Topical Encyclopedia Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, where his account exemplifies the virtue of prudence. Gideon, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. His narrative is a testament to the careful and wise decision-making that characterizes prudence, as he navigated the challenges of leadership and warfare with divine guidance.Divine Calling and Initial Hesitation Gideon's prudence is first evident in his cautious response to God's call. When the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites, demonstrating his awareness of the oppressive circumstances (Judges 6:11). Despite his initial hesitation and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon sought confirmation of God's will through signs, such as the famous fleece test (Judges 6:36-40). This careful seeking of assurance reflects a prudent approach to discerning God's direction. Strategic Warfare Gideon's prudence is further highlighted in his strategic approach to warfare. When God instructed him to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 men, Gideon obeyed, trusting in God's wisdom over human strength (Judges 7:2-7). This decision required discernment and faith, as it defied conventional military logic. Gideon's subsequent victory over the Midianites, achieved through unconventional tactics involving trumpets, jars, and torches, underscores the effectiveness of prudent reliance on divine strategy (Judges 7:16-22). Leadership and Diplomacy Gideon's prudence extended to his leadership and diplomatic skills. After the victory, he skillfully managed tensions with the Ephraimites, who were initially upset for not being called to battle earlier. By acknowledging their contributions and downplaying his own role, Gideon diffused potential conflict (Judges 8:1-3). This episode illustrates his ability to maintain unity and peace among the tribes of Israel through wise and humble communication. Avoidance of Kingship In a further demonstration of prudence, Gideon refused the offer of kingship from the Israelites, recognizing that the Lord was their true ruler (Judges 8:22-23). His refusal to establish a dynastic rule reflects an understanding of God's sovereignty and a commitment to serving as a judge rather than a monarch. However, his later actions, such as creating an ephod that became a snare to Israel, reveal the complexities and challenges of maintaining prudence throughout one's life (Judges 8:24-27). Gideon's account, as recorded in the Book of Judges, serves as a rich example of prudence in action. His life illustrates the importance of seeking divine guidance, making strategic decisions, exercising wise leadership, and recognizing the limits of human authority. Through Gideon's narrative, believers are reminded of the value of prudence in fulfilling God's purposes amidst challenging circumstances. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 8:1-3And the men of Ephraim said to him, Why have you served us thus, that you called us not, when you went to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Battle Without a Sword 'Fit, Though Few' Works and Letters of St. Ambrose The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs March 11. "But Ye are a Chosen Generation, a Peculiar People" (I. ... The victory of Unarmed Faith Israel at the Red Sea Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! Disestablishment The Pilgrim's Progress Resources What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about common sense? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |
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