Topical Bible: The Poor: Gideon

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Topical Encyclopedia

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 a testament to God's power and provision, often highlighting themes of humility, faith, and divine intervention.

Background and Call

Gideon was from the tribe of Manasseh, specifically from the family of Abiezer. His account begins with the Israelites suffering under the Midianite oppression due to their disobedience to God. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel, destroying crops and livestock, leaving the Israelites impoverished and desperate (Judges 6:1-6).

In this context of poverty and distress, the Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel addressed him with the words, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was chosen by God to lead Israel against their oppressors.

Gideon's Humility and Faith

Gideon's response to God's call reflects his humility and awareness of his lowly status. He questioned, "How can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house" (Judges 6:15). Despite his humble beginnings and the poverty of his people, Gideon demonstrated faith by seeking confirmation from God through signs, such as the famous fleece test (Judges 6:36-40).

Victory Over the Midianites

God's instructions to Gideon were unconventional, emphasizing reliance on divine power rather than human strength. Gideon initially gathered 32,000 men to fight the Midianites, but God reduced this number to just 300 to ensure that the victory would be attributed to Him alone (Judges 7:2-7). Armed with trumpets, jars, and torches, Gideon's small army defeated the Midianites, showcasing God's ability to deliver His people regardless of their material wealth or military might (Judges 7:19-22).

Gideon's Legacy

Gideon's leadership brought peace to Israel for forty years. However, his account also serves as a cautionary tale. After his victory, Gideon made an ephod from the gold collected from the spoils of war, which became a snare to him and his family, leading Israel into idolatry (Judges 8:24-27). This highlights the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptations of wealth and power.

Gideon's life and actions illustrate the biblical principle that God often chooses the humble and the poor in spirit to accomplish His purposes. His account encourages believers to trust in God's strength rather than their own resources, reminding them that true victory and provision come from the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 6:15
And he said to him, Oh my Lord, with which shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers
... Midianites." Gideon answered the angel: [Illustration: The angel touched the offering
with his staff]. "O, Lord, how can I save Israel? Mine is a poor family in ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of gideon and.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... GRACE ABOUNDING TO THE CHIEF OF SINNERS OR, A BRIEF RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY
OF GOD IN CHRIST, TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN. ... But alas, poor wretch! ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones.
... And Gideon said unto Him: O my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family
is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least of my father's house. ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter iv the service common.htm

A Battle Without a Sword
... poor loaf to do it! Some mightier than human hand must have set it going on its
career. So the soldier interprets that God had delivered the army into Gideon's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a battle without a sword.htm

Discouragement
... and thou shalt save Israel from the hands of the Midianites: have I not sent thee?"
This ought to have been enough for Gideon, but he was a poor unknown man ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 13 discouragement.htm

The Third Season
... it not shamefully undervaluing the great God, and too much magnifying poor impotent
man ... use" What think you was the reason of that great examination Gideon made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
... It took two miracles to persuade Gideon; Moses harbored distrust (Exodus 3. iv.),
and was ... and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlv the baptists inquiry and.htm

'Fit, Though Few'
... Gideon and his men are on the south side of the valley, above the fountain of ... our
lesson does, 'that no flesh should glory in His presence.' Eleven poor men on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm

The New Sinai
... And, no doubt, Jesus intended them to act like Gideon's test, and to sift out ... The
word rendered 'poor' does not only signify one in a condition of want, but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the new sinai.htm

Jesus and the Bethany Sisters.
... The poor woman's cup of cold water was all she could give. ... Gideon's pitchers
were broken as his men revealed themselves to the enemy. ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter x jesus and the.htm