Topical Bible: Prayer: Gideon

◄ Prayer: Gideon ►

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Gideon, a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, is a compelling example of prayer and divine interaction in the Old Testament. His account, primarily found in Judges 6-8, illustrates the power of prayer, faith, and obedience to God's will.

Background

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was an Israelite from the tribe of Manasseh. During his time, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. The people cried out to the Lord for deliverance, and God chose Gideon to be their deliverer.

The Call of Gideon

Gideon's initial encounter with God is marked by a divine visitation. In Judges 6:12, the Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, saying, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." Gideon, however, questions the presence of God due to the suffering of his people. This dialogue reflects a form of prayer, as Gideon communicates his doubts and seeks understanding from God.

The Sign of the Fleece

One of the most notable instances of prayer in Gideon's life is his request for a sign involving a fleece. In Judges 6:36-40, Gideon seeks confirmation of God's promise to save Israel through him. He prays, "If You will deliver Israel by my hand, as You have said, behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You will deliver Israel by my hand, as You have said" (Judges 6:36-37). God graciously grants this sign, and Gideon further requests a second sign with the conditions reversed, which God also fulfills. This episode highlights Gideon's desire for assurance and God's patience and willingness to strengthen Gideon's faith.

Preparation for Battle

Before leading the Israelites into battle against the Midianites, Gideon again seeks God's guidance. In Judges 7:9-15, God instructs Gideon to go down to the Midianite camp, where he overhears a dream that confirms his victory. This indirect form of prayer, where Gideon listens for God's direction, underscores the importance of being attentive to God's voice.

Victory and Worship

After the miraculous victory over the Midianites with only 300 men, Gideon's response is one of worship and acknowledgment of God's power. Although not a direct prayer, his actions demonstrate a heart of gratitude and recognition of God's sovereignty.

Lessons from Gideon's Prayers

Gideon's interactions with God through prayer reveal several key lessons:

1. Honest Communication: Gideon's candid conversations with God show that prayer can include expressing doubts and seeking clarity.

2. Seeking Assurance: Gideon's request for signs reflects a human need for reassurance, which God graciously provides.

3. Obedience and Faith: Despite his initial hesitations, Gideon's ultimate obedience to God's commands exemplifies faith in action.

4. Attentiveness to God's Voice: Gideon's willingness to listen for God's guidance, even in unconventional ways, highlights the importance of being open to divine direction.

Gideon's account serves as a powerful reminder of the role of prayer in seeking God's will, gaining assurance, and acting in faith. His life encourages believers to approach God with honesty, seek His guidance, and trust in His promises.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 6:22,36,39
And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O LORD God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Gideon's Fleece
... Gideon's prayer was wrapped, as it were, in an enfolding promise, for it is preceded
and followed by the quotation of words of the Angel of the Lord who had ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gideons fleece.htm

Gideon's Fleece. Judg 6:37-40
... Judg 6:37-40. The signs which GOD to Gideon gave,. His holy Sovereignty made known; ...
Dear Savior, hear us when we call,. To wrestling prayer an answer give; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 23 gideons fleece judg.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and ... Prayer
puts God in the matter with commanding force: "Ask of Me things to come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... It is the one great condition of prayer; the lack of it lies at the root of all ... For
the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak, and of Samson, and of ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ii prayer and faith continued.htm

The Choice of Gideon was a Figure of Our Lord's Incarnation, The
... blemish. 5. Holy Gideon then saw the mystery beforehand. Next ... doubt. For
how could he be doubtful whose prayer was effectual? And ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/the choice of gideon was.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... Lord's hosts, Joshua, that sturdy man of God, stepped into the breach, with prayer. ...
and in the hearing of Israel, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gideon, and thou ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

A Wise Decision.
... She cried, "O Lord, you once answered Gideon with a sign; now please give me a ... t
want me to go, make it rain." Though simple and short, the prayer came from ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter viii a wise decision.htm

The Ambassadors from Babylon
... Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have ...
Like Moses in the land of Midian, like Gideon in the presence of the heavenly ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 29 the ambassadors from.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... with ringing tones that reach to the outskirts of the crowd, he gathers the spirit
of his prayer into two ... Time would fail' him 'to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

Olney Hymns
... Judg 6:24. Hymn 23 GIDEON's fleece. Judg 6:37-40. Hymn 24 SAMPSON's lion. ... Jonah
4:7. ZECHARIAH. Hymn 76 Prayer for the Lord's promised presence. Zech 2:10. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/