God's Blessing

Judges 6 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years.
2 And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds.
3 For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them.
4 They would encamp against them and devour the produce of the land, as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel and no sheep or ox or donkey.
5 For they would come up with their livestock and their tents; they would come like locusts in number—both they and their camels could not be counted—so that they laid waste the land as they came in.
6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord.
7 When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord on account of the Midianites,
8 that the Lord sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage.
9 And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land.
10 And I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.’ But you have not obeyed my voice.”
11 Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites.
12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.”
13 And Gideon said to him, “Please, sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
14 And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”
15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”
16 And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”
17 And he said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me.
18 Please do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.” And he said, “I will stay till you return.”
19 So Gideon went into his house and prepared a young goat and unleavened cakes from an ephah of flour. The meat he put in a basket, and the broth he put in a pot, and brought them to him under the terebinth and presented them.
20 And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and put them on this rock, and pour the broth over them.” And he did so.
21 Then the angel of the Lord reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes. And fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. And the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight.
22 Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.”
23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.”
24 Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace.
25 That night the Lord said to him, “Take your father’s bull, and the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it;
26 And build an altar to the Lord your God on the top of the stronghold here, with stones laid in due order. Then take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah that you shall cut down.”
27 So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night.
28 And when the men of the town rose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah beside it was cut down, and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built.
29 They said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And after they had searched and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.”
30 Then the men of the town said to Joash, “Bring out your son, that he may die, for he has broken down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it.”
31 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.”
32 Therefore on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend against him,” because he broke down his altar.
33 Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East came together, and they crossed the Jordan and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel.
34 But the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him.
35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, and they too were called out to follow him. Then he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them.
36 Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,
37 behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.”
38 And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.
39 Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.”
40 So God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.

Gideon-leads-Israelites-against-Midianites-in-a-tense-battle-showing-faith-determination-and-lead_pojb

The True Meaning of Judges 6

The Book of Judges was written by an unknown author, likely a prophet or scribe, who chronicled the history of the Israelites after the death of Joshua. This chapter focuses on the story of Gideon, a man called by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon, a young man from the tribe of Manasseh, is chosen by the Lord to lead the Israelites to victory, and we witness his humble beginnings in this passage. The chapter sets the stage for Gideon’s remarkable journey, where he will face doubts, receive divine guidance, and ultimately emerge as a mighty warrior and judge of Israel.

The events in Judges 6 echo the themes of obedience, faith, and God’s unwavering commitment to His people, as seen in earlier books such as Exodus and Joshua. The Israelites’ struggle against the Midianites mirrors their past battles, reminding us of the cyclical nature of their relationship with God and the importance of remaining faithful in the face of adversity.

Judges 6:1-6

Judges 6:1-6 provides us with a glimpse into the state of the Israelites during the time of Gideon. The passage begins by setting the stage with a characteristic pattern seen throughout the book of Judges – the Israelites doing evil in the sight of the Lord, which leads them to be oppressed by their enemies as a form of divine punishment. The Midianites were the oppressors in this case, raiding the land, destroying crops, and causing great hardship to the Israelites.

This section underscores the cyclical nature of disobedience to God among the Israelites. Despite God’s repeated deliverance and faithfulness to them, they persist in turning away from Him, which ultimately leads to suffering and oppression. This cycle of sin, judgement, repentance, and deliverance is a central theme in the book of Judges, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations about the consequences of abandoning God.

The mention of the Midianites in this passage is significant not only in terms of the immediate historical context but also in the broader narrative of the Bible. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2) and had a complex relationship with the Israelites. The Midianites play a role in the life of Moses in Exodus, with his wife Zipporah being a Midianite (Exodus 2:21). However, in this instance, they are depicted as enemies oppressing the Israelites.

The suffering of the Israelites under the oppression of the Midianites serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It illustrates the principle found throughout the Bible that obedience to God brings blessings, while disobedience leads to hardships and suffering. This theme is echoed in numerous other passages, such as Deuteronomy 28, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. God will raise up Gideon as a deliverer for the Israelites, setting the stage for his account. It highlights the need for a savior and the faithfulness of God in responding to the cries of His people, even in the midst of their sin and rebellion. God ultimately offers hope and deliverance to those who turn back to Him in repentance and faith, pointing to His redemptive nature.

Judges 6:7-10

The passage in Judges 6:7-10 describes the dire situation in which the Israelites found themselves due to their disobedience to God. Let’s break this down further:

Verse 7 sets the scene by telling us that the Israelites had done evil in the sight of the Lord, and because of this, the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Midianites for seven years. This cycle of disobedience leading to suffering under the hands of oppressors is a common theme throughout the book of Judges. The Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, serving idols and following their own desires, which brought about their downfall. This serves as a timeless message about the consequences of turning away from God’s ways. God sends a prophet to the Israelites in verse 8. The prophet reminds them of God’s faithfulness in delivering them from Egypt and leading them to the promised land. Despite this history of God’s faithfulness, the Israelites had forgotten their covenant with God and strayed from His path. This emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring God’s past deeds in our lives to remain faithful and obedient to Him in the present.

Verse 9 introduces us to Gideon, who is portrayed threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. This image of Gideon’s fear and reluctance to openly carry out this task due to the oppression of the Midianites highlights the prevailing atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the Israelites. Gideon’s act of threshing wheat in a winepress is not only a practical response to ensure his survival but also symbolizes the lack of faith and courage among the Israelites at that time.

Finally, in verse 10, the angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and delivers a message to him, calling him a mighty warrior and informing him that he will be the one to save Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. This unexpected call to leadership and deliverance must have been overwhelming for Gideon, considering his current circumstances and mindset. Gideon’s journey from a fearful, hesitant individual to a mighty warrior and leader chosen by God is a powerful reminder of how God can use the most unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. This transformation also speaks to the theme of God’s power being made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Judges 6:7-10 sets the stage for the story of Gideon, highlighting themes of disobedience, consequences, faithfulness, fear, and divine calling. It challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with God, our response to His faithfulness, and our willingness to step out in faith even when faced with challenges and uncertainties.

Judges 6:11-18

Gideon, often regarded as one of the most significant and inspiring figures in the Bible, is introduced to us in Judges 6:11-18. Gideon is seen threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites, who were a powerful and oppressive force at that time. Threshing wheat was typically done in an open area to catch the wind for winnowing, but Gideon, out of fear, was doing it in secrecy.

This scene sets the stage for Gideon’s character – a man who, despite being fearful and feeling inadequate, is chosen by God for a great purpose. It is a reminder that God often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Gideon’s humility and vulnerability make him relatable to many readers who may grapple with their own insecurities and doubts.

The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Gideon is a profound moment in this passage. The angel greets Gideon with the words, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” This seemingly contradictory statement not only reveals God’s perspective on Gideon but also serves as a foreshadowing of the transformation that will occur in Gideon’s life. Despite Gideon seeing himself as weak and insignificant, God sees him as a man of valor and strength.

Gideon’s response to the angel reflects his doubt and disbelief in his own abilities. He questions how he could save Israel when he comes from a weak clan and sees himself as the least in his family. This exchange highlights an essential theme in the Bible – that God often uses those who are apparently weak to accomplish His purposes. It emphasizes that God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The interaction between Gideon and the angel also underscores the importance of faith and obedience in responding to God’s call. The angel assures Gideon of God’s presence and promises that he will be with him. Gideon’s request for a sign with the fleece, which is a well-known story in the Bible, demonstrates his need for confirmation and reassurance. This passage shows that while God accommodated Gideon’s request, He also desires for His people to trust Him wholeheartedly without always needing physical signs (Hebrews 11:6). Judges 6:11-18 is a pivotal passage in Gideon’s journey overall. It portrays his initial reluctance and self-doubt in the face of God’s call, setting the stage for the incredible transformation and victories that will follow as Gideon steps out in faith. It serves as a timeless reminder that God’s strength is available to those who trust in Him, even in their moments of weakness and inadequacy.

Judges 6:19-24

A pivotal moment in the story of Gideon, one of the Judges of Israel, is seen in Judges 6:19-24. Let’s break down this passage into important sections:

  1. Gideon seeks confirmation from the angel of the Lord in verse 19 that he is indeed called to deliver Israel from the Midianites. He prepares an offering of a young goat, unleavened bread, and broth, which he presents to the angel. This act of offering reflects Gideon’s faith and obedience to God’s instructions.

  2. The angel of the Lord performs a miracle in verse 21 by touching the offering with his staff, causing fire to consume it. This miraculous sign confirms to Gideon that he has indeed encountered a divine being. This event is reminiscent of other instances in the Bible where God accepts offerings in a miraculous way, such as the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18:38.

  3. Gideon’s fear and reassurance: Following the miraculous acceptance of his offering, Gideon becomes fearful, believing that he will die for having seen the angel of the Lord face to face. However, the angel reassures him in verse 23, saying, “Peace be with you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” This reassurance from God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God’s presence with His chosen servants and His ability to calm their fears.

  4. Gideon builds an altar in response to the angel’s reassurance. This act symbolizes Gideon’s recognition of God’s presence and peace in the midst of his fear and uncertainty. The naming of the altar reflects the transformative encounter Gideon had with God, where his fear was replaced with peace.

  5. The confirmation of God’s call: Lastly, in verse 24, we see that the altar that Gideon built becomes a significant marker of God’s call on his life. This altar serves as a reminder to Gideon of the divine encounter he had and the mission he has been given to deliver Israel from oppression. This moment marks the beginning of Gideon’s journey as a Judge of Israel and sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the chapters that follow. Judges 6:19-24 highlights Gideon’s faith, God’s miraculous confirmation of His presence and call, Gideon’s human fears, and God’s reassurance and peace. This passage reminds us of the importance of obedience, faith, and trust in God’s calling, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. It also underscores God’s ability to transform our fears into peace and His faithfulness to equip and empower those He calls for His purposes. The story of Gideon serves as a timeless message of God’s presence and strength in the midst of our weaknesses and uncertainties.

Judges 6:25-32

An important passage in Judges 6:25-32 depicts the calling and empowerment of Gideon by the Lord. Let’s break down this verse into key sections for a more in-depth analysis:

  1. **”That same night the Lord said to him, ‘Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. God gives Gideon a specific command in this verse to tear down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole that are instruments of idol worship. This command symbolizes the eradication of idolatry and the call for Gideon to stand up against the pervasive idolatry that had taken hold of the Israelites. Gideon is being prepared to lead his people back to the true worship of God by starting with the destruction of the false gods in his own household.

  2. “Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.”
    After tearing down the idols, God instructs Gideon to erect a new altar to the Lord using the wood from the Asherah pole as a symbolic act of rededication to the one true God. This act not only symbolizes a return to proper worship but also serves as a visible declaration of Gideon’s loyalty and obedience to the God of Israel.

  3. “So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime.”
    This verse reveals Gideon’s initial fear and hesitancy in carrying out God’s command. Despite his apprehension, Gideon still obeys the Lord, albeit under the cover of darkness. This human response of fear and doubt is relatable to many believers who may struggle with their own insecurities when called to take a stand for God. However, Gideon’s obedience in the face of fear sets an example for us, showing that God can use even the most hesitant individual to accomplish His purposes.

  4. Baal’s altar was demolished, the Asherah pole beside it was cut down, and the second bull was sacrificed on the newly built altar when the people of the town got up in the morning.”**
    The morning revelation of Gideon’s actions marks a significant turning point in the story. The destruction of Baal’s altar and the sacrifice on the new altar represent a public demonstration of Gideon’s faith and allegiance to God. This visible display of devotion not only demonstrates God’s power and presence but also serves to challenge the idolatrous practices of the community. This event also foreshadows Gideon’s future role as a leader and warrior in the upcoming battles against the Midianites. Judges 6:25-32 highlights important themes of obedience, fear, faith, and the eradication of idolatry. Gideon’s journey from fear and doubt to obedience and action serves as an inspirational example for believers today. It reminds us that God often calls us to step out in faith, even when we may feel inadequate or afraid. This passage underscores the importance of trusting in God’s strength and guidance, as He equips and empowers His chosen ones to fulfill His purposes.

Judges 6:33-35

Gideon and his small army defeat the Midianites in Judges 6:33-35 as events unfold. The verses read, “Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them.” This passage marks a pivotal moment in the story of Gideon and sets the stage for the upcoming battle.

Firstly, we witness a coalition of various nations, including the Midianites and Amalekites, crossing the Jordan River and encamping in the Valley of Jezreel. The Valley of Jezreel was a strategic location for military campaigns due to its geography, making it a hotspot for conflict throughout history. The presence of these formidable enemies posed a great threat to the people of Israel and set the scene for the imminent clash between them and Gideon’s forces.

Next, we observe the empowering presence of the Spirit of the Lord descending upon Gideon. This divine intervention is crucial as it signifies the blessing and guidance of God upon Gideon as he prepares to lead his people into battle. The blowing of the trumpet, a symbol of declaration and summoning, serves as a rallying call for the Abiezrites to gather under Gideon’s leadership. This moment highlights the importance of relying on God’s strength and direction in times of adversity, showing that victory is not achieved through human power alone but through divine support.

Furthermore, Gideon’s proactive approach to mobilize the tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali demonstrates his strategic mindset and leadership skills. Gideon exhibits his ability to unite the scattered Israelites for a collective cause by sending messengers to call upon these tribes to join forces against the common enemy. This unity among the tribes reflects the biblical theme of solidarity and cooperation among God’s people to overcome challenges and threats, emphasizing the significance of standing together in faith and action. God uses an unlikely hero to deliver His people from oppression in the story of Gideon in Judges 6 in the broader context of the Bible. Gideon, initially portrayed as timid and hesitant, is transformed into a mighty warrior through the empowerment of God’s Spirit. This transformation is a reminder of God’s ability to work through ordinary individuals and equip them for extraordinary tasks when they place their trust in Him. Gideon’s victory over the Midianites serves as a testimony to the faithfulness and power of God in fulfilling His promises to His chosen people. Just as God delivered the Israelites from their enemies in the Old Testament, He continues to be a source of strength and deliverance for believers today. The lessons drawn from Gideon’s story, such as the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on God’s guidance, remain relevant and inspiring for Christians navigating their faith journey in the face of challenges and adversities.

Judges 6:36-40

Gideon, a figure called by God to lead the Israelites against the Midianites, experiences a pivotal moment in Judges 6:36-40. Gideon is a farmer from the tribe of Manasseh, who initially doubts his own ability and questions God’s choice of him for such a significant task. These verses capture Gideon’s testing of God through the fleece, seeking confirmation and assurance of God’s command.

Gideon is grappling with uncertainty and seeking a sign from God to confirm His will. He asks for a sign that the Lord truly intends to deliver Israel through him. Gideon proposes that a fleece of wool be laid out overnight and if it is wet with dew while the ground around it remains dry, it would confirm God’s promise. It’s worth noting that this was not a lack of faith on Gideon’s part but rather a genuine desire for confirmation in the face of his doubts.

This exchange between Gideon and God reflects the human struggle with faith and doubt. Gideon’s request for a sign is met with patience and understanding from God, who accommodates his need for reassurance. It reminds us that God is compassionate and gracious, willing to meet us where we are in our journey of faith.

The imagery of the fleece being wet with dew while the ground remains dry is symbolic. It represents God’s supernatural intervention and control over nature, emphasizing His power and ability to confirm His word in miraculous ways. This miracle reaffirms Gideon’s faith and serves as a turning point in his journey towards fulfilling his calling as a leader and deliverer of Israel.

Throughout the Bible, we see instances where individuals like Gideon seek signs or miracles to strengthen their faith. Jesus accommodated Thomas’ request for physical proof of His resurrection in the New Testament (John 20:24-29). These stories teach us that while faith is essential, God understands our human struggles and meets us in our doubts, providing the reassurance we need to continue walking in His purposes. Judges 6:36-40 captures the complex interplay between faith and doubt in the life of Gideon. It reveals God’s patience and understanding towards those who seek confirmation of His will. Gideon’s experience with the fleece serves as a reminder that God meets us in our uncertainties and strengthens our faith in miraculous ways. It ultimately underscores the timeless lesson that God’s promises are sure and His power is unmatched, inviting us to trust Him even when we grapple with doubts.

After Judges 6

The people of Israel had once again turned away from God and were suffering under the oppression of the Midianites. But the Lord had not abandoned them. He called upon a man named Gideon to lead the Israelites to victory. Gideon was hesitant at first, doubting his own abilities. Yet, the Lord reassured him and gave him the strength to overcome the enemy. Gideon and his small army prepared for battle, reminding themselves of the true source of their power. It was not in their own might, but in the unwavering faithfulness of the Almighty. The Lord’s hand would guide them, and their victory would be a testament to His sovereign power.

My dear friends, the story of Gideon’s triumph is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is ever-present, ready to lift us up and use us for His greater purpose. Gideon’s example encourages us to trust in the Lord’s unfailing love and guidance as we turn the page to the next chapter.