The Lord is With You, Mighty Warrior: Understanding Gideon’s Call in Judges 6

Executive Summary ✨

Judges 6 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. After seven years of oppression by the Midianites, the Israelites cried out to the Lord. God, in His infinite mercy, chose Gideon, an unlikely hero from the weakest clan of Manasseh, to deliver His people. This chapter vividly portrays the divine initiative, the angel of the Lord’s appearance, Gideon’s initial doubts and tests, and the Lord’s patient confirmation of His calling. It is a powerful narrative demonstrating that God’s power is perfected in weakness, and that He chooses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. We explore this through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, illuminating the spiritual depths and lasting relevance of Gideon’s story, drawing parallels to our own calls and struggles in faith. The **call of Gideon** reminds us to trust in God’s strength, not our own.

The book of Judges presents a repeating cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in the history of Israel. Chapter 6 introduces us to Gideon, a man whom God calls to break this cycle, ushering in a period of peace. Let’s delve into the details of this transformative encounter between God and His chosen instrument, carefully unpacking each verse to glean its spiritual significance.

Commentary Sections 📖

Judges 6:1-6: Israel’s Oppression and Cry for Help

KJV: And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them; And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it. And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.

The cyclical nature of sin and repentance is immediately evident. “The children of Israel did evil again…” This phrase echoes throughout the book of Judges, highlighting humanity’s propensity to stray from God’s commandments. The Midianites, nomadic desert dwellers, are described as locusts, consuming the land’s bounty. This imagery emphasizes the totality of their devastation. Their raids impoverished Israel, forcing them to seek refuge in caves and strongholds. The caves provided shelter from the harsh desert environment. The Israelites had to rely on God to survive. Their cry for help is a testament to God’s ultimate authority and power.

Spiritual Application: How often do we, like the Israelites, turn away from God and then cry out to Him only when faced with hardship? This passage challenges us to cultivate a consistent relationship with God, not just in times of crisis. The experience of Israel reminds us to be cautious of spiritual stagnation and to be aware of the enemy of our salvation that “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This is a call for continued vigilance and faith. The constant struggle of the Israelites can be eased by using the blog creation services which creates daily devotionals to remember the Lord.

Judges 6:7-10: The Prophet’s Rebuke

KJV: And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midianites, That the Lord sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land; And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.

Before sending a deliverer, God sends a prophet to remind Israel of their past transgressions and His faithfulness. The prophet’s message echoes the historical narrative of the Exodus, emphasizing God’s deliverance from Egypt and His provision of the Promised Land. The land was the homeland of the Amorites, which added more hardship and danger for the people of Israel. The crucial point, however, is their disobedience: “but ye have not obeyed my voice.” This highlights the root cause of their suffering – their departure from God’s covenant. The prophet’s reminder connects directly to Deuteronomy 6:10-12.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, writes about the importance of remembering God’s past deeds: “Δεῖ γὰρ μνημονεύειν τῶν πρὸ ἡμῶν, ἵνα καὶ ἡμεῖς μιμησώμεθα αὐτούς.” (Dei gar mnēmoneuein tōn pro hēmōn, hina kai hēmeis mimēsōmetha autous.) “For we must remember those who came before us, so that we also may imitate them.” (St. Athanasius, *Contra Gentes*, 3). This emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s acts of salvation in our own lives and the lives of our ancestors in the faith.

Spiritual Application: This passage underscores the importance of heeding God’s word and avoiding idolatry, both literal and figurative. Are we prioritizing worldly pursuits and desires over our relationship with God? We are called to examine our hearts and ensure that God remains the center of our lives. We must learn from the failures of the Israelites and constantly reflect on our obedience to God’s will.

Judges 6:11-16: The Angel Appears to Gideon

KJV: And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

The angel of the Lord’s appearance is striking. Gideon, hiding from the Midianites, threshing wheat in a winepress (an unusual location demonstrating scarcity and fear), is greeted with the pronouncement: “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.” This seems paradoxical given Gideon’s circumstances. This section highlights God’s ability to see potential where we only see weakness. Gideon’s initial response is one of doubt and questioning – a common human reaction when faced with a divine call. He doubts not only God’s presence but His power, contrasting the present suffering with the miraculous deliverance from Egypt. Gideon, in his humility, emphasizes his insignificance: “my family is poor…and I am the least.” This highlights the fact that God often chooses the weak and unlikely to accomplish His purposes.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria writes in *Commentary on Luke* about the calling of the apostles from humble backgrounds: “Τὸ γὰρ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεὸς, ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τοὺς δυνατούς.” (To gar asthenes tou kosmou exeleksato ho Theos, hina kataischynē tous dynatous.) “For God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (St. Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Luke*, Homily 36). This resonates with Gideon’s story and reminds us that God’s strength shines brightest through our weaknesses.

Spiritual Application: Do we question God’s presence and power when faced with trials? Do we underestimate our own potential because of our perceived weaknesses? Gideon’s story encourages us to trust in God’s assessment of us, not our own. He sees our potential, even when we do not. We should respond to God’s calling with faith, trusting that He will equip us for the task ahead, even if we feel inadequate. Embracing our vulnerabilities becomes a channel for God’s power.

Judges 6:17-24: Gideon’s Test and God’s Confirmation

KJV: And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again. And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it. And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so. Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the Lord departed out of his sight. And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face. And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Gideon seeks a sign to confirm that he is truly speaking with the angel of the Lord. His offering of a kid and unleavened bread is a significant gesture, representing a sacrifice of his resources. The angel’s instruction to place the offering on the rock and pour out the broth is unusual, further emphasizing the divine nature of the encounter. The fire consuming the offering is a powerful demonstration of God’s presence and acceptance. Gideon’s fear after realizing he has seen an angel face-to-face is understandable, given the belief that such an encounter would lead to death. God’s reassurance, “Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die,” is a crucial moment of comfort and confirmation. Gideon’s act of building an altar and naming it Jehovahshalom (“The Lord is Peace”) signifies his newfound understanding of God’s nature and his commitment to worshipping Him. It also shows his growing faith. The rock, a symbol of strength and stability, is transformed into a place of worship.

Spiritual Application: It is natural to seek confirmation from God when we feel called to a particular task. God understands our doubts and often provides signs to strengthen our faith. However, it’s important not to demand signs as a condition for obedience but to approach God with humility and an open heart. Gideon’s encounter reminds us that true peace comes from knowing and trusting in God’s presence.

Judges 6:25-32: Destroying the Altar of Baal

KJV: And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father’s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he did it by night. And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built. And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing. Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it. And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar. Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.

Gideon’s first act of obedience is to destroy the altar of Baal, a symbol of the Israelites’ idolatry. The instructions are precise: take his father’s bullock and the second bullock, destroy the altar, and build a new altar to the Lord. This act of rebellion against the prevailing paganism is done in secret, reflecting Gideon’s fear and lack of full confidence. The community’s reaction reveals the depth of their devotion to Baal. The city demands Gideon’s death. Joash, Gideon’s father, surprisingly defends his son, challenging the people to let Baal defend himself if he truly is a god. This moment marks a turning point, shifting the community’s perspective. Gideon receives a new name, Jerubbaal (“Let Baal contend against him”), signifying his role as an adversary of Baal. This act of obedience, though initially performed in fear, ultimately demonstrates Gideon’s growing faith and commitment to God.

• Theological Significance: This act mirrors the early Christians destroying pagan alters.
• Practical Action: We must also tear down anything that hinders our path to God.

Spiritual Application: We are called to confront idolatry in our own lives, whether it takes the form of material possessions, unhealthy relationships, or self-worship. Like Gideon, we may face opposition when we challenge the prevailing culture, but we must stand firm in our faith, trusting that God will defend us. Identifying and dismantling idols in our lives requires courage and a willingness to prioritize God above all else. This passage demonstrates the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs, even when it is difficult.

Judges 6:33-40: Gathering of Forces and Final Test

KJV: Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him. And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them. And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. And God did so that night: for it was dry only upon the fleece, and all the ground there was dew.

The Midianites and their allies gather for battle, presenting a formidable threat to Israel. The Spirit of the Lord empowers Gideon, enabling him to rally the tribes for battle. He blows the trumpet, and the people respond. Gideon, still seeking assurance, requests two more signs using a fleece of wool. He asks that one night the dew be only on the fleece and the next night only on the ground. God grants both requests. This shows God’s patience with Gideon. The fleece is a reminder that God is merciful and gracious to those who seek Him.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine, in his *Confessions*, speaks about the importance of seeking God’s guidance through prayer and testing: “Da quod iubes, et iube quod vis.” (Da quod iubes, et iube quod vis.) “Grant what You command, and command what You will.” (St. Augustine, *Confessions*, Book X, 29). Augustine’s prayer encapsulates Gideon’s requests. The two tests show how humble the believer is when asking to be led.

Spiritual Application: While God’s patience with Gideon is evident, we must be careful not to continually test God or demand signs. Instead, we should seek His guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of wise mentors. Gideon’s story encourages us to step out in faith, even when we feel afraid, knowing that God will equip us for the task He has called us to. His ability to lead men shows true heroism. The **call of Gideon** leads him to his ultimate sacrifice.

Subtopic: The Importance of Humility and Obedience 💡

Gideon’s story underscores the importance of humility and obedience in following God’s call. He doubted his ability, emphasizing his insignificance and his family’s poverty. However, God saw potential in him and promised to be with him.

• Humility Recognizes Dependence: Humility acknowledges our dependence on God’s strength and guidance, rather than relying on our own abilities.
• Obedience Demonstrates Trust: Obedience demonstrates our trust in God’s wisdom and His plan for our lives, even when we don’t understand it.
• God Uses the Weak: God often chooses the weak and unlikely to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His power and glory.
• Submission brings Blessings: Through Gideon’s obedience, he tears down his father’s alter.
• Embrace God’s calling: We need to remember to embrace our calling to glorify God and honor his name.
• Divine intervention: Through divine intervention, Gideon saves the Israelites.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why did God choose Gideon, who seemed so reluctant and fearful?

A: God often chooses the weak and unlikely to demonstrate His power. Gideon’s initial reluctance highlights his humanity and makes God’s eventual triumph all the more impressive. God sees potential within us that we do not recognize ourselves.

Q: What does Gideon’s destruction of the altar of Baal symbolize?

A: It symbolizes a rejection of idolatry and a return to the worship of the one true God. It represents a commitment to prioritizing God above all else and dismantling the idols in our lives. The modern idols of today are distractions, not the actual gods.

Q: Why did Gideon ask for so many signs from God? Was he lacking in faith?

A: Gideon’s requests for signs reveal his human frailty and his desire for confirmation. While they might indicate a lack of initial trust, God’s patience and willingness to grant these signs demonstrate His understanding of Gideon’s need for assurance.

Q: How can Gideon’s story be applied to our lives today?

A: Gideon’s story encourages us to trust in God’s calling, even when we feel inadequate. It reminds us to confront idolatry in our lives and to step out in faith, knowing that God will equip us for the task ahead. The story also highlights the importance of humility and obedience in following God’s will.

Conclusion ✨

Judges 6 offers a powerful testament to God’s enduring faithfulness and His ability to work through unlikely individuals. The **call of Gideon** is an example of how people can be used by God. Gideon’s initial doubts, his testing of God, and his eventual obedience provide a relatable and inspiring narrative. We must remember that God’s power is perfected in weakness. The core message of the text reminds us to trust in God’s strength, not our own, and to step out in faith, even when we feel afraid or inadequate. The story resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, echoing the lives of countless saints who, like Gideon, answered God’s call with humility and courage. May we, too, embrace our calling to serve God with boldness and unwavering faith, tearing down the idols in our own lives and building altars of worship to the one true God.

Tags

Judges 6, Gideon, Midianites, Angel of the Lord, Call of Gideon, Old Testament, Bible Study, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Faith, Humility, Obedience

Meta Description

Explore Judges 6: The Call of Gideon. A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary on Gideon’s calling, his doubts, and God’s powerful confirmation. Learn how to apply this story to your faith today. **Call of Gideon**.