Topical Bible: Temptation: Gideon Leads the People of Israel Into Sin

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Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, renowned for his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. His account is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, yet it also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation and the consequences of leading others into sin.

Background and Calling

Gideon's narrative begins in Judges 6, where the Israelites are oppressed by the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. The angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, calling him a "mighty warrior" and commissioning him to save Israel from Midian's hand (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial hesitations and requests for signs, Gideon obeys God's call, tearing down his father's altar to Baal and building an altar to the LORD (Judges 6:25-27).

Victory Over the Midianites

Gideon's faith and obedience lead to a miraculous victory over the Midianites. With only 300 men, God delivers Israel from their oppressors, demonstrating that the battle belongs to the LORD (Judges 7:7, 22). This victory establishes Gideon as a leader and judge over Israel, bringing peace to the land for forty years (Judges 8:28).

The Snare of the Ephod

Despite his initial faithfulness, Gideon succumbs to temptation after his victory. The Israelites, grateful for his leadership, ask him to rule over them. Gideon declines the offer, stating, "The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). However, he requests a portion of the gold taken as plunder to create an ephod, a priestly garment (Judges 8:24-27).

This ephod becomes a snare for Gideon and the Israelites. Although intended as a memorial of God's deliverance, it becomes an object of idolatry. Judges 8:27 states, "All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household." This act of creating the ephod leads the people away from true worship of God, illustrating how even well-intentioned actions can result in sin when they deviate from God's commands.

Consequences and Legacy

Gideon's lapse into idolatry has lasting repercussions. After his death, the Israelites quickly turn back to worshiping the Baals, forgetting the LORD who delivered them from their enemies (Judges 8:33-34). Gideon's actions inadvertently set a precedent for future disobedience, highlighting the importance of steadfastness in faith and the dangers of leading others astray.

Gideon's account serves as a reminder of the subtlety of temptation and the ease with which one can fall into sin. It underscores the responsibility of leaders to remain vigilant and faithful, as their actions can significantly influence those they lead.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 8:27
And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare to Gideon, and to his house.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Discouragement
... one word of encouragement did He give Gideon, nor does ... "Lie down and be discouraged"
is always our temptation. ... its very worst is that it leads people to "murmur ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 13 discouragement.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Gideon, fleece of, [427]158, [428]329, [429]634; and ... Grace of God, leads to confession,
[465]117; in ... 489]12; hating wrongfully a dangerous temptation, [490]110 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... And this leads me to the next thing propounded to be ... be partakers of the heavenly
calling, and the people of whom ... was this law, that if any of Israel, as well ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... When God had brought the children of Israel through the Red ... 'Neither was this man
only a temptation to me ... I happened to light into several people's company, who ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... are naturally apt with that good man Gideon, to be ... of mind, though through many
difficulties and much temptation. ... cleave no more unto him, to his people, or to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... unseen, through Holy Ghost, [1064]536; leads on to ... 349; so far as gives way, temptation
advances: greatness of ... 501, [1370]502; figured in Gideon's basin, [1371 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

The Christian Described
... thy sin; it will live longer than temptation; it will ... of walking with God, or the
pathway thereof, leads men to ... Gideon also, after he was delivered out of the ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... iniquity, and wickedness; that which leads to heaven ... me, Go, prophesy unto my people
Israel" (Amos 7 ... appeared; and least appearing, the temptation soonest took ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... in a hostile manner into the coasts of Israel; 2 Kings 6 ... to pick such as sometimes
were as bad people as any ... of Matthew the publican, and of Gideon and Sampson ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... them to the uttermost sin, the uttermost temptation, &c. ... and all things, for good
unto his people (Romans 8 ... Huram gathered, that God loved Israel because he had ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm