Name: Gideon
Meaning: Destroyer or Mighty Warrior
His Character: Gideon was a simple and meek man who rose to meet the assignment given by God.
His Sorrow: Gideon was frightened and intimated by the people, which caused him to doubt God.
His Joy: God overlooked his disbelief, and God gave him victory despite the odds.
Key Scriptures: Judges 6-8
Gideon was a farmer and from the tribe of Manasseh. He was eventually a judge of Israel who ruled for 40 years. His rule was different than the other 11 judges who ruled Israel. His story can be found in Judges, and he is also listed in Hebrews as an example of faith.
Israel had a pattern of turning away from God. During his time, Gideon was assigned the mission of bringing the people back to God and away from idol worship. He was tasked with revealing to Israel that their plight was a result of their lack of obedience to God. He was instructed to destroy temples built for Baal. Because he was frightened of the reaction from his countrymen, he secretly destroyed the temples at night. However, he was found out and threatened with death, but his father was able to intervene.
Gideon led a military campaign against the Midianites, who raided and plundered the land of Canaan at will. Because he lacked confidence, he requested for a sign of victory from God. This behavior is very honest, and there are times when we all look for a sign from above. God, knowing what His child needed, gave him the sign he required. Gideon still lacked belief and requested another sign. God, in His mercy, granted him the second sign.
God decided to test Gideon’s faith by ordering him to reduce his army. He went from thousands of men to 300 men. Gideon would face a force of thousands, but all would know that the victory came from God, not from armies. Gideon’s army surrounded the Midianites and confused their enemy by breaking jars and blaring trumpets. The chaos misled the Midianites into believing they were facing a large army. The Midianites fled, and the victory belonged to Israel. After the victory, the people, who wanted a king, offered the kingship to Gideon. He refused.
Gideon is among those celebrated in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews. Even when we doubt, God is still able to use us to do His will. His story reminds us to focus on the power of God despite our circumstances. Even when the odds are against us, if God is for us, nothing can stand in our way.
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