What is the meaning of Judges 6:35? Calling them to arms “Calling them to arms” captures Gideon’s immediate response to the Spirit of the LORD coming upon him (Judges 6:34). The phrase shows: • A sense of urgency—Midian’s oppression had gone on seven long years (Judges 6:1). • Gideon’s decisive faith—he moves from threshing wheat in hiding (Judges 6:11) to summoning Israel to battle. Cross references: when Saul cut up oxen and “sent messengers…saying, ‘This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel,’” the dread of the LORD fell on the people and they “came out as one man” (1 Samuel 11:7). Like Saul, Gideon understands that rallying God’s people requires swift, bold action under divine authority. Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh Manasseh is Gideon’s own tribe (Judges 6:15). By beginning there he: • Sets the example—leadership starts at home. • Answers earlier doubt—though he had called himself “the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15), he now steps into God-given authority. Cross references: Deborah summoned Barak from Naphtali, his tribe (Judges 4:6). Paul later preaches “to the Jew first” (Romans 1:16). God often starts renewal within familiar circles before extending it outward. As well as Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali These northern tribes bordered each other, forming a natural coalition against Midianite raiders who crossed the Jordan into that region (Judges 6:3–4). Consider: • Unity—tribal rivalries are set aside for a common, God-appointed mission. • Historical precedent—Deborah and Barak had already proven these tribes courageous (Judges 5:18). Cross references: in Judges 4, “Zebulun and Naphtali risked their lives on the heights of the battlefield.” Again, God chooses reliable allies for His deliverance plan. So that they came up to meet him The people’s positive response reveals: • Gideon’s new credibility—evidence of the Spirit’s empowerment (Judges 6:34). • Readiness of God’s remnant—the LORD preserved hearts willing to obey despite national apostasy. Cross references: shortly after, “men of Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh pursued the Midianites” (Judges 7:23). The same obedience appears when “day after day men came to David…a great army like the army of God” (1 Chronicles 12:22). summary Judges 6:35 shows Gideon, freshly empowered by God’s Spirit, summoning his own tribe and three neighboring tribes to confront Midian. His call is bold, his strategy begins at home, unity replaces tribal jealousy, and the people’s eager response confirms divine favor. The verse pictures faith in action: when God raises a deliverer, He also moves His people to stand together and follow. |
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