So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram's horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him. So the Spirit of the LORDThe phrase "the Spirit of the LORD" refers to the divine presence and empowerment given by God. In Hebrew, the word for "Spirit" is "Ruach," which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. This indicates a powerful, life-giving force that comes from God Himself. In the context of Judges, the Spirit of the LORD often comes upon individuals to equip them for a specific task or mission. This divine empowerment is crucial for the deliverance of Israel from its oppressors, highlighting that true strength and victory come from God alone. came upon
The Hebrew phrase here is "labash," which literally means "to clothe." This imagery suggests that Gideon was enveloped or covered by the Spirit, indicating a complete transformation and equipping for the task ahead. This clothing with the Spirit signifies a divine appointment and empowerment, suggesting that Gideon is now acting under God's authority and power, not his own. It is a reminder that God equips those He calls, providing them with the necessary strength and ability to fulfill His purposes. Gideon
Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is one of the judges of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. His name means "hewer" or "one who cuts down," which is fitting given his role in cutting down the altars of Baal and leading Israel to victory. Gideon's account is one of transformation from a hesitant and doubtful individual to a mighty leader under God's guidance. His journey underscores the theme that God often chooses the unlikely and the humble to accomplish His divine plans. and he blew the trumpet
The blowing of the trumpet, or "shofar" in Hebrew, is a significant act in the Old Testament. It is often used to signal the gathering of people, the start of a battle, or a call to worship. In this context, Gideon's blowing of the trumpet is a call to arms, summoning the Israelites to unite against their oppressors. This act signifies the beginning of God's deliverance and the rallying of God's people to His cause. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of responding to God's call with action and faith. and the Abiezrites
The Abiezrites were a clan within the tribe of Manasseh, to which Gideon belonged. This detail highlights the personal and communal nature of God's call. Gideon's leadership begins with his own family and clan, emphasizing the importance of starting God's work within one's immediate sphere of influence. The mention of the Abiezrites also underscores the theme of unity and collective action in fulfilling God's purposes. It is a call for families and communities to come together in obedience to God's will. rallied behind him
The phrase "rallied behind him" indicates a gathering and unification of people in support of Gideon. This response demonstrates the influence of God's Spirit working through Gideon, as well as the willingness of the people to follow God's chosen leader. It reflects the importance of leadership and the power of collective faith and action in overcoming challenges. This rallying is a testament to the transformative power of God's call, inspiring individuals and communities to unite for a common divine purpose. Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He is known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God. 2. Spirit of the LORDRefers to the divine empowerment given by God to individuals for specific tasks. In this context, it signifies God's presence and power enabling Gideon to lead. 3. AbiezritesA clan within the tribe of Manasseh, to which Gideon belonged. They were the first to be summoned by Gideon to join the fight against the Midianites. 4. TrumpetA shofar, typically made from a ram's horn, used in ancient Israel for signaling and gathering people, especially for battle. 5. MidianitesA nomadic people who oppressed Israel during the time of the judges, leading to the Israelites' cry for deliverance. Teaching Points Divine EmpowermentJust as Gideon was empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, believers today are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's purposes in their lives. God's Choice of LeadersGod often chooses unlikely individuals to lead and deliver His people, reminding us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Responding to God's CallGideon's response to God's call, despite his initial fear, encourages us to step out in faith when God calls us to action. Community and SupportGideon's summoning of the Abiezrites highlights the importance of community and support in fulfilling God's mission. Faith in ActionGideon's account challenges us to put our faith into action, trusting in God's power rather than our own abilities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD in Gideon's life compare to the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer today? 2. In what ways can we identify and respond to God's call in our own lives, even when we feel inadequate? 3. How does the account of Gideon encourage us to rely on God's strength rather than our own when facing challenges? 4. What role does community play in our spiritual journey, and how can we cultivate supportive relationships like Gideon did with the Abiezrites? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith. How did you experience God's presence and empowerment in that situation? Connections to Other Scriptures The empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD is seen in other judges like Othniel and Samson, highlighting the divine enablement for leadership and deliverance. The blowing of the trumpet as a call to arms is reminiscent of Joshua's conquest of Jericho, where the trumpet played a crucial role in the victory. The concept of God choosing the weak to shame the strong is echoed in the New Testament, where God often uses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. People Abiezer, Abiezrites, Amalek, Amalekites, Amorites, Asher, Egyptians, Ephah, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Jezreel, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Ophrah, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Gaza, Jezreel Valley, Jordan River, Midian, OphrahTopics Abiezer, Abi-ezer, Abiezrites, Abiez'rites, Blew, Bloweth, Clothed, Follow, Gathered, Gideon, Horn, Possession, Sounded, Spirit, Summoning, TrumpetDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 6:34 2230 Messiah, coming of
3015 Holy Spirit, divinity
3030 Holy Spirit, power
3110 Holy Spirit, titles of
3272 Holy Spirit, in OT
7967 spiritual gifts, responsibility
8422 equipping, spiritual Judges 6:33-35 5595 trumpet Library Gideon's Altar
'Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah- shalom [God is peace].'--JUDGES vi. 24. I need not tell over again, less vividly, the picturesque story in this chapter, of the simple husbandman up in the hills, engaged furtively in threshing out a little wheat in some hollow in the rock where he might hide it from the keen eyes of the oppressors; and of how the angel of the Lord, unrecognised at first, appeared to him; and gradually there dawned upon his mind the suspicion …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGideon's Fleece
'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.'-- JUDGES vi. 37. The decisive moment had come when Gideon, with his hastily gathered raw levies, was about to plunge down to the plain to face immensely superior forces trained to warfare. No wonder that the equally untrained leader's heart heat faster. Many a soldier, who will be steadfastly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Jehovam-Shalem, the Lord Send Peace. Judg 6:24
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Whether it is a Sin to Tempt God?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not a sin to tempt God. For God has not commanded sin. Yet He has commanded men to try, which is the same as to tempt, Him: for it is written (Malach. 3:10): "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house; and try Me in this, saith the Lord, if I open not unto you the flood-gates of heaven." Therefore it seems not to be a sin to tempt God. Objection 2: Further, a man is tempted not only in order to test his knowledge and his power, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved.
1. Connection of the previous with the four following chapters. In order to lay a proper foundation for the discussion of free will, two obstacles in the way to be removed--viz. sloth and pride. The basis and sum of the whole discussion. The solid structure of this basis, and a clear demonstration of it by the argument a majori ad minus. Also from the inconveniences and absurdities arising from the obstacle of pride. 2. The second part of the chapter containing the opinions of others. 1. The opinions …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in Scripture, from the Foundation of the World.
1. Scripture, in teaching that the essence of God is immense and spiritual, refutes not only idolaters and the foolish wisdom of the world, but also the Manichees and Anthropomorphites. These latter briefly refuted. 2. In this one essence are three persons, yet so that neither is there a triple God, nor is the simple essence of God divided. Meaning of the word Person in this discussion. Three hypostases in God, or the essence of God. 3. Objection of those who, in this discussion, reject the use of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of the Sacraments.
1. Of the sacraments in general. A sacrament defined. 2. Meaning of the word sacrament. 3. Definition explained. Why God seals his promises to us by sacraments. 4. The word which ought to accompany the element, that the sacrament may be complete. 5. Error of those who attempt to separate the word, or promise of God, from the element. 6. Why sacraments are called Signs of the Covenant. 7. They are such signs, though the wicked should receive them, but are signs of grace only to believers. 8. Objections …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 6:34 NIVJudges 6:34 NLTJudges 6:34 ESVJudges 6:34 NASBJudges 6:34 KJV
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