8 Judges 7:7).
i) Gideon divides this group into three (Judges 7:16), and attacked the Midianites
by night. The Midianites fled (Judges 7:21-23).
j) Ephraim, who had been called in at the last moment (Judges 7:24) were jealous,
but Gideon placated them (Judges 8:1-3). The Day of Midian is remembered as divine
deliverance (Psalm 83:11; Isaiah 9:4, 10:26).
k) Gideon completes his conquest (Judges 8:4-21).
l) He is asked to set up a monarchy (Judges 8:22-23).
m) The last 40 years of Gideon's life are peaceful (Judges 8:28).
LIFE LESSONS
a) Nations who have followed God in the past may be disciplined for apostasy by
God using heathen nations (Isaiah 10:5).
b) God can use the poorest of human material for His plan (Luke 14:21-23).
c) With obedience to God's plan, miraculous results can be obtained (Joshua 6:1-20).
d) If you are working in conformity with God's plan, you have overwhelming superiority,
even if from a human viewpoint you appear outnumbered (1 Samuel 17:45).
e) Having commenced with the plan of God in your life, it is necessary to have courage
and tenacity to complete the work (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 31:24).
f) Knowledge of the scriptures allows one to make correct decisions - not to set
up a monarchy (1 Samuel 8:6,7; Psalm 146:3).
g) Even great people who have been involved and mightily used by God can fail in
the area of idolatry (1 Kings 11:4).
h) The courageous compliance with God's guidance produces peace (Psalm 127:1,2).