Explore the Bible By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
TIMID WARRIOR
Judges 6:11–16, 25–32
Gideon’s name means “one who cuts to pieces.” By the time we finish reading the Gideon cycle (6:11–8:35), we understand how appropriate that name is. His name is even listed in the Hall of Fame of Old Testament saints (Heb. 11:32). In this introductory passage, however, we see a man who is fearful, cynical and doubtful. In fact he had some of the characteristics of people we cross paths with every day.
Unsure and Untested (11–16)
The Midianites were a threat to the people of Israel. In order to keep the harvest from being stolen or destroyed by their marauding neighbors, Gideon was threshing his sheaves in a winepress. When God sent His messenger to call out Gideon, his greeting was disconcerting to Gideon. Why would God call him a mighty warrior?
Gideon questions the presence of God among Israel, asking why God was allowing the Midianites to overrun the land. He even accuses God of abandoning His people when they need Him most. When Gideon hears that God will deliver Israel through Gideon’s obedience, he questions God. In fact as God calls Gideon to this God-sized task of defeating the Midianite armies, Gideon responds with the same incredulity that Moses had at the burning bush — “How could God use someone like me?” God answers, “I will be with you” (see also Ex. 3:12).
Unfortunately the same accusations come from people today when circumstances do not fulfill expectations. Like Gideon, we keep changing our requirements, looking to see if God will give us a sign or meet our tests (6:17, 36–40). Fortunately for Gideon, God confirmed His calling through signs and circumstances though He was under no obligation to do so. As a result Gideon stepped out in obedience to His call.
A First Step (25–27)
God met with Gideon, providing a sign to confirm his calling. This terrified Gideon until the Lord spoke: “Peace.” Gideon called the place, “The Lord is peace.” Once he received the peace of God that night, Gideon tore down his father’s Baal altar and Asherah poles. He did this at night out of fear of retribution. Gideon then built a new altar and sacrificed a bull as a burnt offering to the Lord. This offering was to atone for the idolatrous sins of his father’s house.
A Father’s Defense (28–32)
Joash, Gideon’s father, protected his son. First he gave him sanctuary in his home. Under his protection none of the men of the village could touch Gideon without dad’s permission. Second he knew his son. Gideon would not have done such a thing unless he had had an encounter with God. Finally Joash told the men that if Baal is truly a god, he can defend himself against a mere mortal.
What was the sentence for worshipping false gods in Israel? Death. Isn’t it interesting that the men of Joash’s village had so compromised their convictions that they believed the dignity of Baal, the fertility god, and of his goddess consort, Asherah, had to be defended though they were holding the law of God in utter contempt? Beware of using worldly measures to assess the people of God.
Gideon went on to serve God and His people well. He learned that God would rather use a few good men to accomplish His purposes than to use a mighty army. God gave him victory over the Midianites and the Amalekites, and the Lord brought peace to the land (8:28).
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