Topical Encyclopedia Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8. He is remembered as a judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory over the Midianites. The promises of the Lord to Gideon are central to his account, highlighting God's faithfulness and power in delivering His people.Divine Encounter and Assurance The narrative of Gideon begins with the Israelites suffering under the oppression of the Midianites. In response to their cries, the Lord sends an angel to Gideon, who is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The angel greets him with the words, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). This greeting is the first indication of God's promise to be with Gideon. Despite Gideon's initial doubts and questions about the Lord's presence and the suffering of Israel, the Lord reassures him with a promise of deliverance. The Lord says, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?" (Judges 6:14). This promise emphasizes that Gideon's strength will come from the Lord's commissioning. Promise of Victory Gideon, still uncertain, asks for a sign to confirm God's promise. The Lord graciously provides signs, including the famous fleece test, to bolster Gideon's faith. The Lord's patience and willingness to confirm His word to Gideon underscore His commitment to His promises. The Lord further assures Gideon of victory with a specific promise: "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive" (Judges 6:16). This promise is pivotal, as it guarantees not only the presence of God with Gideon but also the complete defeat of the enemy. Reduction of Gideon's Army In Judges 7, the Lord instructs Gideon to reduce his army, initially numbering 32,000, to just 300 men. This reduction serves to demonstrate that the victory will be by God's power, not by human might. The Lord promises, "With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands" (Judges 7:7). This promise highlights God's sovereignty and the miraculous nature of the forthcoming victory. Fulfillment of Promises The promises of the Lord to Gideon are fulfilled as he leads the 300 men to a stunning victory over the Midianites. The Lord causes confusion in the enemy camp, leading to their defeat. This fulfillment is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people against overwhelming odds. Throughout Gideon's account, the promises of the Lord serve as a foundation for his actions and the eventual deliverance of Israel. These promises reveal God's character as a covenant-keeping God who empowers and equips those He calls to accomplish His purposes. Nave's Topical Index Judges 6:16And the LORD said to him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man. Nave's Topical Index Library A Cloud of Witnesses. On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ Concerning the Lord's Supper The Kingdom Conquering Blessed is He who Atoned Your Sins, that Ye Might Receive his Body ... His Legacy. Footnotes: How to Read the Bible The Message. The King 'Blessing' his People 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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