◄ Judges 6 ►
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Midian Oppresses Israel 1Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, 2and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. 3Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, 4encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. 5For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. 6Israel was greatly impoverished by Midian, and the Israelites cried out to the LORD. 7Now when the Israelites cried out to the LORD because of Midian, 8He sent them a prophet, who told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 9I delivered you out of the hands of Egypt and all your oppressors. I drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10And I said to you: ‘I am the LORD your God. You must not feara the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.’ But you did not obey Me.” The Call of Gideon 11Then the angelb of the LORD came and sat down under the oakc in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. 12And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.” 14The LORDd turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?” 15“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” 16“Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.” 17Gideon answered, “If I have found favor in Your sight, give me a sign that it is You speaking with me. 18Please do not depart from this place until I return to You. Let me bring my offering and set it before You.” And the LORD said, “I will stay until you return.” 19So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread and an ephah of flour.e He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to present to Him under the oak. 20And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. 21Then the angel of the LORD extended the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. And fire flared from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight. 22When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” 23But the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die.” 24So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace.f To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Gideon Destroys Baal’s Altar 25On that very night the LORD said to Gideon, “Take your father’s young bull and a second bull seven years old, tear down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. 26Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering.” 27So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime. 28When the men of the city got up in the morning, there was Baal’s altar torn down, with the Asherah pole cut down beside it and the second bull offered up on the newly built altar. 29“Who did this?” they said to one another. And after they had investigated thoroughly, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.” 30Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has torn down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.” 31But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself with the one who has torn down his altar.” 32So on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal,g that is to say, “Let Baal contend with him,” because he had torn down Baal’s altar. The Sign of the Fleece 33Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east gathered together, crossed over the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him. 35Calling them to arms, Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh, as well as Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, so that they came up to meet him. 36Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said, 37then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” 38And that is what happened. When Gideon arose the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water. 39Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew.” 40And that night God did so. Only the fleece was dry, and dew covered the ground. Footnotes: 10 a Or worship 11 b Or Angel; also in verses 12, 20, 21, and 22; corresponding pronouns may also be capitalized. 11 c Or terebinth or great tree; also in verse 19 14 d LXX The angel of the LORD or The Angel of the LORD; also in verse 16 19 e An ephah is approximately 20 dry quarts or 22 liters (probably about 25.5 pounds or 11.6 kilograms of flour). 24 f Hebrew YHWH Shalom 32 g Jerubbaal probably means let Baal contend. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Judges 6 Summary The Call of Gideon Verses 1–6 – Midianite Oppression and Israel’s Cry For seven years Israel suffers relentless raids from Midian, Amalek, and other eastern tribes. The invaders sweep in “like a swarm of locusts” (v. 5 – , stripping the land bare and driving the people into caves. Crushed and starving, Israel finally cries out to the LORD. Verses 7–10 – Prophetic Rebuke God answers first with a prophet, not a warrior. The messenger reminds the nation of the Exodus deliverance and God’s covenant warning: “You are not to fear the gods of the Amorites… but you have not obeyed Me” (v. 10 – . The problem is spiritual before it is military. Verses 11–18 – The Call of Gideon The Angel of the LORD finds Gideon hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat. He greets the frightened farmer as “mighty warrior” (v. 12 – . Gideon protests his weakness, yet God assures him, “Surely I will be with you” (v. 16 – . Gideon asks for a sign, and the Angel waits while he prepares an offering. Verses 19–24 – Gideon’s Offering Accepted Gideon places meat and unleavened bread on a rock. The Angel touches it with His staff; fire flares up, and He disappears. Terrified, Gideon fears death, but God says, “Peace be with you… you will not die” (v. 23 – . Gideon builds an altar and names it “The LORD Is Peace.” Verses 25–32 – Gideon Confronts Baal That night God orders Gideon to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole, then build a proper altar to the LORD and sacrifice a bull with the chopped Asherah wood. Gideon obeys under cover of darkness. When townsmen demand his death, Joash defends him: “If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself” (v. 31 – . Gideon earns the nickname Jerubbaal—“Let Baal contend.” Verses 33–35 – Gideon Clothed with Power Midian and allies mass in the Valley of Jezreel. “The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon” (v. 34 – , literally clothed him. He blows the ram’s horn, rallies Manasseh, and sends messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali. Verses 36–40 – The Fleece Signs Still seeking assurance, Gideon lays a fleece on the threshing floor: dew only on the fleece, ground dry; then the reverse. God graciously grants both signs, confirming the promised victory. Judges 6 narrates a crucial period in the history of Israel, an era of oppression, doubt, faith, and ultimately, divine intervention. The chapter unfolds the tale of Gideon, a man of humble origins, who rises from the threshing floor to become a judge of Israel under God’s divine guidance. It outlines the Israelites' plight under Midianite oppression due to their disobedience, their cry for deliverance, the calling of Gideon, his tests of faith, and his preparation for war against the oppressors. Historical Setting Judges 6 sits roughly two centuries after Joshua. Israel is a loose confederation of tribes without centralized leadership. Spiritual drift leads to cycles of sin, foreign oppression, repentance, and deliverance—a rhythm already seen with Othniel (3:7-11), Ehud (3:12-30), Deborah (ch. 4–5), and echoed here. Midian and the Eastern Raiders • Midianites were semi-nomadic descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). • They roamed the Transjordan and Arabian deserts, moving with tents and camels. Judges 6:5 notes their camels were “innumerable,” the first biblical mention of large-scale camel warfare—confirmed by camel-bone finds in Israel dating to this period. • Alliances with Amalekites and “children of the east” magnified the threat, allowing seasonal raids timed to grain harvests. Geography and Archaeology • Ophrah of the Abiezrites (modern-day el-‘Afre) lies in the territory of Manasseh, west of the Jordan. • Winepresses cut into limestone have been unearthed in the hill country; threshing inside one, as Gideon does, is makeshift and underscores fear. • The Valley of Jezreel is a fertile plain—a natural gathering point for large armies (also 1 Samuel 29:1; Hosea 1:5). • Local shrines to Baal with standing stones and wooden poles have been excavated at nearby sites, lending reality to Gideon’s nighttime demolition. The Angel of the LORD Scripture sometimes speaks of “the Angel of the LORD” as distinct from God yet speaking as God (Genesis 16:7-13; Exodus 3:2-6). In Judges 6 the Angel accepts worship and offers peace, showing divine authority. Many see a visible manifestation of God Himself, preparing hearts for the ultimate revelation in Jesus (John 1:14). Threshing in Secret—Fear Meets Calling • Threshing separates grain by tossing stalks into wind; a winepress is sunken and sheltered—hardly ideal for the task. • God often meets people in their weakness: Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3), David among sheep (1 Samuel 16), the disciples mending nets (Matthew 4:18-22). • Gideon’s question “Where are all His wonders?” echoes modern doubts. God’s answer is simple: “Go in the strength you have… am I not sending you?” (v. 14). “The LORD Is Peace” The altar’s name (Hebrew, Yahweh-Shalom) reminds Israel that real peace comes from restored relationship with God, not from absence of war. Compare Isaiah 26:3—“You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is stayed on You.” Baal Worship and the Asherah Pole • Baal was viewed as storm and fertility god; Asherah a mother-goddess. Canaanite texts from Ugarit list them as consorts. • Wooden Asherah poles, sometimes carved, stood beside stone altars. Gideon’s task shows that true worship demands tearing down counterfeit gods, not simply adding the LORD to existing practices (Exodus 20:3). • Joash’s defense of Gideon hints that even compromised Israelites sensed Baal’s impotence (cf. Elijah on Carmel, 1 Kings 18:21-40). Spirit Clothing Gideon Verse 34’s image is striking: the Spirit “clothed” or “wrapped around” Gideon. Other snapshots: • Othniel (Judges 3:10) – empowerment for battle. • Samson (Judges 14:6) – burst of strength. • David (1 Samuel 16:13) – anointed for kingship. New Covenant fulfillment: Acts 1:8—believers “clothed with power from on high” (see Luke 24:49). The Fleece—Seeking Confirmation God had already spoken, yet Gideon asked twice. The passage records what Gideon did; it does not prescribe fleece-tests as normal practice. Later Scripture emphasizes trusting God’s Word (Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 4:7). Still, the incident shows God’s patience with sincere but struggling faith. Cycle of Judges in Chapter 6 1. Rebellion – “Israelites did evil” (v. 1). 2. Retribution – Midianite oppression (v. 2-6). 3. Repentance – cry to the LORD (v. 6-7). 4. Revelation – prophetic rebuke & Gideon’s call (v. 8-24). 5. Rescue – begins here, completed in chapter 7. 6. Rest – follows victory, but temporary until the next cycle. This pattern points to humanity’s deeper need for a permanent Deliverer. Foreshadows of the Ultimate Deliverer • Humble origin: Gideon from the “weakest clan,” Jesus from despised Nazareth (John 1:46). • Divine call and empowerment: Gideon clothed with the Spirit; Jesus conceives and ministers by the Spirit (Luke 1:35; 4:18). • Name of peace: Gideon’s altar, “The LORD Is Peace”; Jesus is “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 2:14). Practical Applications • God sees potential where we see limitation. • Spiritual compromise invites oppression; repentance opens the door to deliverance. • Removing idols may provoke opposition, even within family, yet courage is contagious. • God is patient with honest doubts but calls us to move forward in obedience. • Victory begins with peace with God before it moves to peace from enemies. Connections Across Scripture • Deuteronomy 28:25,33 – predictive warnings of crop-raiding enemies if Israel turned away. • Psalm 83:9-12 – a later psalmist prays for a victory “as with Midian.” • Hebrews 11:32-34 – Gideon listed among those “who through faith conquered kingdoms.” • James 1:5 – God gives wisdom generously, echoing His gracious replies to Gideon’s questions. Key Takeaways The chapter paints a vivid picture of God pursuing His people even when they forget Him. He calls unlikely heroes, equips them by His Spirit, and topples false gods. Gideon’s journey from hidden fear to public faith invites every reader to trust the same faithful LORD who still brings peace and deliverance today. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 3:11-12 Moses' call and his feelings of inadequacy, similar to Gideon's. 1 Samuel 16:7 God's choice of David, emphasizing that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul's teaching on God's strength being made perfect in weakness. Teaching Points Israel's Oppression and Cry for Help Judges 6:1-6 describes how the Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord, leading to seven years of Midianite oppression. This cycle of sin and suffering prompts the Israelites to cry out to God for deliverance. God's Response through a Prophet In Judges 6:7-10, God sends a prophet to remind Israel of His past faithfulness and their disobedience, setting the stage for their deliverance. Gideon's Call Judges 6:11-16 introduces Gideon, who is found threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the Midianites. The Angel of the Lord appears to him, calling him a mighty warrior and assuring him of God's presence. Gideon's Doubts and God's Assurance Despite his doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon is reassured by God in Judges 6:17-24. He asks for a sign, and God graciously provides it, confirming His promise. Gideon's Obedience and Boldness In Judges 6:25-32, Gideon obeys God's command to tear down his father's altar to Baal, demonstrating his growing faith and courage. The Gathering of the Troops Judges 6:33-35 shows Gideon rallying the Israelites for battle, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord. The Sign of the Fleece In Judges 6:36-40, Gideon seeks further confirmation from God through the sign of the fleece, highlighting his desire for assurance and God's patience with our doubts. Practical Applications Trust in God's Presence Like Gideon, we may feel inadequate, but God promises to be with us in our battles. Trust in His presence and strength. Obedience in Small Steps Gideon's journey began with small acts of obedience. Start with what God has placed before you, and He will guide you to greater tasks. Seek God's Assurance It's natural to seek confirmation from God. Approach Him in prayer and through His Word for guidance and assurance. Boldness in Faith Gideon's account encourages us to step out in faith, even when we feel afraid. God equips those He calls. People 1. The Israelites The collective group of God's chosen people who are oppressed by the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. The term "Israelites" comes from the Hebrew "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el), meaning "God contends" or "one who struggles with God." 2. The Midianites A nomadic people who oppress the Israelites for seven years. The name "Midianites" comes from the Hebrew "מִדְיָנִים" (Midyanim), which is derived from "מִדְיָן" (Midyan), meaning "strife" or "contention." 3. Gideon The son of Joash, called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. His name in Hebrew is "גִּדְעוֹן" (Gid'on), meaning "hewer" or "one who cuts down." 4. Joash The father of Gideon, a member of the Abiezrite clan. His name in Hebrew is "יוֹאָשׁ" (Yo'ash), meaning "Yahweh has given." 5. The Angel of the LORD A divine messenger who appears to Gideon to commission him as a deliverer for Israel. In Hebrew, "מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה" (Mal'akh YHWH) is used, meaning "messenger of Yahweh." 6. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, who speaks to Gideon and guides him. The name "Yahweh" is represented in Hebrew as "יְהוָה" (YHWH), often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. 7. The Amalekites Another group of people who, along with the Midianites, oppress the Israelites. The name "Amalekites" comes from the Hebrew "עֲמָלֵקִי" (Amaleqi), derived from "עֲמָלֵק" (Amalek), meaning "dweller in a valley." 8. The People of the East A general term for other nomadic tribes that join the Midianites and Amalekites in oppressing Israel. The Hebrew term "בְּנֵי קֶדֶם" (B'nei Kedem) means "sons of the east." Places 1. Midian The Midianites are the oppressors of Israel in Judges 6. They are described as a nomadic people who, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, invade and devastate the land of Israel. The name "Midian" (מִדְיָן) in Hebrew is associated with strife or contention. 2. Ophrah This is the hometown of Gideon, where the Angel of the LORD appears to him. It is located in the territory of the tribe of Manasseh. The Hebrew name "Ophrah" (עָפְרָה) means "fawn" or "dust." 3. Joash's House The specific location where Gideon is found threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. This is also where the Angel of the LORD appears to him. 4. The Rock at Ophrah The place where Gideon prepares an offering for the Angel of the LORD, who then causes fire to spring up from the rock to consume the offering. 5. The Altar of Baal Located in Ophrah, this altar is torn down by Gideon at the LORD's command. It signifies the idolatry present in Israel at the time. 6. The Asherah Pole Also located in Ophrah, near the altar of Baal. Gideon cuts it down as part of his act of obedience to God. 7. The Spring of Harod Although not directly mentioned in Judges 6, it is relevant as the place where Gideon later gathers his troops in Judges 7. It is located near the Hill of Moreh. Events 1. Israel's Oppression by Midian The Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their oppression by the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade and destroy the produce of the land, leaving Israel impoverished. This reflects the Hebrew term "ra‘" (רַע), meaning evil or wickedness, indicating Israel's disobedience to God (Judges 6:1-6). 2. Israel Cries Out to the LORD In their distress, the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help. This act of crying out, "za‘aq" (זָעַק), signifies a desperate plea for divine intervention, acknowledging their need for God's deliverance (Judges 6:7). 3. The LORD Sends a Prophet God responds by sending a prophet to remind the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt and their failure to obey His commands. The prophet's message underscores the covenant relationship and the consequences of Israel's disobedience (Judges 6:8-10). 4. The Angel of the LORD Appears to Gideon The Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon while he is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel addresses Gideon as a "mighty warrior," indicating God's view of Gideon's potential despite his current fear and circumstances (Judges 6:11-12). 5. Gideon's Doubt and Request for a Sign Gideon questions the Angel about the LORD's presence and wonders why Israel is suffering if God is with them. He asks for a sign to confirm that it is indeed the LORD speaking to him. This reflects Gideon's initial doubt and need for assurance (Judges 6:13-17). 6. Gideon's Offering and the Consuming Fire Gideon prepares an offering of a young goat and unleavened bread, which the Angel of the LORD touches with the tip of His staff, causing fire to consume the offering. This miraculous sign confirms God's presence and call to Gideon (Judges 6:18-21). 7. Gideon's Altar to the LORD After realizing he has seen the Angel of the LORD, Gideon builds an altar to the LORD and names it "The LORD Is Peace" (Yahweh Shalom). This act signifies Gideon's newfound peace and commitment to God (Judges 6:22-24). 8. Gideon Destroys the Altar of Baal God instructs Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Gideon obeys, doing so at night out of fear of his family and the townspeople. This act of obedience marks the beginning of Israel's return to true worship (Judges 6:25-27). 9. The Reaction of the Townspeople The townspeople discover the destroyed altar and demand Gideon's death. However, Gideon's father, Joash, defends him, suggesting that if Baal is a god, he can defend himself. This incident highlights the challenge of confronting idolatry within the community (Judges 6:28-32). 10. The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Gideon The Spirit of the LORD clothes Gideon, empowering him to lead Israel against the Midianites. He blows a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites and other tribes to join him. This divine empowerment is crucial for Gideon's leadership (Judges 6:33-35). 11. Gideon's Request for Further Signs Gideon seeks further confirmation of God's promise by asking for signs involving a fleece of wool. First, he asks for dew on the fleece only, and then for the fleece to be dry while the ground is wet. God graciously grants both signs, reinforcing Gideon's faith (Judges 6:36-40). Lessons from Judges 6 1. God Sees Potential in the Humble In Judges 6, we meet Gideon, a man who considers himself the least in his family and from the weakest clan in Manasseh. Yet, God calls him a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). This teaches us that God sees beyond our limitations and insecurities. He knows our potential and calls us to rise above our circumstances. Remember, "God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27). 2. Divine Encounters Can Happen Anywhere Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress when the angel of the Lord appeared to him. This unexpected encounter reminds us that God can meet us in the most ordinary places. Whether you're at work, home, or even running errands, be open to divine moments. "The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth" (2 Chronicles 16:9). 3. Questioning God is Part of Growth Gideon questions God about the suffering of Israel, asking, "If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?" (Judges 6:13). It's okay to bring your doubts and questions to God. He is patient and understanding, and these questions can lead to deeper faith and understanding. 4. God Equips the Called When God calls Gideon to save Israel, Gideon doubts his ability. But God reassures him, "I will be with you" (Judges 6:16). This is a powerful reminder that God equips those He calls. You are never alone in your mission; His presence is your strength. 5. Small Steps of Faith Lead to Big Victories Gideon starts his journey by tearing down his father's altar to Baal. This small act of obedience sets the stage for greater victories. "Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much" (Luke 16:10). Start with small steps of faith, and watch how God uses them for His glory. 6. God Confirms His Word Gideon asks for signs to confirm God's word, and God graciously provides them. This shows us that God understands our need for assurance and is willing to confirm His promises. "Test everything; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). 7. God's Strength is Made Perfect in Weakness Gideon's army is reduced to just 300 men, yet they defeat the Midianites. This demonstrates that God's power is perfected in our weakness. "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Trust in His strength, not your own. 8. Obedience Requires Courage Gideon had to overcome fear to obey God's command to destroy the altar of Baal. Obedience often requires courage, especially when it goes against the norm. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid" (Joshua 1:9). Stand firm in your convictions. 9. God Uses Unlikely Leaders Gideon was an unlikely leader, yet God used him to deliver Israel. This reminds us that God often chooses the least likely candidates to accomplish His purposes. "The LORD does not look at the things people look at" (1 Samuel 16:7). Be open to His calling, no matter how unlikely it seems. 10. Worship is a Response to God's Faithfulness After witnessing God's deliverance, Gideon builds an altar and worships the Lord. Worship is our response to God's faithfulness and goodness. "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever" (Psalm 136:1). Let gratitude and worship be your response to His work in your life. Topics 1. Israel's Oppression by Midian (Judges 6:1-6) The Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their oppression by the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, devastated Israel's land and resources. The Hebrew word for "oppression" (עָשַׁק, `ashaq) conveys a sense of severe pressure and exploitation. 2. Israel Cries Out to the LORD (Judges 6:7-10) In their distress, the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help. God sent a prophet to remind them of their deliverance from Egypt and their disobedience to His commands. The Hebrew root for "cried out" (זָעַק, za'aq) indicates a desperate plea for divine intervention. 3. The Call of Gideon (Judges 6:11-24) The Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, calling him a "mighty warrior" and commissioning him to save Israel from Midian. Gideon expressed doubt and requested a sign, which the Angel provided by consuming Gideon's offering with fire. The term "mighty warrior" (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל, gibbor chayil) emphasizes strength and valor. 4. Gideon Destroys the Altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-32) God instructed Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and build an altar to the LORD. Gideon obeyed, doing so at night out of fear. The townspeople demanded his death, but his father Joash defended him, leading to Gideon being called "Jerubbaal," meaning "Let Baal contend." 5. The Sign of the Fleece (Judges 6:33-40) Seeking further confirmation of God's promise, Gideon asked for signs involving a fleece of wool. First, he requested dew on the fleece only, and then dew on the ground only. God granted both signs, affirming His commitment to deliver Israel through Gideon. The Hebrew word for "sign" (אוֹת, 'oth) signifies a miraculous indication or proof. Themes 1. Israel's Disobedience and Oppression Judges 6:1 states, "Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years." This theme highlights the cycle of disobedience and the resulting oppression. The Hebrew word for "evil" (רַע, ra) indicates moral and spiritual failure, leading to divine judgment. 2. Cry for Deliverance In Judges 6:6, it is written, "Israel was greatly impoverished by Midian, and the Israelites cried out to the LORD." This theme emphasizes the pattern of Israel turning back to God in times of distress, seeking His intervention and mercy. 3. Divine Response and Prophetic Rebuke Judges 6:8-10 describes how God sends a prophet to remind Israel of their covenant obligations and their failure to obey. The prophet's message underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of idolatry. 4. Calling of Gideon Judges 6:12-14 records the angel of the LORD appearing to Gideon, saying, "The LORD is with you, O mighty warrior." This theme focuses on God's choice of an unlikely leader, emphasizing divine empowerment and calling. The Hebrew term for "mighty warrior" (גִּבּוֹר חַיִל, gibbor chayil) suggests strength and valor bestowed by God. 5. Gideon's Doubts and God's Assurance In Judges 6:17, Gideon requests a sign, saying, "If I have found favor in Your sight, give me a sign that it is You speaking with me." This theme explores human doubt and the need for reassurance, highlighting God's patience and willingness to confirm His word. 6. Destruction of Idolatry Judges 6:25-27 describes God's command to Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal. This theme underscores the necessity of removing idolatry and false worship to restore true devotion to God. 7. Testing God's Will In Judges 6:36-40, Gideon tests God's will with the fleece, seeking confirmation of God's promise. This theme illustrates the human desire for certainty and the graciousness of God in providing guidance. Prayer Points Pray for the courage to trust in God's presence and promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Ask for a heart of obedience, willing to take small steps of faith in response to God's call. Seek God's assurance and guidance in areas of doubt or uncertainty in your life. Pray for boldness to act in faith, knowing that God equips and empowers those He calls. Answering Tough Questions 1. Judges 6:11–12: How can we reconcile the claim of a physical angelic appearance to Gideon with scientific or historical scrutiny? 2. Judges 6:13: Why would Gideon still question God’s presence and past miracles if they were well-known and documented among the Israelites? 3. Judges 6:25–27: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Baal’s altar in Gideon’s hometown? 4. Judges 6:36–40: How can the miracle of the fleece being wet while the ground stayed dry (and vice versa) be explained or verified? 5. Judges 6:14–15: If Gideon was the least in his family, do other biblical records or genealogical data contradict or confirm his lowly status? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the Israelites' suffering in the hands of the Midianites reflect the consequences of their disobedience? 2. Why do you think God chose Gideon, a seemingly ordinary man, to lead the Israelites? 3. How does Gideon's doubt reflect his human nature? How does God respond to this doubt? 4. How might Gideon's act of destroying the altar of Baal reflect his newfound faith and courage? 5. What does the episode of the fleece reveal about Gideon's relationship with God? 6. How can Gideon's story inspire us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems improbable? 7. How does the chapter highlight the importance of repentance in restoring our relationship with God? 8. Why do you think God patiently accommodated Gideon's request for signs? 9. How can we apply the lessons from Gideon's call to our modern day lives? 10. How can Gideon's transformation inspire us in overcoming our own doubts and fears? 11. In what ways can we see ourselves in the figure of Gideon when dealing with the challenges in our lives? 12. Can you think of a time when you felt unqualified for a task God was calling you to do? How did you respond? 13. What steps can we take to stand up against idolatry in today's world, just like Gideon stood against Baal worship? 14. How can we discern when God is calling us to do something outside of our comfort zone? 15. What is your 'fleece' moment when you sought a sign from God? How did God respond? 16. How does the story of Gideon's call challenge our understanding of who is capable of serving God's purpose? 17. In what ways does Judges 6 show that faith in God can lead to the impossible being achieved? 18. How can Gideon's initial hesitation and ultimate obedience inspire us to deal with doubt in our spiritual journey? 19. What does Gideon's story teach us about the power of God working through ordinary people? 20. What steps can we take to ensure we remain faithful to God's word, learning from the Israelites' cycle of disobedience and oppression? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions