Day 94, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Judges 6–7
(to review the chronological order of Judges, see more...)• “I couldn't do that.”
• “God couldn't possibly use me.”
• “If you only knew my past.”
• “I am not talented like....”
These are excuses people use when faced with challenges greater than themselves. Yet, if God calls us to a challenge, it means we have to depend on him to get the victory. If we only attempt the things which we can do, we don't need God and he'll not get the glory. The LORD delights to show himself strong, even in the most unlikely circumstances with some of the most unlikely people. The LORD can use those who start small in faith.
In the period of Judges, Israel has been getting herself into trouble because she doesn't have a king; each person does what is right in his own eyes. God should've been their king, but the Israelites reject him and live their way . When Israel gets herself into trouble and cries out to the LORD in her misery, God commissions judges (military leaders). They deliver her from the oppression of her enemies.
In today's Bible reading, the Midianites swarm in the land like locusts each harvest season. They destroy everything, both plants, and cattle, and leave God's people with nothing to eat.
When the Israelites cry out to the LORD for help, he rebukes them for turning away from him to worship other gods. In his mercy, however, he sends a deliverer, Gideon.
Gideon is not a famous champion; he's from the weakest clan in the tribe of Manasseh, and he's the least important in his family. Gideon has the heart of a warrior, yes, but he's afraid. He's threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianite raiders (Judges 6:11,15,27,36-40; 7:9-11).
The Angel of the LORD appears to him and tells him to save Israel. Gideon is doubtful. The LORD turns to him and says, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?” (Judges 6:14, NIV). Like many of us, when we're afraid, Gideon asks for signs so he knows it's God asking him to do these things and not his imagination. The LORD assures him, “I am with you” (Judges 6:16, NIV).
Gideon is hospitable to the angel of the LORD and wants to hear more about this assignment. He prepares a meal for him. When it was ready,
The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared (Judges 6:20-21). The LORD demonstrated to Gideon that he's Almighty and has the power to do the impossible. Gideon then takes courage.
God's assignment, however, leaves him fearful once again. God instructs this mighty warrior to demolish the idol of Baal, the false Canaanite god, and then build an altar to the LORD in its place. Finally, God tells him to use the wood from the Asherah pole to light a fire for animal sacrifice to the one true God (Judges 6:25-27). This desecration of the idols would threaten Gideon's life, but God is showing Midian and Israel he is more powerful than their false gods.
Gideon is afraid, so he gathers ten of his servants and does the deed at night, but he still obeys. God doesn't call us to smash the idols in our land, but are we willing to do his will? Will we be faithful even if the task could involve risks?
After destroying the idols, the Spirit of the LORD comes upon Gideon. He calls the northern tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali to arms. 32,000 Israelites come to fight against 135,000 Midianite, Amalekite, and other eastern armies.
Gideon's spirit is willing, but his flesh is weak. Gideon asks for a sign. He has a fleece of wool. One morning, he asks God to make the wool wet but the ground dry. God does it. Still uncertain, the next morning he asks God to make the wool dry but the ground wet. God grants this request, too. Although God could've judged Gideon for testing his patience, he doesn't. Instead, he's gracious to assure Gideon by confirming his will through the signs.
Then God does something unthinkable—he reduces the small Israelite army so everyone will know only the LORD can give Israel victory. Gideon sends 22,000 of the 32,000 men home because they're afraid. Then, of the 10,000 men who remain, the LORD chooses only 300 to fight. He sends the rest home. The odds are overwhelming against Israel.
God Reasurres Gideon
Although Gideon doesn't ask for it, once more the LORD provides him assurance that he is with him. He tells Gideon if he's afraid, he should go to the Midianite camp at night. When he does this, he hears a dream and its interpretation from some Midianite soldiers. This gives him courage. Immediately, Gideon and his aide return to camp and awaken the 300 Israelite soldiers for an attack. He gives each torch lamps and trumpets. They surround the Midianite camp at night, break the lamps and blow the horns. In the confusion of darkness, the Midianite army panics, and the soldiers slay themselves. Did Gideon win the battle? Yes, with the LORD's help.
God gets the glory for the battles only he can win.
Focus Verse
Exodus 15:11 (NIV) “Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you-- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
Discussion
If we only attempt the things which we can do, we do not need God and he will not get the glory. Is this true? Why do we do it? What things might we do with God’s help?
Do we have to be a giant in the faith for God to use us? Does our past matter to God? Do you know anyone who had small faith and the LORD blessed? Explain
The first step of obedience to the LORD was for Gideon to do something hard—destroy the foreign gods at his father’s house. God does not ask us to do that, but what he asks may involve risks. What might be some first steps of obedience for some people?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: God gives the victory to those who trust him, even if they are small in faith. However, there are perils in leadership. How do we overcome them? Find out in our Next Lesson.
page re-edited 7-4-23
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