Topical Bible: Holy Spirit: Inspiration of Gideon

◄ Holy Spirit: Inspiration of Gideon ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Gideon, a judge of Israel, is a profound illustration of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering and guiding individuals for divine purposes. Gideon's account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, where he is called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.

Divine Calling and Empowerment

Gideon's encounter with the Holy Spirit begins with a divine calling. In Judges 6:12, the angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, addressing him as a "mighty warrior." Despite Gideon's initial hesitance and self-doubt, the LORD assures him of His presence and promises victory over the Midianites. This calling is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who equips those whom God chooses, regardless of their perceived inadequacies.

The pivotal moment of the Holy Spirit's inspiration is recorded in Judges 6:34: "So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him." The phrase "came upon" signifies a divine empowerment, enabling Gideon to lead and rally the Israelites. This empowerment is not merely for leadership but also for instilling courage and faith in the hearts of the people.

Signs and Assurance

Gideon's request for signs, such as the fleece test in Judges 6:36-40, further illustrates the Holy Spirit's role in providing assurance and guidance. While Gideon's faith needed bolstering, the Spirit's patience and willingness to confirm God's will highlight the nurturing aspect of divine inspiration. The Spirit's work is evident in the clarity and confidence that Gideon gains, allowing him to proceed with God's plan.

Strategic Wisdom and Victory

The Holy Spirit's inspiration is also manifested in the strategic wisdom given to Gideon. In Judges 7, God instructs Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 men, ensuring that the victory over the Midianites would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. This strategy, inspired by the Spirit, underscores the principle that God's power is made perfect in weakness (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9).

The subsequent victory, achieved through unconventional means—using trumpets, jars, and torches—demonstrates the Spirit's creativity and sovereignty in accomplishing God's purposes. The Spirit's inspiration leads to a triumph that not only delivers Israel but also reaffirms God's covenant faithfulness.

Legacy and Impact

Gideon's account, marked by the Holy Spirit's inspiration, leaves a lasting legacy in Israel's history. His leadership brings peace to the land for forty years (Judges 8:28), illustrating the Spirit's role in establishing order and righteousness. However, the narrative also serves as a cautionary tale, as Gideon's later actions and the subsequent idolatry of the Israelites (Judges 8:27) remind readers of the need for continual reliance on the Spirit's guidance.

In summary, the inspiration of Gideon by the Holy Spirit is a powerful example of divine empowerment, assurance, and strategic wisdom. It highlights the Spirit's active role in fulfilling God's redemptive plans through chosen individuals, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 6:34
But the Spirit of the LORD came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How to Read the Bible
... with the Word of God, like Gideon's fleece, which ... portion of God's word is given
by inspiration, and is ... of unlocking of doors and the Holy Spirit himself must ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/how to read the bible.htm

The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it ...
... doctrine,"so many crude remarks about Inspiration,"made by ... in order to facilitate
admission into Holy Orders, (for ... with "the sword of the Spirit, which is ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon i the study of.htm

Acts XV
... The sword of the Lord and of Gideon;" the Latter ... Spirit and us;" ie, to the Holy
Spirit as the ... It was the inspiration, and, consequently, the infallibility of ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xv.htm

Subject Index
... Gentiles, the conversion of, more difficult than that of the Jews, [939]495. Gideon,
a type, [940]445. Gifts, the, of the Holy Spirit, [941]533. ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
... It took two miracles to persuade Gideon; Moses harbored ... We must remember also that
his inspiration passed away with ... The least born of the Holy Spirit (John 1:12 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlv the baptists inquiry and.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... and second, a motive for the inspiration and encouragement of ... in the fact that the
Holy Spirit has placed ... signifies "father of the king." Gideon, deliverer of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... were full of earnestness and the spirit of self ... and no others" which were recognized
in "Holy Scripture and ... quiet words ring, Like a low inspiration: 'Doe the ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/centenary commemoration.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... from Him this 'unction of the Holy One.' So ... breathed into them by that anointing
Spirit, that it ... That sort of prophetic inspiration belongs to all Christians. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ...
... ancient altar: yet we see how the Spirit detests the ... certainly never was the intention
of the holy prophet to ... his own mind, but by divine inspiration (Judges 13 ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 of the power.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... But it drew its inspiration to foretell what was to come from a ... The Spirit of the
Lord came upon them also. ... on his march towards Rome, said to a holy monk, who ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm