Topical Encyclopedia The call of Gideon is a pivotal moment in the Book of Judges, where God raises up a deliverer for the Israelites during a time of oppression by the Midianites. This narrative is found in Judges 6:11-24, where the Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, marking the beginning of his journey as a judge and leader of Israel.Context and Background The Israelites were suffering under the harsh oppression of the Midianites, who, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade their land, destroy their crops, and leave them impoverished (Judges 6:1-6). In their distress, the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help. God responded by sending a prophet to remind them of their disobedience and then chose Gideon to deliver them. The Angelic Encounter Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites when the Angel of the LORD appeared to him. The Angel greeted him with the words, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). This greeting is significant, as it highlights God's presence and the potential He sees in Gideon, despite Gideon's current circumstances and self-perception. Gideon, however, questioned the Angel, expressing doubt about the LORD's presence and recalling the past miracles performed for Israel. He lamented the current state of his people, saying, "But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian" (Judges 6:13). Divine Commission The Angel of the LORD then turned to Gideon and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?" (Judges 6:14). This command underscores the divine commission given to Gideon, emphasizing that it is God who sends and empowers him for the task. Gideon, feeling inadequate, responded with humility and doubt, citing his family's low status in the tribe of Manasseh and his own insignificance (Judges 6:15). The LORD reassured him, saying, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive" (Judges 6:16). This promise of divine presence and victory is a recurring theme in God's dealings with His chosen leaders. Request for a Sign Seeking confirmation of this divine encounter, Gideon requested a sign. He prepared an offering of a young goat and unleavened bread, which he presented to the Angel under the oak. The Angel instructed him to place the offering on a rock and pour out the broth. Then, with the touch of the Angel's staff, fire consumed the offering, and the Angel vanished (Judges 6:17-21). Realizing he had seen the Angel of the LORD, Gideon feared for his life, exclaiming, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face" (Judges 6:22). The LORD reassured him, saying, "Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die" (Judges 6:23). Altar of Peace In response to this divine encounter and assurance, Gideon built an altar to the LORD and named it "The LORD Is Peace" (Judges 6:24). This act of worship and the naming of the altar reflect Gideon's newfound understanding of God's presence and peace, which would accompany him as he embarked on his mission to deliver Israel. The call of Gideon by an angel is a profound example of God's initiative in raising leaders, His assurance of presence, and the transformation of an ordinary individual into a mighty warrior for His purposes. Nave's Topical Index Judges 6:11,14And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. Nave's Topical Index Library The Choice of Gideon was a Figure of Our Lord's Incarnation, The A Great victory The Story of Samson, the Strong Man The Doctrine of Angels. The Dew and the Plants Jehovah Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer... Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers Praying Saints of the Old Testaments Hebrews xi. 28-31 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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