What was Gideon known for in the Bible?
Gideon was the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh and lived in Ephra (Ophrah). As a leader of the Israelites, he won a decisive victory over a Midianite army despite a vast numerical disadvantage, leading a troop of 300 "valiant" men.
What can we learn from the story of Gideon?
Gideon's story — and indeed that of all those forgetful Israelites — shows how easily we can slip away from God's guidance and fall into real trouble. It doesn't take much. We get so busy and distracted. But we can't become lax in seeking God's will for our lives, praying, reading, studying and thinking about his word.
What was God's promise to Gideon?
God promised Gideon victory and safety. God then asked Gideon to gather some unleavened cakes and some meat and after Gideon did this he set them on a rock and God consumed them with fire. Gideon realizing it was God built an altar to Him.
What is the spiritual meaning of Gideon?
Gideon (Hebrew: גדעון) is a masculine given name and surname of Hebrew origin which translates to "feller" or "hewer" (i.e. 'great warrior') in Hebrew. It can also be interpreted as "One who has a stump in place of a hand" or "One who cuts down".
Why is the story of Gideon important?
Gideon served as the fifth major judge over Israel. He destroyed an altar to the pagan god Baal, earning him the name Jerub-Baal, meaning contender with Baal. Gideon united the Israelites against their common enemies and through God's power, defeated them. Gideon is listed in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11.
How did Gideon show his faith to God?
We ended last week with Gideon tearing down his own father's altar to the false god, Baal, along with the pole next to it. Then, he built an honorable altar to the one true God and, using the wood scraps from the pole, sacrificed one of his father's bulls to the God of Israel.
How does the story of Gideon relate to Jesus?
Gideon's story is so compelling because it reminds us of another story, a bigger story which this one points to: Jesus' story. No one expected the Christ to look and act like Jesus. He was not of royalty or nobility. He was the son of a modest, likely lower-middle class couple.
Who was the angel that spoke to Gideon?
The angel of the LordThe angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, and in verse 22 Gideon fears for his life because he has seen the angel of the Lord face to face, which is similar to when others in the Tanakh (Old Testament) fear they will die because they have seen God.
Why did God tell Gideon to reduce the number of his army?
As for bragging rights, God reduced their numbers and crafted a battle plan that would leave no doubt about the source of their victory. “You can learn from this that you can do anything through God,” says Marshall, 11.
How do you become a Gideon?
Membership in The Gideons International generally consists of current or retired business or professional men (except clergy) aged 21 or older who are members in good standing of an evangelical or Protestant church, and adhere to the core spiritual beliefs of the organization.
What can we learn from Gideon story about fear and courage?
What can we learn about courage and calling from this story? 1. God doesn't call the brave; he makes brave the called. When God comes to you, he never starts with what you are; he starts with what he intends to make you in Christ.
What does the name Gedeon mean?
DestroyerIn Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Gedeon is: Destroyer.
What can we learn from Gideon story about fear and courage?
What can we learn about courage and calling from this story? 1. God doesn't call the brave; he makes brave the called. When God comes to you, he never starts with what you are; he starts with what he intends to make you in Christ.
What can you learn from the Book of Judges?
The book also teaches us about sin. The whole reason the judges were needed was because the people of God kept rebelling. They would rebel, be handed over to their enemies for punishment, call out for help, be delivered, and then have a time of peace. This cycle repeats itself through the book.
How does the story of Gideon relate to Jesus?
Gideon's story is so compelling because it reminds us of another story, a bigger story which this one points to: Jesus' story. No one expected the Christ to look and act like Jesus. He was not of royalty or nobility. He was the son of a modest, likely lower-middle class couple.
How do you become a Gideon?
Membership in The Gideons International generally consists of current or retired business or professional men (except clergy) aged 21 or older who are members in good standing of an evangelical or Protestant church, and adhere to the core spiritual beliefs of the organization.
What is the story of Gideon?
The story of Gideon begins with a graphic portrayal of one of the most striking facts of life in the Fertile Crescent: the periodic migration of nomadic peoples into the settled areas of Canaan. Each spring the tents of the Bedouin herdsmen appeared overnight almost as if by magic, scattered on the hills and fields of the farming districts. Conflict between these two ways of life (herdsmen and farmers) was inevitable.
What were Gideon's demands?
Second, even more so than in the reading of omens, like the liver of a sheep (called “extispicy”), Gideon’s demand that Yahweh treat his fleece differently than the environment around it operated on simple binary principles — it could only yield a yes or no answer. Third, in keeping with a common purpose of Mesopotamian divination, Gideon’s aim was to reassure himself of divine support for the venture against the Midianites. Fourth, like many ancient diviners, Gideon apparently was not confident in the verdict of a single sign; he needed reinforcement through a second performance of the test. Indeed, the results of his first test could be explained as what would normally happen. Irregular events or observations were needed to gain omens. So, when soft and absorbent material is left overnight on the hard ground or the rocky surface of a threshing floor, in the morning it will feel wetter than the ground around it. This is normal. Gideon therefore demands reiteration through a reversal of the phenomena: wet fleece, dry ground, followed by dry fleece, wet ground. His request that Yahweh do something that would be regarded as abnormal is analogous to diviners seeking reinforcement through signs of a different genre and involving a different realm. Celestial omens would be sought out to try to confirm terrestrial omens or extispicy (examination of the entrails of sacrificed animals). It is likely that Gideon only requested the normal occurrence the first night to give Yahweh the benefit of the doubt. The angel had already told him that he would be the deliverer. Gideon is simply giving an opportunity to change the instructions.
Why did Gideon ask for celestial omens?
It is likely that Gideon only requested the normal occurrence the first night to give Yahweh the benefit of the doubt. The angel had already told him that he would be the deliverer.
What did Gideon do when he heard the dream?
15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, “Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.”
How many men left Mount Gilead?
3 Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.
Who took the men down to the water?
5 So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.”
Why is the Battle of Harod celebrated?
The battle at the spring of Harod is justly celebrated for its strategic brilliance. Denied the use of the only local water source, the Midianites camped in the valley and fell victim to the small band of Israelites that attacked them from the heights of the hill of Moreh.
Who is the father of Gideon?
Joash, the father of Gideon, then tells them if Baal really is a god he will kill Gideon himself, saving his son. Seeking reassurance from the Lord, Gideon requests prove of God's promise to save Israel using a fleece. Encouraged by the acts of God, Gideon and his men then travel near the camp of Midian and prepare for battle.
What chapter does Gideon save the people of Israel?
Bible Articles Videos Audio. In this Bible story, from chapter 6 of the book of Judges, Gideon is called upon to save the people of Israel by leading them against the Midianites. In a common theme of apostasy, the people of Israel had done "what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian.".
How many men did Gideon have to defeat the Midianites?
It is clear that God wants the Israelites to realize his divine validity, telling Gideon to lessen his army from thousands to just 300 men to defeat the Midianites. Also, Gideon overhears from a dream of one of the Midianites that he is destined to conquer Midian and save the Israelites from oppression.
What is the first task Gideon is commanded to fulfill?
The first task he is commanded to fulfill is destroying the Altar of Baal the Israelites have constructed, evidence of their apostasy. And so, during the night, Gideon and ten of his men took down the Altar of Baal making the townspeople very angry and asking for the death of the altar destroyer. Joash, the father of Gideon, then tells them ...
What did the Midianites do to the Israelites?
The Midianites were capturing any crops produced by the Israelites, giving them grief. When the people of Israel realized the error of their ways and cried out for help to the Lord, a prophet was sent to deliver them as they had been rescued from Egypt.
What did the Israelites do in Judges 6?
Judges 6. 1 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 2 Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, ...
What did the angel tell Gideon?
The angel told Gideon that God is sending him to "save Israel from the hand of Midian.". Although at first Gideon doubts his ability to do so, he is heartened that God will be with him in this mission.
What is the background of Gideon's life?
The account of Gideon’s life is recorded in Judges 6:11-8:32 . The backdrop for Gideon’s biography begins with the Israelites being ravaged by the Midianites as a consequence of their disobedience to God ( Judges 6:1 ). For seven years they faced invasions from the Midianites, Amalekites, and Eastern foreigners who ruined their crops and destroyed their cattle. Although they had been unfaithful to God by worshiping the gods of the Amorites, they cried out to God for His help without realizing why this was happening to them ( Judges 6:6 ). And so God sends them a prophet to remind them of how the one true God had provided for them in the past and yet how quickly they had forsaken Him ( Judges 6:8-10 ).
What did Gideon do to compromise his faith?
So, it is with great surprise that we see Gideon go on to compromise his faith by requesting they all contribute gold from the plunder of the battle so he could create an “ephod,” a breastplate or mask used in cultic worship ( Judges 8:24-26 ). And, as we see in verse 27, it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
Why did Gideon receive an anointing from the Lord?
It was because of this anointing that he was able to accomplish the mission that God had set before him.
How many troops did Gideon have before the battle?
These were the men whose idols he had destroyed and who had renamed him “ Jerub-baal ” ( Judges 6:32 ). Before entering battle, Gideon’s troops number 32,000, but in obedience to God he reduces them by 22,000 ( Judges 7:2-3 ). Again in obedience to God he decreases the remaining 10,000 by a further 9,700, leaving him with just 300 men (vss. 7-8).
Why did Gideon recognize God as the real victor in the battle?
When the Israelites wanted to honor him as their king for triumphing over their enemies and restoring Israel’s pride, Gideon, recognizing God as the real victor in the battle, declines their request and affords the rightful sovereignty to God.
How long did the Amorites face invasion?
For seven years they faced invasions from the Midianites, Amalekites, and Eastern foreigners who ruined their crops and destroyed their cattle. Although they had been unfaithful to God by worshiping the gods of the Amorites, they cried out to God for His help without realizing why this was happening to them ( Judges 6:6 ). ...
What does Paul say about the renewing of your mind?
As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will” ( Romans 12:2 ).
What did Gideon ask God for?
The uncertain leader. Gideon took on the role reluctantly. He asked God for signs time and time again. First, the angel summoned fire to consume the food Gideon had brought. Afterwards, Gideon put out a fleece of wool on two consecutive nights, first asking for the fleece to be wet and the ground to be dry, then for the fleece to be dry and ...
Why did Gideon take the army to the river?
In obedience to God’s leading, Gideon took the army to the river to drink. Only those who lapped up the water with their tongues, drinking like a dog drinks, were allowed to stay, while everyone else was sent home. When the dust had settled, Gideon was left with only 300 men!
Why did the Midianites terrorize Israel?
Because the people of Israel had turned away from God, He allowed the Midianites to terrorize Israel for seven years, destroying their land and livestock. Judges 7:12 says the Midianites were “as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.”
How many men did the Midianites have to overcome?
Their mighty strength had been overcome by a mere 300 men led by Gideon, a man of God.
How many soldiers left Gideon?
Overnight, 22,000 of Gideon’s soldiers left. This must have been a severe blow to Gideon. As leader of 32,000 men, he would have begun to think it was possible. With only 10,000 men, it was nearly impossible!
Does God's direction make sense?
God’s directions may not always make sense to us. As humans, we are short-sighted and weak. We fall time and time again when we trust in our own strength instead of striving to find and to do God’s will in our lives. Gideon was about to experience this firsthand in his life.
Who is the greatest, the strongest, the most wise?
Those who see themselves as the greatest, the strongest, the most wise, will have a hard time hearing God’s voice above their own high thoughts and opinions. However, those who are lowly, with open and receptive hearts, will be able to become God’s men of valor, ready to do His will.
What does Gideon claim in the Bible?from biblegateway.com
Although Gideon appears to reject the Israelites’ invitation to rule over them and found a hereditary dynasty, by ancient Near Eastern standards all his actions hereafter are typical of kings: (1) he claims the lion’s share of the plunder from battle for himself (vv. 24 – 26 ); (2) he claims the purple garments of the Midianite kings ( v. 26 ); (3) he establishes a national cult center complete with divine image ( v. 27 ); (4) he is identified by patronymic (“Jerub-Baal son of Joash,” v. 29) and lives in his house; (5) he establishes a large harem and fathers 70 sons (vv. 30 – 31 ); (6) he names his son Abimelek, which means “my father is king” ( v. 31 ).
What did the Lord say to Gideon?from openbible.info
The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’
What were Gideon's demands?from biblegateway.com
Second, even more so than in the reading of omens, like the liver of a sheep (called “extispicy”), Gideon’s demand that Yahweh treat his fleece differently than the environment around it operated on simple binary principles — it could only yield a yes or no answer. Third, in keeping with a common purpose of Mesopotamian divination, Gideon’s aim was to reassure himself of divine support for the venture against the Midianites. Fourth, like many ancient diviners, Gideon apparently was not confident in the verdict of a single sign; he needed reinforcement through a second performance of the test. Indeed, the results of his first test could be explained as what would normally happen. Irregular events or observations were needed to gain omens. So, when soft and absorbent material is left overnight on the hard ground or the rocky surface of a threshing floor, in the morning it will feel wetter than the ground around it. This is normal. Gideon therefore demands reiteration through a reversal of the phenomena: wet fleece, dry ground, followed by dry fleece, wet ground. His request that Yahweh do something that would be regarded as abnormal is analogous to diviners seeking reinforcement through signs of a different genre and involving a different realm. Celestial omens would be sought out to try to confirm terrestrial omens or extispicy (examination of the entrails of sacrificed animals). It is likely that Gideon only requested the normal occurrence the first night to give Yahweh the benefit of the doubt. The angel had already told him that he would be the deliverer. Gideon is simply giving an opportunity to change the instructions.
What is the first task Gideon is commanded to fulfill?from biblestudytools.com
The first task he is commanded to fulfill is destroying the Altar of Baal the Israelites have constructed, evidence of their apostasy. And so, during the night, Gideon and ten of his men took down the Altar of Baal making the townspeople very angry and asking for the death of the altar destroyer. Joash, the father of Gideon, then tells them ...
What did the people of Israel do in the sight of the Lord?from openbible.info
The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. They would encamp against them and devour the produce of the land, as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel and no sheep or ox or donkey. For they would come up with their livestock and their tents; they would come like locusts in number—both they and their camels could not be counted—so that they laid waste the land as they came in. ...
What did Gideon ask for?from openbible.info
And Gideon said to them, “Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil.” (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, “We will willingly give them.” And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil. And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian, and besides the collars that were around the necks of their camels. And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.
How long did the hand of Midian overpower Israel?from openbible.info
The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds.
What did God say to Gideon?
God appeared to Gideon as an angel and said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.". (Judges 6:12, NIV) Don't miss the hint of humor in the angel’s greeting. The "mighty warrior" is threshing secretly for fear of the Midianites. Gideon replied:
What is Gideon's story in the Bible?
Gideon's Story in the Bible. After seven years of brutal oppression by the Midianites, Israel cried out to God for relief. An unknown prophet told the Israelites that their wretched conditions were a result of their forgetting to give exclusive devotion to the one true God.
What did the Lord encourage Gideon to do?
Two more times the Lord encouraged Gideon, promising he would be with him. Then Gideon prepared a meal for the angel. The angel touched the meat and unleavened bread with his staff, and the rock they were sitting on spewed fire, consuming the offering.
How many sons did Gideon have?
Later in life, Gideon took many wives and fathered 70 sons. His son Abimelech, born to a concubine, rebelled and murdered all 70 of his half-brothers. Abimelech died in battle, ending his short, wicked reign. The life of this hero of faith ended on a sad note.
Why did God give Gideon the fleece?
God was patient with Gideon because he had chosen him to defeat the Midianites, who had impoverished the land of Israel with their constant raids.
What were Gideon's weaknesses?
Weaknesses. In the beginning, Gideon's faith was weak and needed proof from God. He showed great doubt toward the Rescuer of Israel. Gideon made an ephod from Midianite gold, which became an idol to his people. He also took a foreigner for a concubine, fathering a son who turned evil.
What did Gideon give each man?
That night, Gideon gave each man a trumpet and a torch concealed inside a pottery jar. At his signal, they blew their trumpets, broke the jars to reveal the torches, and shouted: "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20, NIV)
Who Was Gideon?
Gideon was a young Israelite man living in Ophrah. He was the youngest son of Joash, who was of the family of Abiezer. His family line belonged to the tribe of Manasseh.
6 Reminders from the Life of Gideon
The primary theme of the Book of Judges is that if you put your trust and dependence on the Lord, He will give you direction. Gideon expresses this theme and gives us these six reminders we can use in our lives today.
1. God Always Sees the Best in Us
In chapter 6 of Judges, we find Gideon going about his business of threshing wheat in a winepress. He is a young man trying to help his family get the grain they need and keep the Midianites from finding it. What the reader learns is that Gideon and his family are hiding from the Midianites and other groups that want to harm them.
2. Idol Worship Is Unacceptable
People today can often forget that we worship idols too. They don’t look the same as they did in Gideon ’s time. While we don’t have golden calves in our yards, we hold wealth, status, time, and many other things as idols. Anything that separates us from God is an idol.
3. We Are All Unfinished Products
The beginning of Gideon’s story paints the picture of a young man who is scared, complacent, and hiding from his enemies. Fear has infiltrated Gideon’s heart and the hearts of all Israelites. The tribe of Manasseh is weak, and Gideon doesn’t seem to have much hope of life getting any better. Some readers might even call Gideon a coward.
4. Let No Man Rule in Your Life
Once Gideon had fought the Midianites, the Israelites request he rule over them. They felt that Gideon had saved them from certain demise. In their persuasion, they remind Gideon that his children and grandchildren would have the spoils of royalty.
5. A Little Can Be a Lot
Gideon was just a young boy when God called Him out. He didn’t feel that he had what it would take to complete the enormous task God was giving him. What he didn’t understand was that God was not looking at Gideon’s qualifications in that moment. His call had nothing to do with the quantity of deeds Gideon had done.
What did Gideon say to him?
So Gideon said to Him, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who speak with me.
How many men did Gideon take?
Then Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had spoken to him; and because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night.
What did Gideon do to the Asherah?
and build an altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold in an orderly manner, and take a second bull and offer a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah which you shall cut down." Then Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had spoken to him; and because he was too afraid of his father's household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night.
What does the Bible say about the second bull?
Now on the same night the Lord said to him, “Take your father’s bull and a second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal which belongs to your father, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it; Judges 6:16. Verse Concepts.
Where is Gideon buried?
And Gideon the son of Joash died at a ripe old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
How many sons did Gideon have?
Now Gideon had seventy sons who were his direct descendants, for he had many wives.
Who took the provisions of the people into their hands?
So the 300 men took the people’s provisions and their trumpets into their hands. And Gideon sent all the other men of Israel, each to his tent, but retained the 300 men; and the camp of Midian was below him in the valley. Judges 7:14. Verse Concepts. Those God Gave Into Their Hands.
What does the Gideons believe?
The Gideons International believes in the inerrancy of the Word of God, holding that it’ s the true story of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who was God’s Son, born of a virgin. And who died sinless on a cross as a sacrifice for the sin of all who put their faith in Him.
What is the mind of God in the Bible?
The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Is Heaven opened and the gates of Hell disclosed?
Here too, Heaven is opened and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.
