# Gideon ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Gideon, also called Jerubbaal. - **Meaning:** "Hewer" or "One who cuts down" (Gideon); Jerubbaal means "Let Baal contend." - **Significance:** His name reflects his role in destroying the altar of Baal, signifying the triumph of the God of Israel over pagan gods. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Specific dates are not provided, but Gideon lived during the period of the Judges, approximately between 1200–1050 BC. - **Historical Context:** The time of the Judges was marked by cycles of Israel falling into sin, being oppressed, crying out to God, and being delivered by judges whom God raised up. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Judge, military leader, deliverer of Israel. - **Significance:** Gideon is known for delivering Israel from the oppression of the Midianites through God's guidance, demonstrating faith and obedience to God despite initial hesitations. ## Tags - `#biblical-figures` - `#roles-judge` - `#roles-militaryleader` - `#timelines-judges` ## Cross-References - Introduced in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]. - His call and commissioning as a judge occur in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]. - Famous battle against the Midianites in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]. - His story concludes in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]. ## Key References: Gideon ### Primary Passages - **Call of Gideon:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]—The Angel of the Lord calls Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites. - **Gideon’s Fleece:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]—Gideon asks for signs from God to confirm his mission. - **Defeat of the Midianites:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]—Gideon leads a small army to victory over the Midianites through God’s guidance. - **Gideon’s Ephod:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]—Gideon creates an ephod that eventually becomes a snare to him and Israel. ### Mentions in Genealogies - **House of Joash:** Gideon is identified as the son of Joash from the clan of Abiezer in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]. His family’s position within the tribe of Manasseh is highlighted during his call. ### New Testament References - **Hall of Faith:** Gideon is mentioned in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 11|Hebrews Chapter 11]] as a man of faith who conquered kingdoms and administered justice. This reinforces his role as a judge and a deliverer of Israel. ### Prophetic/Typological References - **Deliverance and Redemption:** Gideon’s victory over the Midianites serves as a typological reference to God’s power to deliver and redeem Israel, prefiguring ultimate deliverance through Christ. This is paralleled in the narrative of spiritual victory in the New Testament (e.g., [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15|1 Corinthians Chapter 15]]). ### Tags - `#key-references` - `#genealogy` - `#new-testament` - `#prophecy` - `#judges` - `#gideon` ## Relationships: Gideon ### Family Relationships - **Parents:** Joash (father); mother not named in scripture ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Sons:** Seventy sons, notably Abimelech ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 9|Judges Chapter 9]]). ### Allies/Friends - **Men of Israel:** The Israelites who answered his call to fight against Midian ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **Phurah:** Gideon's servant who accompanied him to spy on the Midianite camp ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). ### Adversaries/Conflicts - **Midianites:** Oppressors of Israel whom Gideon was called by God to defeat ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]). - **Men of Succoth and Penuel:** Refused to help Gideon and his men, leading to confrontation ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]). - **Abimelech:** His son who killed his brothers and attempted to rule over Shechem ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 9|Judges Chapter 9]]). ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** Called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites; Gideon sought signs from God to confirm his calling ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **Angel of the Lord:** Delivered the message of God calling Gideon to save Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Tags - `#relationships` - `#family` - `#allies` - `#conflicts` - `#relationship-with-God` - `#gideon` - `#judges` ## Significance: Gideon ### Theological Importance - **Instrument of Deliverance:** Gideon is chosen by God as a judge to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, demonstrating God’s power to save through unlikely means ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Testing and Assurance:** Gideon’s story is marked by his need for reassurance from God, which reflects human doubts and God’s gracious provision of signs ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **Faith and Obedience:** Gideon’s obedience in reducing his army as instructed by God demonstrates trust in God’s strength rather than human might ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). ### Historical Context - **Period of the Judges:** Gideon’s leadership occurs during the time of the judges, a chaotic period in Israel’s history characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges Chapter 2]]). - **Victory over Midian:** Gideon’s military victory with a small force showcases God’s intervention in Israel’s history, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). ### Symbolism and Typology - **The Fleece:** Gideon’s use of the fleece to seek confirmation from God serves as a symbol of seeking divine guidance and assurance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Prefiguring Christ:** Gideon’s role as a savior of Israel prefigures Christ, the ultimate Deliverer who brings salvation to His people ([[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 11|Hebrews Chapter 11]]). ### Tags - `#significance` - `#theological-themes` - `#biblical-history` - `#typology` - `#faith` - `#obedience` - `#deliverance` ## Character Study: Gideon ### Strengths and Virtues - **Obedient:** Responded to God's call to deliver Israel from the Midianites, despite initial hesitations ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Courageous:** Led a small army of 300 men against the Midianites, trusting God's promise of victory ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **Faithful:** Built an altar to the Lord and worshipped Him after receiving assurance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - **Doubtful:** Required multiple signs from God to confirm His will, indicating a struggle with doubt ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Idolatry:** Made an ephod that became a snare to him and his family, leading Israel astray ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]). ### Lessons Learned - God uses the humble and the least likely to achieve His purposes, showing His strength through their weaknesses ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - Trust in God can lead to victory against overwhelming odds ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - Even those who are mightily used by God can fall into sin, highlighting the need for continual faithfulness ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]). ### Tags - `#strengths-obedient` - `#strengths-courageous` - `#strengths-faithful` - `#weaknesses-doubt` - `#weaknesses-idolatry` - `#lessons-trust` - `#lessons-humility` - `#lessons-faithfulness` ## Themes and Symbolism: Gideon ### Key Themes - **Divine Calling and Empowerment:** Gideon's life demonstrates the theme of God's calling and empowerment of the unlikely and the fearful to accomplish His purposes. This is evident when God calls Gideon, despite his own doubts and perceived inadequacies ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **Faith and Obedience:** Gideon's journey reflects the development of faith and the necessity of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem illogical or risky ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **Testing and Assurance:** Gideon’s requests for signs from God highlight the theme of seeking assurance in one's faith journey ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **The Fleece:** The fleece test symbolizes Gideon's need for assurance and God's patience in strengthening his faith ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **The Breaking of the Jars:** This symbolizes God’s strategy of using the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the mighty, a theme echoed in the New Testament ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]], [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 1|1 Corinthians Chapter 1]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ and the Church:** Gideon's victory with a small, unlikely force prefigures the triumph of Christ and the Church, where God uses the seemingly weak to accomplish His purposes ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]], [[2 Corinthians/2 Corinthians Chapter 12|2 Corinthians Chapter 12]]). ### Tags - `#themes` - `#symbolism` - `#typology` - `#divinecalling` - `#faith` - `#obedience` - `#testing` - `#assurance` ## Connections: Gideon ### Parallel Figures - **Deborah:** Like Gideon, Deborah was a judge who led Israel to victory over their enemies, emphasizing God’s deliverance through unlikely leaders ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 4|Judges Chapter 4]]). - **Samson:** Both Gideon and Samson were judges who delivered Israel from oppression, showcasing God’s empowerment despite personal weaknesses ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 13|Judges Chapter 13]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ as Deliverer:** Gideon’s deliverance of Israel from the Midianites foreshadows Christ’s ultimate deliverance of His people from sin ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]], [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1|Matthew Chapter 1]]). - **Weakness and Power:** Gideon’s initial fear and God’s assurance demonstrate how God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness, prefiguring Paul’s teaching on strength in weakness through Christ ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[2 Corinthians/2 Corinthians Chapter 12|2 Corinthians Chapter 12]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Period of the Judges:** Gideon’s story occurs during the cyclical period of the Judges when Israel repeatedly turned from God and was delivered by judges ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges Chapter 2]]). - **Midianite Oppression:** The oppression by the Midianites in Gideon’s time reflects the ongoing threats to Israel’s security and faithfulness in the Promised Land ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Tags - `#parallel-figures` - `#foreshadowing-Christ` - `#historical-context` - `#judges-of-Israel` - `#deliverance` ## Legacy: Gideon ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Deliverer of Israel:** Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, demonstrating God’s power through his leadership and military strategy ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). His success in reducing his army to 300 men by God's command exemplifies reliance on divine strength rather than human might. - **Covenant Reminder:** Gideon's story serves as a reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, highlighting the importance of returning to God during times of apostasy and oppression ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Hebrews Hall of Faith:** Gideon is mentioned in Hebrews as one of the heroes of faith, illustrating his role in God’s plan and as an example of faith in action ([[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 11|Hebrews Chapter 11]]). ### Spiritual Lessons - **Trust in God's Guidance:** Gideon’s life teaches believers the importance of seeking and trusting God’s guidance, even when His instructions seem unconventional or daunting ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **God's Strength in Weakness:** His story emphasizes that God often uses unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes, underscoring the theme that God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Modern Applications - Gideon’s legacy encourages believers to step out in faith, trusting in God’s plan and provision, even when faced with overwhelming odds. - His life is often used in sermons and Bible studies to illustrate the power of faith and obedience to God’s call, regardless of personal insecurity or doubt. ### Tags - `#legacy` - `#impact-on-israel` - `#spiritual-lessons` - `#faith` - `#deliverance` - `#divine-guidance` - `#strength-in-weakness` ## Geography: Gideon ### Significant Locations - **Ophrah of the Abiezrites:** Gideon's hometown and the place where he received the call from God to save Israel from the Midianites. Here, he built an altar to the Lord named "The Lord is Peace" ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **The Valley of Jezreel:** The location where the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples camped and prepared for battle against Israel. This valley was significant as it was the site where Gideon gathered his troops by the Spirit of the Lord's command ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Mount Gilead:** The location where the fearful soldiers were sent home by Gideon, reducing his army as instructed by God ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **Spring of Harod:** Near where Gideon tested his men by how they drank water, reducing the number to 300 warriors, as God commanded ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). ### Travel and Movement - **Gathering of the Tribes:** Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, calling them to arms against the Midianites ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Pursuit of the Midianites:** After the victory at the Spring of Harod, Gideon and his 300 men pursued the fleeing Midianites across the Jordan River, capturing and defeating their leaders ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]). - **Succoth and Penuel:** On his pursuit, Gideon stopped at these locations seeking provisions for his men and faced resistance from the inhabitants ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]). ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Ophrah’s Spiritual Significance:** The altar "The Lord is Peace" at Ophrah signifies God's covenant and presence with Gideon, assuring him of victory despite overwhelming odds ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Valley of Jezreel:** A recurring biblical battlefield, it represents the struggle between the forces of God and the adversaries of Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]], [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 29|1 Samuel Chapter 29]]). - **The Reduction of Gideon’s Army:** Demonstrates God’s power and the principle that victory is not by human might but by divine intervention ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]], [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 4|Zechariah Chapter 4]]). ### Tags - `#geography` - `#locations-ophrah` - `#locations-jezreel` - `#locations-mount-gilead` - `#locations-spring-harod` - `#locations-succoth` - `#locations-penuel` - `#travel` - `#gideon` - `#judges` ## Additional Resources: Gideon ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **God’s Assurance and Signs:** The account of God providing signs to Gideon through the fleece ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **New Testament Reference:** Mention of Gideon among the faithful in the "Hall of Faith" ([[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 11|Hebrews Chapter 11]]). - **Israel’s Sin and Deliverance:** The cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance in Israel’s history, providing context for Gideon’s role ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges Chapter 2]]). ### Genealogical References - **Gideon’s Family:** Mention of Gideon’s father, Joash, and his place within the tribe of Manasseh ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Gideon’s Son Abimelech:** Details on Abimelech, his son, who becomes a king ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 9|Judges Chapter 9]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **Ophrah of the Abiezrites:** The location of Gideon’s family and the altar to Baal ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Battle of Midian and the Spring of Harod:** Key locations in Gideon’s military campaign against the Midianites ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Call of Gideon:** Examination of Gideon’s initial call and encounter with the Angel of the Lord ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). - **Victory over Midian:** The story of how God reduced Gideon’s army and achieved victory ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 7|Judges Chapter 7]]). - **Challenges and Failures:** Analysis of Gideon’s leadership and post-victory challenges ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 8|Judges Chapter 8]]). ### Tags - `#additional-resources` - `#cross-references` - `#genealogy` - `#maps` - `#faith` - `#leadership` - `#deliverance`