Great Stories of the Bible — Part 17 Gideon: Judges 6–8

Great Stories of the Bible — Part 17
Gideon: Judges 6–8

Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, also your son’s son, for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.” But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
— Judges 8:22–23

A Cycle of Obedience and Rebellion

The time of Gideon was marked by a repeating pattern in Israel’s history: obedience, disobedience, discipline, repentance, and deliverance. God raised up judges to deliver His people from their oppressors, and Gideon was one of those chosen leaders. In fact, he’s listed among the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11:32.

For seven long years, the Israelites suffered under the hand of the Midianites, descendants of Abraham through Keturah. Forced to hide in caves and hills, they lived in fear. Every harvest, the Midianites would invade and take what they pleased. Israel cried out to God, and He sent a prophet to remind them of their disobedience — they had worshiped other gods.

Gideon’s Calling

One day, while Gideon was threshing grain in a hidden winepress, the angel of the LORD appeared to him and declared, “The LORD is with you, O valiant warrior.” Gideon questioned how God could be with them when they were suffering so much. But God called him to deliver Israel, even though Gideon considered himself the least of his family and tribe. God promised, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man.”

Gideon asked for a sign, and the angel consumed his offering with fire. That night, God commanded him to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole beside it. Gideon obeyed, though he did it under the cover of darkness. When the townspeople demanded his death, his father boldly answered that Baal could defend himself.

Soon, the Midianites and Amalekites crossed the Jordan to attack. God’s Spirit came upon Gideon, and he summoned warriors from Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali. Still uncertain, Gideon asked for signs with a fleece — first wet while the ground was dry, then dry while the ground was wet — and God answered him both times.

The Victory of the 300

At the spring of Harod, Gideon gathered his army. But God told him he had too many men — Israel might claim the victory for itself. Twenty-two thousand fearful men went home, leaving 10,000. Then God tested them at the water: those who lapped water like a dog were chosen. Only 300 remained.

Gideon, still needing reassurance, crept down to the Midianite camp at night and overheard a soldier’s dream predicting his victory. Encouraged, he armed his 300 men with trumpets, jars, and torches. Divided into three groups, they surrounded the camp. At Gideon’s signal, they blew the trumpets, smashed the jars, revealed the torches, and shouted, “For the LORD and for Gideon!” In panic, the Midianites fled, turning on each other in the chaos. Israel pursued and captured their leaders.

Gideon’s Refusal to Rule

After the victory, the people wanted to make Gideon their king. But he refused, declaring, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.” Sadly, Gideon later made an ephod from the gold plunder, which became an object of idolatry. After his death, Israel again returned to pagan worship.

Lessons from Gideon

1. God finds us where we hide.
Gideon was hiding in a winepress when God called him a valiant warrior. We, too, may hide behind fear, insecurity, or doubt — but God sees what we can become through His power.

2. God turns weakness into strength.
Gideon saw himself as insignificant, but God saw a leader. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

3. God strengthens our faith.
Gideon needed multiple signs — and God graciously provided them. Like Thomas in John 20:26–29, God meets us where we are, but He also calls us to believe.

4. Give God the glory.
God reduced Gideon’s army so that no one could boast. Gideon declared God as king, but Israel soon forgot. We must always remember to give glory to the One who brings the victory.

Conclusion

The story of Gideon reminds us that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He meets us in our weakness, calls us to trust Him, and gives us the victory. The question is: will we let Him bring us to where He wants us to be? Will we surrender to Him today?

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