Topical Bible: Offense: Gideon

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Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, in the Old Testament. He is recognized as one of the judges of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon's account is marked by his initial hesitance, his faith in God, and his eventual leadership in battle. However, his life also includes moments that could be perceived as offenses, both against God and his fellow Israelites.

Call and Initial Hesitance

Gideon's account begins with the Israelites suffering under Midianite oppression due to their disobedience to God. In Judges 6:12, the Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, saying, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." Despite this divine greeting, Gideon expresses doubt and questions God's presence, asking, "If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?" (Judges 6:13). His hesitance and need for reassurance are further demonstrated when he requests signs from God, such as the famous fleece test (Judges 6:36-40).

Destruction of the Altar of Baal

Gideon's first act of obedience to God involves tearing down his father's altar to Baal and cutting down the Asherah pole beside it (Judges 6:25-27). This act of defiance against idolatry could be seen as an offense to his family and community, who were steeped in pagan worship. However, it was a necessary step in restoring true worship among the Israelites.

Victory Over the Midianites

Gideon's most notable achievement is his victory over the Midianites with only 300 men, as described in Judges 7. This victory is a testament to God's power and Gideon's faith. However, Gideon's actions following the battle raise questions. In Judges 8:22-23, the Israelites ask Gideon to rule over them, but he declines, saying, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you." Despite this noble declaration, Gideon later makes an ephod from the gold collected from the spoils of war, which becomes a snare to him and his family (Judges 8:27).

The Ephod and Its Consequences

The creation of the ephod is a significant offense in Gideon's life. Although his intentions might have been to honor God, the ephod becomes an object of idolatry, leading the Israelites astray. Judges 8:27 states, "All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household." This incident highlights the danger of allowing even well-intentioned actions to deviate from God's commands.

Family and Legacy

Gideon's family life also presents challenges. He had many wives and seventy sons, and his son Abimelech, born to a concubine, later causes strife by murdering his brothers and declaring himself king (Judges 9). This act of violence and ambition can be seen as a consequence of Gideon's failure to establish a godly legacy and maintain order within his household.

In summary, while Gideon is celebrated for his faith and leadership, his life also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for offense when deviating from God's instructions and the importance of maintaining faithfulness in all aspects of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Power "In" and "Upon. "
... while the fields that were next to his were as dry as Gideon's fleece without ... again,
but he was absent; and I thought my teaching must have given him offense. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... probably it is in the middle of a campaign, it is marshalled for offense and defense,
and ... and the old war cry, "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon" shall yet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... Loring Grant, James Hall, George Harmon, Jonathan Huestis, Josiah Keyes, Gideon
Lanning, Ralph ... This address, which gave offense to those who were in favor of ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Acts XV
... the old battle-cry of "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon;" the Latter ... thus rebuked
by their equals, and would regard it as an unpardonable offense to give ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xv.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... would do if the authorities were to impose the fine for every offense. ... Donatistic
comparisons of the divine institution with the ark and Gideon's fleece, and ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

War! War! War!
... be hardened in his sin, speak gently, if it be his first offense, seeking not ... against
the heathen nations, and the sword of the Lord and of Gideon would smite ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/war war war.htm

Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the ...
... its hearing, upon which Mr. Pierpont Edwards and Mr. Gideon Granger were ... whether
ecclesiastical, civil, or military, for the first offense)."Swift's System ...
/.../chapter xiv political parties in.htm