Topical Bible: Miracles: Catalogue of of Gideon

◄ Miracles: Catalogue of of Gideon ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, where he is depicted as a judge and military leader of Israel. His account is marked by a series of divine interventions and miracles that underscore God's power and faithfulness to His people. These miracles serve as pivotal moments in Gideon's life and the history of Israel.

1. The Angel of the LORD Appears to Gideon (Judges 6:11-24): The first miraculous event in Gideon's life occurs when the Angel of the LORD appears to him while he 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). Despite Gideon's initial doubts and questions about God's presence, the Angel assures him of his calling to save Israel. As a sign, Gideon prepares an offering, and the Angel miraculously consumes it with fire from the rock, confirming God's commission.

2. The Fleece Test (Judges 6:36-40): Seeking further confirmation of God's promise to save Israel through him, Gideon requests a sign involving a fleece of wool. He asks that the fleece be wet with dew while the ground remains dry. God grants this request, and the next morning, Gideon wrings a bowlful of water from the fleece. Still seeking assurance, Gideon reverses the test, asking for the fleece to remain dry while the ground is covered with dew. God again complies, providing Gideon with the confirmation he seeks.

3. The Reduction of Gideon's Army (Judges 7:1-8): In preparation for battle against the Midianites, God instructs Gideon to reduce his army to ensure that Israel recognizes the victory as the LORD's doing. From an initial force of 32,000 men, God first reduces the number to 10,000 and then to a mere 300 men. This miraculous reduction demonstrates God's power to save, not by human strength, but by His divine will.

4. The Dream of the Midianite Soldier (Judges 7:9-15): On the eve of battle, God provides Gideon with further encouragement by directing him to overhear a Midianite soldier recounting a dream. In the dream, a loaf of barley bread tumbles into the Midianite camp, overturning a tent. The soldier's companion interprets the dream as a sign of Gideon's impending victory. This miraculous revelation strengthens Gideon's resolve and faith in God's promise.

5. The Defeat of the Midianites (Judges 7:16-25): Armed with trumpets, empty jars, and torches, Gideon's 300 men surround the Midianite camp. At Gideon's signal, they blow the trumpets, break the jars, and shout, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20). The LORD causes confusion among the Midianites, who turn on each other in panic. This miraculous victory, achieved without traditional weapons of war, highlights God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promise to deliver Israel.

Gideon's account is a testament to God's ability to work through unlikely individuals and circumstances to achieve His purposes. The miracles associated with Gideon emphasize themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention, serving as enduring reminders of God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 6:21
Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Reason of the Order of the Sons of Rachel.
... hereafter; the latter was noted for Gideon, the subverter ... of the kingdom, and shining
forth with miracles of healing ... to have his name repeated in the catalogue. ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the reason of the order 2.htm

The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it ...
... of the Kings,"your own enumeration of the Miracles. ... In every mere catalogue of names,
be resolved to ... spot in the whole day,"like Gideon's fleece, fresh ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon i the study of.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that a ... why have we not
a catalogue of some holy men ... of Matthew the publican, and of Gideon and Sampson ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... greatest enemies, and those that not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles,
but that, a ... Why have we not a catalogue of some holy men that were so in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm