Topical Encyclopedia Gideon, a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, is often remembered for his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. However, his initial response to God's call is marked by a series of excuses that reveal his hesitance and lack of confidence. These excuses provide insight into his character and the challenges he faced in accepting his divine mission.Background Gideon lived during a time when the Israelites were oppressed by 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 (Judges 6:1-6). In response to their cries for help, God chose Gideon to deliver Israel from their oppressors. The Call of Gideon The Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The angel greeted him with the words, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite this divine greeting, Gideon's response was filled with doubt and excuses. Excuse 1: Questioning God's Presence Gideon's first excuse was rooted in doubt about God's presence and faithfulness. He questioned the angel, saying, "Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders that our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian" (Judges 6:13). Gideon's excuse reflects a common human tendency to question God's presence in times of hardship. Excuse 2: Personal Inadequacy When the LORD instructed Gideon to save Israel, Gideon expressed his feelings of inadequacy: "Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house" (Judges 6:15). This excuse highlights Gideon's perception of his own limitations and insignificance, a sentiment that many individuals can relate to when faced with daunting tasks. Excuse 3: Request for Signs Despite God's assurance, Gideon sought further confirmation through signs. He asked for a sign to ensure that it was truly God speaking to him (Judges 6:17). Later, he famously requested two additional signs involving a fleece of wool to confirm God's promise of victory over the Midianites (Judges 6:36-40). These requests for signs demonstrate Gideon's struggle with doubt and his need for reassurance. God's Response In each instance, God responded to Gideon's excuses with patience and assurance. The LORD promised His presence, saying, "Surely I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man" (Judges 6:16). God also graciously provided the signs Gideon requested, strengthening his faith and resolve. Significance Gideon's excuses and God's responses illustrate the dynamic between human frailty and divine strength. Gideon's initial reluctance and excuses serve as a reminder of the challenges believers may face in trusting God's call. Yet, God's patience and provision underscore His faithfulness and ability to equip those He calls, regardless of their perceived inadequacies. Nave's Topical Index Judges 6:15And he said to him, Oh my Lord, with which shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. Nave's Topical Index Library Pleading Works and Letters of St. Ambrose Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Chapter iv An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; Resources Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gideon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is it acceptable to "lay out a fleece" before God in prayer? | 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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