Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, in the Old Testament. He is recognized as a judge of Israel, a military leader, and a man of faith who delivered Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. His account is a testament to God's power working through human weakness and obedience. Background and Call: Gideon was the son of Joash, from the tribe of Manasseh, and lived in Ophrah. During his time, the Israelites were suffering under the oppression of the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel, destroying crops and livestock, leaving the Israelites impoverished and desperate. Gideon's call to leadership came while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel of the LORD appeared to him, addressing him as a "mighty warrior" and declaring, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was assured by God that he would save Israel from the Midianites. Sign of the Fleece: To confirm God's promise, Gideon requested a sign involving a fleece of wool. He asked that the fleece be wet with dew while the ground remained dry, and God granted this request. The following night, he asked for the opposite, that the fleece remain dry while the ground was covered with dew, and God again complied (Judges 6:36-40). These signs strengthened Gideon's faith and resolve. Reduction of the Army: Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men to fight the Midianites, but God instructed him to reduce the number to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Through a series of tests, the army was reduced to 300 men (Judges 7:2-7). This small force was equipped with trumpets, empty jars, and torches, and they were to follow God's unconventional battle plan. Victory Over the Midianites: In a surprise nighttime attack, Gideon's men surrounded the Midianite camp, blew their trumpets, smashed the jars, and shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20). The Midianites were thrown into confusion, turning on each other, and fled. This miraculous victory demonstrated God's power and faithfulness. Aftermath and Leadership: Following the victory, the Israelites sought to make Gideon their king, but he refused, saying, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). Despite his refusal, Gideon made an ephod from the gold collected from the spoils of war, which later became a snare to him and his family, leading Israel into idolatry (Judges 8:24-27). Legacy: Gideon had seventy sons through his many wives, and his concubine in Shechem bore him a son named Abimelech, who would later cause turmoil in Israel. Gideon's legacy is a complex one, marked by both faith and failure. He is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32, highlighting his role in God's redemptive history. Jerubbaal: The name Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend against him," was given to Gideon after he destroyed his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it (Judges 6:25-32). This act of defiance against idolatry set the stage for his leadership and the deliverance of Israel. Gideon's account is a powerful reminder of God's ability to use imperfect people to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on divine strength. ATS Bible Dictionary Gideon or JerubbaalOf the tribe of Manasseh, a valiant and prudent judge of Israel, particularly the eastern and northern tribes, B. C. 1249 to 1209. He resided in Ophrah, east of the Jordan, a region often ravaged in harvest-time by the wandering tribes on its eastern border. Being called of God to deliver his people, and encouraged by signs from heaven, he defeated the Midiantites, and caused Israel to dwell in safety for many years. In punishing the refractory cities Succoth and Penuel, and the fratricides Zeba and Zalmunna- in soothing the jealousy of the Ephraimites, and in declining the crown offered him by the Jews, he evinced those qualities which made him a successful judge. In the matter of the golden ephod, however, he fell into a sin and a snare; for this memorial of the wonders God had wrought became ere long an object of idolatrous veneration, Jud 8:35 1 Samuel 12:11 Hebrews 11:32. Strong's Hebrew 3378. Yerubbaal -- "let Baal contend," a name of Gideon... Jerubbaal. From riyb and Ba'al; Baal will contend; Jerubbaal, a symbol. Name of Gideon -- Jerubbaal. see HEBREW riyb. see HEBREW Ba'al. 3377, 3378. ... /hebrew/3378.htm - 6k Library The Crowning of Abimelech The Choice of Gideon was a Figure of Our Lord's Incarnation, The 'Fit, Though Few' The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Fragment xviii. And this was not Without Meaning; but that by ... The King after Man's Heart Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Manasseh? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Abimelech in the Book of Judges? | GotQuestions.org How did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gideon: Angel Attests the Call To, by Miracle Gideon: Avenges Himself Upon the People of Succoth Gideon: He Destroys the Altar of Baal, and Builds One to the Lord Gideon: Israel Desires to Make Him King; he Refuses Gideon: Leads an Army Against and Defeats the Midianites Gideon: Makes an Ephod Which Becomes a Snare to the Israelites Gideon: Promises of the Lord To Gideon: Reproaches the Ephraimites for not Joining in the Campaign Against the Midianites Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Gideon Related Terms |
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