# Overview Judges Chapter 6 introduces us to the story of #Gideon, a pivotal figure during a time when #Israel was suffering under the oppression of the #Midianites. The chapter begins with the Israelites doing evil in the sight of the #LORD, leading to their subjugation for seven years. The Midianites, along with the #Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel, destroying their crops and leaving them impoverished. In their desperation, the Israelites cry out to the LORD for help. God responds by sending a prophet to remind them of His past deliverance and their disobedience, which led to their current plight. In this setting, an angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, calling him a "mighty warrior" and commissioning him to save Israel from Midian's grasp. Despite his initial hesitation and doubt, Gideon is reassured by the promise of God's presence and is given a sign through the miraculous consumption of his offering. The narrative continues with Gideon's first act of obedience to God's command, which involves tearing down his father's altar to #Baal and cutting down the #Asherah pole beside it. Under the cover of night, Gideon, with the help of ten of his servants, demolishes the altar and builds an altar to the LORD in its place, offering a bull as a burnt sacrifice. This bold act stirs the anger of the townspeople, who demand Gideon's death. However, Gideon's father, #Joash, defends him, arguing that if Baal is a god, he can defend himself. Gideon is then named #Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend against him." As the Midianites and their allies gather for battle, the Spirit of the LORD comes upon Gideon, empowering him to summon the tribes of #Manasseh, #Asher, #Zebulun, and #Naphtali to join the fight. Seeking further reassurance, Gideon asks for a sign from God through the fleece test, which God graciously provides, confirming His promise of victory. ## Theological Insights Judges 6 introduces us to the narrative of #Gideon, a pivotal figure in the #BookOfJudges. This chapter provides deep theological insights into God’s interaction with His people and His chosen leaders. 1. **Divine Calling and Human Weakness**: The chapter begins with the Israelites oppressed by the #Midianites due to their disobedience to God. In their distress, they cry out to the Lord, who responds by raising Gideon as their deliverer ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6#6|Judges 6:6]]). Gideon's initial reaction reflects human frailty and doubt, as he questions his own capacity and significance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6#15|Judges 6:15]]). Yet, God reassures him, emphasizing that divine empowerment is not dependent on human strength ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6#16|Judges 6:16]]). 2. **God’s Patience and Assurance**: Gideon requests signs to confirm God’s will and presence, notably the miracle of the fleece ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6#36|Judges 6:36-40]]). This demonstrates God's patience and understanding of human doubts. God graciously provides assurance, which highlights His desire for a relationship built on trust and obedience. 3. **The Altar to the Lord**: Gideon’s first act of obedience is to destroy the altar of #Baal and build an altar to the Lord ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6#25|Judges 6:25-26]]). This act signifies the necessity of removing idolatry and restoring true worship among God's people. It echoes the first commandment and underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel. 4. **God’s Sovereignty and Deliverance**: The narrative reinforces the theme of God’s sovereignty in delivering His people. Despite the overwhelming odds against Israel, God chooses Gideon, the least in his family from the weakest clan ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6#15|Judges 6:15]]). This choice underscores that God’s deliverance comes not through human might but through His power and purpose. 5. **Faith and Obedience**: The story of Gideon calls believers to faith and obedience. Despite his initial fear and doubts, Gideon ultimately obeys God, which leads to the eventual deliverance of Israel. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises and acting according to His guidance. In summary, Judges 6 offers profound insights into God’s character as a deliverer who responds to the cries of His people, His willingness to work through human weakness, and the necessity of faith and obedience in experiencing His deliverance. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning with God’s will to overcome challenges and fulfill His purposes. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Calling and Human Reluctance In Judges 6, the calling of #Gideon reflects a common biblical theme where God chooses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. Gideon's initial reluctance and questioning of his own capabilities echo the responses of other biblical figures such as [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Moses]], who doubted his ability to lead Israel out of Egypt, and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 1|Jeremiah]], who felt inadequate due to his youth. This theme highlights God's ability to empower and equip those He calls, regardless of their perceived weaknesses. ### Idolatry and Repentance The chapter begins with the Israelites suffering under #Midianite oppression as a consequence of their idolatry, a recurring pattern throughout the Book of Judges. This theme is consistent with the warnings given in the #Torah, particularly in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]], where disobedience to God leads to national calamity. The Israelites' cry to the Lord and His subsequent intervention demonstrate the theme of repentance leading to deliverance, as seen in earlier examples like the cycle of sin and deliverance in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3]]. ### Testing and Assurance of God's Presence Gideon's request for signs from God is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where individuals seek assurance of divine presence and favor. This theme is seen in the story of [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 28|Jacob]] at Bethel, who received a vision to confirm God's promise, and [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 33|Moses]], who sought reassurances of God's presence with Israel. Gideon's fleece tests underline the importance of divine confirmation in the face of daunting tasks. ### The Destruction of False Altars God's instruction to Gideon to destroy his father's altar to #Baal and the Asherah pole reflects the ongoing biblical theme of purging idolatry to restore true worship. This act parallels the reforms of later figures like [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 18|Elijah]], who confronted Baal worship, and [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 23|Josiah]], who instituted a nationwide religious reform. It signifies the necessity of removing false gods to establish authentic devotion to the Lord. ### Empowerment by the Spirit of the Lord The Spirit of the Lord coming upon Gideon, enabling him to summon Israel to battle, aligns with the theme of divine empowerment seen throughout Scripture. This is similar to the empowerment of individuals like [[Judges/Judges Chapter 14|Samson]], who achieved feats of strength through the Spirit, and [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2|the apostles]] at Pentecost, who were emboldened to spread the Gospel. This theme emphasizes that true strength and courage come from the Lord's presence and power. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Call of Gideon In Judges Chapter 6, the call of #Gideon reflects a familiar prophetic motif where God raises an unlikely hero to deliver #Israel. This theme echoes the promise of God’s deliverance seen throughout the Old Testament, such as with #Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]], where God raises a leader to liberate His people from oppression. The Angel of the Lord appearing to Gideon signifies divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to save and guide His people. ### The Covenant with Israel Gideon's mission to destroy the altar of #Baal and cut down the Asherah pole is a fulfillment of God's covenant requirements with Israel. This act aligns with the commands given in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 12]], where God instructs Israel to destroy pagan worship sites. Gideon's obedience to this command signifies a prophetic act of re-establishing the purity of worship and the centrality of God as Israel's only deity, thus fulfilling the covenantal stipulations for fidelity to God alone. ### The Sign of the Fleece The sign of the fleece that Gideon requests from God can be seen as a fulfillment of the divine assurance that God is with His chosen leader, similar to the signs given to #Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 4]]. The miraculous dew on the fleece, while the ground remains dry, and vice versa, is a prophetic sign that confirms God's presence and power, ensuring that Gideon's mission is divinely ordained and will succeed according to God's will. ### Deliverance from Midian The deliverance from the Midianites through Gideon fulfills God's consistent promise to deliver Israel from their oppressors, as seen in prior narratives such as the deliverance from #Egypt. This act of deliverance reflects the recurring prophetic theme of God raising deliverers to rescue His people, as promised in the covenant blessings outlined in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]]. Through Gideon, God demonstrates His faithfulness to His word and His sovereign ability to save Israel, pointing forward to the ultimate deliverance promised through the coming #Messiah. ## Verses - **Judges 6:1** - "The Israelites did evil in the LORD’s sight. So the LORD handed them over to the Midianites for seven years." - Notes: This marks the beginning of the oppression by the #Midianites. Similar to the cycle of sin and oppression found in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 2]]. - **Judges 6:2** - "The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds." - Notes: The Israelites' response to the oppression, as seen in their seeking of refuge. - **Judges 6:3** - "Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, marauders from Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east would attack Israel," - Notes: The #Amalekites are mentioned here, who have previously opposed Israel in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 17]]. - **Judges 6:4** - "camping in the land and destroying crops as far away as Gaza. They left the Israelites with nothing to eat, taking all the sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys." - **Judges 6:5** - "These enemy hordes, coming with their livestock and tents, were as thick as locusts. They arrived on droves of camels too numerous to count. And they stayed until the land was stripped bare." - **Judges 6:6** - "So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help." - Notes: The crying out to the LORD is a recurring theme in the book of Judges, as seen in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3]]. - **Judges 6:7** - "When they cried out to the LORD because of Midian," - **Judges 6:8** - "the LORD sent a prophet to the Israelites. He said, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of slavery in Egypt." - Notes: Reference to the deliverance from #Egypt, a significant event also recounted in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12]]. - **Judges 6:9** - "I rescued you from the Egyptians and from all who oppressed you. I drove out your enemies and gave you their land." - **Judges 6:10** - "I told you, ‘I am the LORD your God. You must not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you now live.’ But you have not listened to me." - Notes: Disobedience regarding the worship of other gods, similar to the warning given in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6]]. - **Judges 6:11** - "Then the angel of the LORD came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites." - Notes: Introduction of #Gideon, who becomes a key figure in the subsequent narrative. - **Judges 6:12** - "The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, 'Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!'" - **Judges 6:13** - "'Sir,' Gideon replied, 'if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The LORD brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the LORD has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.'" - Notes: Reference to the miracles of the #Exodus, questioning God's presence. - **Judges 6:14** - "Then the LORD turned to him and said, 'Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!'" - **Judges 6:15** - "'But Lord,' Gideon replied, 'how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!'" - Notes: Gideon's humility and doubt resonate with other biblical figures such as #Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]]. - **Judges 6:16** - "The LORD said to him, 'I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.'" - **Judges 6:17** - "Gideon replied, 'If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the LORD speaking to me.'" - Notes: Request for a sign is a recurring theme, as seen with #Moses in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 4]]. - **Judges 6:18** - "Don’t go away until I come back and bring my offering to you.' He answered, 'I will stay here until you return.'" - **Judges 6:19** - "Gideon hurried home. He cooked a young goat, and with a basket of flour he baked some bread without yeast. Then, carrying the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, he brought them out and presented them to the angel, who was under the great tree." - **Judges 6:20** - "The angel of God said to him, 'Place the meat and the unleavened bread on this rock, and pour the broth over it.' And Gideon did as he was told." - **Judges 6:21** - "Then the angel of the LORD touched the meat and bread with the tip of the staff in his hand, and fire flamed up from the rock and consumed all he had brought. And the angel of the LORD disappeared." - **Judges 6:22** - "When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he cried out, 'Oh, Sovereign LORD, I’m doomed! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!'" - Notes: Fear of seeing God face to face is shared by others, like #Jacob in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 32]]. - **Judges 6:23** - "'It is all right,' the LORD replied. 'Do not be afraid. You will not die.'" - **Judges 6:24** - "And Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means 'the LORD is peace'). The altar remains in Ophrah in the land of the clan of Abiezer to this day." - **Judges 6:25** - "That night the LORD said to Gideon, 'Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one that is seven years old. Pull down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it.'" - Notes: Command to destroy idols, reflecting the first commandment in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]]. - **Judges 6:26** - "Then build an altar to the LORD your God here on this hilltop sanctuary, laying the stones carefully. Sacrifice the bull as a burnt offering on the altar, using as fuel the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down.'" - **Judges 6:27** - "So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had commanded. But he did it at night because he was afraid of the other members of his father’s household and the people of the town." - **Judges 6:28** - "Early the next morning, as the people of the town began to stir, someone discovered that the altar of Baal had been broken down and that the Asherah pole beside it had been cut down. In their place a new altar had been built, and on it were the remains of the bull that had been sacrificed." - **Judges 6:29** - "The people said to each other, 'Who did this?' And after asking around and making a careful search, they learned that it was Gideon, the son of Joash." - **Judges 6:30** - "‘Bring out your son,’ the men of the town demanded of Joash. ‘He must die for destroying the altar of Baal and for cutting down the Asherah pole.’" - **Judges 6:31** - "But Joash shouted to the mob that confronted him, 'Why are you defending Baal? Will you argue his case? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal truly is a god, let him defend himself and destroy the one who broke down his altar!'" - **Judges 6:32** - "From then on Gideon was called Jerub-baal, which means 'Let Baal defend himself,' because he broke down Baal’s altar." - **Judges 6:33** - "Soon afterward the armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east formed an alliance against Israel and crossed the Jordan, camping in the valley of Jezreel." - **Judges 6:34** - "Then the Spirit of the LORD took possession of Gideon. He blew a ram’s horn as a call to arms, and the men of the clan of Abiezer came to him." - Notes: The empowerment of the #Spirit of the LORD, similar to other judges like #Samson in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 13]]. - **Judges 6:35** - "He also sent messengers throughout Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, summoning their warriors, and all of them responded." - **Judges 6:36** - "Then Gideon said to God, 'If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised," - **Judges 6:37** - "prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.'" - **Judges 6:38** - "And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water." - **Judges 6:39** - "Then Gideon said to God, 'Please don’t be angry with me, but let me make one more request. Let me use the fleece for one more test. This time let the fleece remain dry while the ground around it is wet with dew.'" - **Judges 6:40** - "So that night God did as Gideon asked. The fleece was dry in the morning, but the ground was covered with dew."