Topical Encyclopedia Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8. 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 humility.Background and Call Gideon was the son of Joash, from the tribe of Manasseh. He lived during a time when the Israelites were suffering under the oppression of the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. The Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The angel addressed him as a "mighty warrior" and commissioned him to save Israel (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial hesitance and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon obeyed God's call. He destroyed the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole beside it, earning him the name Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend against him" (Judges 6:32). Victory Over the Midianites Gideon's most notable achievement was his victory over the Midianites with a mere 300 men, chosen by God to demonstrate that the victory was by divine intervention rather than human strength. The LORD instructed Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 men, who were equipped with trumpets, empty jars, and torches. The unconventional strategy led to a miraculous victory, as the Midianites were thrown into confusion and defeated (Judges 7:7, 22). Israel's Desire for a King Following this victory, the Israelites, grateful for their deliverance, approached Gideon with a request: "Rule over us—you, your son, and your grandson—for you have saved us from the hand of Midian" (Judges 8:22). This request reflected a desire for a dynastic monarchy, a common form of governance among neighboring nations. Gideon's Refusal Gideon's response to the Israelites' request is a significant moment in his account. He refused their offer, saying, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). This refusal highlights Gideon's recognition of God's sovereignty and his understanding that Israel was to be a theocracy, with God as their true King. Aftermath and Legacy Despite his refusal to become king, Gideon made an ephod from the gold collected from the spoils of war, which later became a snare to him and his family, as Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it (Judges 8:27). This incident underscores the recurring theme of Israel's struggle with idolatry. Gideon had seventy sons, for he had many wives, and his concubine in Shechem bore him a son named Abimelech, who would later cause turmoil in Israel (Judges 8:30-31). Gideon's life and leadership are remembered as a period of peace for Israel, lasting forty years. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and the recognition of God's ultimate authority over His people. Nave's Topical Index Judges 8:22,23Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, Rule you over us, both you, and your son, and your son's son also: for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian. Nave's Topical Index Library Paul's Departure and Crown; Subject Index Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about strength? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Peniel 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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