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 a testament to religious zeal, faith, and divine intervention. Gideon's narrative is set during a time when the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. His life and actions exemplify the transformative power of faith and obedience to God's call.Divine Calling and Initial Reluctance Gideon's journey begins with a divine encounter. The Angel of the LORD appears to him while he is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The angel addresses him as a "mighty warrior" and declares, "The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12). Despite this, Gideon expresses doubt and questions why Israel is suffering if the LORD is with them. He also questions his own ability, citing his family's low status in Manasseh and his own insignificance (Judges 6:15). Gideon's initial reluctance is met with reassurance from God, who promises, "Surely I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man" (Judges 6:16). This divine assurance marks the beginning of Gideon's transformation from a hesitant individual to a zealous leader. Acts of Zeal and Faith Gideon's religious zeal is first demonstrated when he obeys God's command to destroy his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole beside it. Despite the risk of inciting the wrath of his family and community, Gideon carries out this act at night, earning him the name Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend against him" (Judges 6:32). His faith is further tested when he seeks confirmation from God through the sign of the fleece. Gideon asks for dew to appear only on the fleece while the ground remains dry, and then for the reverse. God graciously grants both signs, strengthening Gideon's resolve (Judges 6:36-40). Military Leadership and Victory Gideon's zeal is most evident in his leadership of the Israelite army against the Midianites. God instructs Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 men to ensure that the victory is attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength (Judges 7:2-7). Armed with trumpets, jars, and torches, Gideon's small force routs the Midianite camp, causing confusion and leading to a miraculous victory (Judges 7:19-22). Aftermath and Legacy Following the victory, the Israelites request Gideon to rule over them, but he declines, affirming that the LORD will rule over Israel (Judges 8:23). However, Gideon makes an ephod from the spoils of war, which becomes a snare to him and his family, leading Israel into idolatry (Judges 8:27). Gideon's life is a complex tapestry of faith, obedience, and human frailty. His account underscores the importance of reliance on God and the dangers of turning away from divine guidance. Despite his imperfections, Gideon is remembered as a man of faith, as noted in Hebrews 11:32, where he is listed among the heroes of faith. His narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for God to use ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary purposes when they act with religious zeal and faith. Nave's Topical Index Judges 6:11-32And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. Nave's Topical Index Library A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Numbers The Scotch Covenants and the Scotch Kirk. General Conference of 1824 Jehovah Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty Against the Modern Free-Thinkers. Independence of Christianity Acts XV Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism Resources Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the money changers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to have left your first love (Revelation 2:4)? | GotQuestions.org Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: David Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Elijah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehoiada Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Josiah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Samuel Religious Zeal without Knowledge Religious Zeal: Andrew and Philip Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Paul and Barnabas Religious Zeal: Peter Rebuking Jesus Religious Zeal: The Healed Deaf-Mute Man Religious Zeal: The Restored Leper Religious Zeal: Two Blind Men Proclaiming the Miracle of Healing Zeal: Provokes Others to do Good Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Glory of God Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Welfare of Saints Zeal: should be Exhibited in Contending for the Faith Zeal: should be Exhibited in Desiring the Salvation of Others Zeal: should be Exhibited in Missionary Labours Zeal: should be Exhibited in Spirit Zeal: should be Exhibited in Well-Doing Zeal: should be Exhibited: Against Idolatry Zeal: Sometimes not According to Knowledge Zeal: Sometimes Wrongly Directed Zeal: Ungodly Men Sometimes Pretend To Related Terms |
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