Judges 6: Gideon the Weak Warrior

Judges 6

So far in judges, we have discussed the first 3 major judges, Othniel, Ehud, and Deborah, all of whom had epic stories. They defeated their oppressors, delivered Israel, and restored peace to the Promised Land for a combined 160 years. In Judges 6, the next 3 major judges have longer stories and more character flaws that worsen with each story and each cycle of sin.

HAYLEY’S BIBLE BENDER:

Gideon’s story is interesting to me. Susan says, “It appears God has chosen another unlikely, handicapped judge.

His family: weak

- - He is from the worst clan of the tribe of Manasseh.
  - And he is at the bottom of the bottom, the least in his family, which means he will have no political clout.

His Education: weak

- - - He really doesn’t know much about God, his covenant, or his promises.

His Self-esteem: weak

- - - He is hiding from the Midianites in fear.
    - He doubts his ability to influence his own tribe, let alone the rest of Israel.

The Lord responds with encouragement…

¹⁶The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

¹⁷Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.

First, Gideon doubted himself, then Gideon doubts that this is God.

He asks for a sign. He is the first in the Old Testament to do so. Normally as in Moses’ story, God provided a sign, but Moses had not asked.
The fact that Gideon asked at all, is a sign of a lack of faith!
- Unlike Moses, trusting God will be a struggle for Gideon.
- And Gideon’s lack of trust is rooted in not knowing God and not remembering what God has done for him.

What takeaway do you have from Susan’s thoughts here? It’s definitely something to ponder when it comes to how our faith stacks up with God speaks to us.

What was your Bible bender from Judges 6? Did you learn anything new?

VERSES MENTIONED:

The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.