Lexical Summary Gedeón: Gideon Original Word: Γεδεών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gideon. Of Hebrew origin (Gid'own); Gedeon (i.e. Gid(e)on), an Israelite -- Gedeon (in the King James Version). see HEBREW Gid'own NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Gidon Definition Gideon, an Isr. NASB Translation Gideon (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1066: ΓεδεώνΓεδεών, ὁ, indeclinable (in the Bible (cf. Buttmann, p. 15 (14)), and in Suidas (e. g. 1737 a.); but) in Josephus, Antiquities 5, 6 (3 and) 4 Γεδεών, Γεδεωνος (גִּדעון cutting off (others, tree-feller i. e. mighty warrior), from גָּדַע ), Gideon, a leader of the Israelites, who delivered them from the power of the Midianites (Judges 6-8): Hebrews 11:32 (where A. V. unfortunately follows the Greek spelling Gedeon). Topical Lexicon Entry Name Γεδεών – Gideon (Strong’s Greek 1066) Occurrence in the Greek New Testament Hebrews 11:32 lists Gideon among the heroes of faith whose exploits illustrate the power of trusting obedience. His single mention in the New Testament stands as a divinely inspired endorsement of his Old Testament record and confirms the continuity of God’s redemptive purposes from Judges to the epistle to the Hebrews. Historical Setting in Judges Gideon ministered during Israel’s darkest oppression by Midian (Judges 6:1–6). The nation’s repeated disobedience had invited covenant discipline, yet the LORD raised Gideon as the fifth recorded judge to deliver His people. Gideon belonged to the clan of Abiezer within the tribe of Manasseh (Judges 6:15) and lived in Ophrah, a town likely situated in the Jezreel Valley. Call and Commission The Angel of the LORD appeared while Gideon threshed wheat in a winepress to hide from Midianite raiders: “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). God’s greeting redefined Gideon’s identity before his courage was visible. Gideon’s hesitation and repeated requests for confirmation—first the consumed sacrifice (Judges 6:21), then the dew–laden fleece and its reversal (Judges 6:36–40)—display God’s patience in cultivating faith. Empowerment by the Spirit “So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites rallied behind him” (Judges 6:34). The Spirit’s coming transformed a reluctant farmer into a military leader. Gideon summoned the tribes of Asher, Zebulun, Naphtali, and Manasseh, yet God trimmed the force from thirty–two thousand to three hundred to prevent Israel from boasting (Judges 7:2). Military Deliverance and Strategy of Faith With only trumpets, torches, and jars, Gideon’s three hundred surrounded the Midianite camp. At the signal they broke the jars, brandished the torches, and shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” (Judges 7:20). Panic spread, and Midianite warriors turned their swords on one another (Judges 7:22). The victory illustrates divine sufficiency: “With the three hundred men who lapped I will deliver you” (Judges 7:7). Leadership, Reforms, and Limitations Gideon pursued Midian’s kings across the Jordan, captured them, and executed judgment (Judges 8:10–21). Israel offered him hereditary kingship, but he refused: “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD will rule over you” (Judges 8:23). Yet Gideon’s request for gold earrings birthed an ephod that later became an object of idolatry (Judges 8:27), revealing the tension between genuine zeal and human vulnerability. Spiritual Lessons and Ministry Significance 1. God’s Strength in Weakness: Gideon’s small army and hesitant spirit magnify the principle later echoed in 2 Corinthians 12:9—power perfected in weakness. Typological Reflections Gideon prefigures the ultimate Deliverer who wins decisive victory in apparent weakness. Just as Gideon’s jars had to be broken for light to shine, so Christ’s body was broken to bring the light of salvation (John 12:24; 2 Corinthians 4:6–7). New Testament Recognition and Faith Hallmark Hebrews 11 celebrates Gideon with other judges and monarchs whose acts of faith “conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained what was promised” (Hebrews 11:33). His placement among these exemplars anchors his account in the unfolding testimony of saving faith culminating in Jesus Christ. Legacy in Israel’s Memory After Midian’s defeat, “the land enjoyed peace for forty years during the days of Gideon” (Judges 8:28). His life demonstrates God’s commitment to preserve a covenant people and to display His glory through unlikely instruments. Representative Scriptures Judges 6:12; Judges 6:14; Judges 6:34; Judges 7:7; Judges 7:20–22; Judges 8:23; Hebrews 11:32–33. Practical Application for Modern Disciples • Seek confirmation through God’s Word, yet move forward when He speaks. Gideon’s single New Testament mention, undergirded by his extensive Old Testament narrative, provides a robust theology of divine deliverance, Spirit-empowered leadership, and the triumph of faith. Forms and Transliterations Γεδεων Γεδεών Gedeon Gedeōn GedeṓnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |