Topical Encyclopedia Gideon, a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, is a compelling example of private prayer and divine interaction. His account, primarily found in Judges 6-8, illustrates the importance of personal communication with God, especially in times of doubt and uncertainty.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 narrative begins with the Israelites crying out to the Lord for deliverance, setting the stage for Gideon's divine calling. The Call of Gideon Gideon's initial encounter with God occurs in Judges 6:11-24. The Angel of the Lord appears to him while he is threshing wheat in a winepress, a sign of the oppressive conditions under which the Israelites lived. The Angel addresses him as a "mighty warrior," a title that surprises Gideon given his humble circumstances. In this private moment, Gideon expresses his doubts and questions God's presence, saying, "If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?" (Judges 6:13). This candid dialogue highlights the personal nature of Gideon's prayer life, where he openly shares his fears and uncertainties with God. The Sign of the Fleece Gideon's private prayer life is further exemplified in the well-known episode of the fleece (Judges 6:36-40). Seeking confirmation of God's promise to save Israel through him, Gideon asks for a sign. He places a fleece on the threshing floor and requests that dew fall only on the fleece while the ground remains dry. God graciously grants this request, and Gideon, still seeking assurance, asks for the opposite sign the following night. Again, God complies, demonstrating His patience and willingness to engage with Gideon's need for reassurance. Gideon's Altar Another significant moment of private prayer occurs when Gideon builds an altar to the Lord, calling it "The LORD Is Peace" (Judges 6:24). This act of worship and dedication is a personal response to God's revelation and promise. It signifies Gideon's growing faith and commitment to the divine mission entrusted to him. Gideon's Leadership and Continued Prayer As Gideon leads the Israelites against the Midianites, his reliance on private prayer and divine guidance remains evident. Before the battle, God instructs Gideon to reduce his army, ensuring that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength (Judges 7:2-7). Gideon's obedience to these instructions reflects his trust in God's plan, cultivated through his personal prayer life. Conclusion Gideon's account is a testament to the power of private prayer in seeking God's guidance and assurance. His candid conversations with God, requests for signs, and acts of worship underscore the importance of personal communication with the Divine. Through these private interactions, Gideon grows in faith and becomes a vessel for God's deliverance of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 6:22,36,39And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Carey's Last Days Footnotes: The Life of Mr. Donald Cargil. Carey's College The Scotch Covenants and the Scotch Kirk. Cheer Up, My Comrades! Centenary Commemoration General Conference of 1824 The King after Man's Heart Some Hymns of Great Witnesses. Resources Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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