Compare Gideon's humility with Moses' in Exodus 3:11; what lessons are evident? Setting the Scene Gideon’s call appears in Judges 6, while Moses’ comes in Exodus 3. Both men meet the Angel of the LORD, both are tasked with delivering Israel, and both immediately express unworthiness. Text Snapshot: Exodus 3 :11 “ But Moses asked God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ ” Text Snapshot: Judges 6 :15 “ ‘Please, my Lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘how can I deliver Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.’ ” Shared Marks of Humility • Self-awareness: Each man honestly sees his limitations—Moses as a fugitive shepherd, Gideon from a minor clan. • God-focused awe: Their “Who am I?” reflex shows reverence, not self-promotion. • Dependence voiced aloud: They confess the task is impossible without divine help (cf. 2 Corinthians 3 :5). • Open dialogue: Humility keeps the conversation with God going instead of walking away in pride. Distinctive Nuances in Each Call • Moses’ humility leans toward reluctance. He later adds further objections (Exodus 4 :10-13). • Gideon’s humility leans toward insecurity. He repeatedly seeks confirming signs (Judges 6 :17-22; 6 :36-40). • Moses highlights personal inadequacy (“Who am I?”). Gideon highlights social insignificance (“My clan is the weakest … I am the youngest”). • Gideon receives immediate assurance of victory (“I will be with you,” Judges 6 :16) and a visible sign (fire consuming the offering). Moses receives the promise of God’s presence and a sign yet to be fulfilled (“this will be the sign to you,” Exodus 3 :12). Divine Response to Humble Hearts • Presence pledged: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3 :12; Judges 6 :16). God Himself is the answer to human inadequacy. • Power displayed: Staff-turned-serpent, leprous hand, burning bush (Exodus 4 :2-9); consuming fire, wet fleece, Midianite dream (Judges 6 :21; 7 :13-15). • Patience shown: The LORD addresses every fear without rebuke until unbelief hardens (cf. Exodus 4 :14). • Purpose clarified: Humble vessels magnify God’s glory (1 Corinthians 1 :27-29). Practical Lessons for Today • God delights to call the humble, not the self-reliant. • Expressing inadequacy is healthy when it drives us to God, not away from Him. • Repeated assurance from the Lord is available; yet sustained obedience must follow. • Humility should mature into faith-filled action—Moses stands before Pharaoh, Gideon reduces his army to 300 (Judges 7 :2-7). • Our weaknesses, like theirs, become stages for God’s power to shine (2 Corinthians 12 :9-10). |
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