Calling them to arms, Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh, as well as Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, so that they came up to meet him. Calling them to follow himThis phrase signifies Gideon's leadership and the divine calling upon him to lead Israel against the Midianites. The Hebrew root for "calling" is קָרָא (qara), which often implies a summons or proclamation. In the biblical context, this calling is not merely a human initiative but a response to God's directive. Gideon's call to his fellow Israelites is a reflection of his obedience to God's command, demonstrating the importance of divine guidance in leadership. he sent messengers
The act of sending messengers indicates a strategic and organized approach to rallying the tribes. The Hebrew word for "messengers" is מַלְאָכִים (mal'akhim), which can also mean "angels" or "envoys." This dual meaning underscores the sacredness of their mission. Historically, messengers played a crucial role in communication across the tribal territories, emphasizing the unity and cooperation needed among the Israelites to face their common enemy. throughout Manasseh
Manasseh was one of the tribes of Israel, named after Joseph's son. The tribe's territory was divided between the east and west of the Jordan River. By sending messengers throughout Manasseh, Gideon was ensuring that both parts of the tribe were included in the call to arms. This highlights the importance of unity and collective action within the people of God, as well as the strategic significance of Manasseh's central location in the land. who also rallied to him
The response of the people of Manasseh to rally to Gideon signifies their recognition of his God-given authority and the urgency of the situation. The Hebrew root for "rallied" is זָעַק (za'aq), which can mean to cry out or assemble. This reflects a sense of urgency and commitment among the people, as they respond to the call to defend their land and faith. as well as Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali
These tribes, located in the northern part of Israel, were also called to join the fight. The inclusion of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali demonstrates the widespread support for Gideon's leadership and the collective effort required to defeat the Midianites. Each tribe had its unique characteristics and strengths, contributing to the overall success of the mission. This unity among the tribes is a powerful testament to the strength found in collaboration and shared purpose under God's guidance. so that they went up to meet them
The phrase "went up" often implies going to battle or ascending to a place of significance. In this context, it indicates the readiness and willingness of the tribes to confront the Midianite threat. The Hebrew verb עָלָה (alah) suggests an upward movement, both physically and spiritually, as the Israelites prepare to engage in a divinely ordained mission. This ascent is symbolic of their faith and trust in God's deliverance, as they unite under Gideon's leadership to fulfill their divine calling. Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonThe central figure in this passage, Gideon is called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. He is a judge and military leader who demonstrates faith and obedience to God's call. 2. ManassehOne of the tribes of Israel, from which Gideon hails. Manasseh responds to Gideon's call to arms, showing unity and support for the mission against the Midianites. 3. Asher, Zebulun, and NaphtaliThese are additional tribes of Israel that join Gideon in the battle. Their involvement signifies a collective effort among the tribes to confront their common enemy. 4. MidianitesThe oppressors of Israel during this period. They are a nomadic people who have been raiding and impoverishing the Israelites, prompting the need for deliverance. 5. MessengersIndividuals sent by Gideon to rally the tribes. Their role is crucial in mobilizing the people for the impending battle. Teaching Points God's Call to LeadershipGod often calls ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Like Gideon, we may feel inadequate, but God equips those He calls. Unity Among BelieversThe rallying of multiple tribes under Gideon's leadership underscores the importance of unity in facing common challenges. Believers today are called to work together in spiritual battles. Faith in ActionGideon's obedience in sending messengers and rallying the troops is an example of faith in action. We are called to step out in faith, trusting God to lead and provide. Divine EmpowermentThe account of Gideon reminds us that true strength and victory come from God. We must rely on His power rather than our own abilities. Responding to God's CallJust as the tribes responded to Gideon's call, we are encouraged to be responsive to God's call in our lives, ready to act when He directs us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Gideon's initial reluctance to lead compare to other biblical figures who were called by God? What can we learn from their responses? 2. In what ways can we foster unity among believers today, similar to how the tribes rallied together under Gideon's leadership? 3. How does the account of Gideon challenge us to step out in faith, even when the odds seem against us? 4. What are some practical ways we can rely on God's strength rather than our own in our daily lives? 5. How can we be attentive and responsive to God's call in our lives, and what steps can we take to ensure we are ready to act when He directs us? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 7The continuation of Gideon's account, where God reduces the number of his troops to demonstrate His power and ensure that the victory is attributed to Him alone. Exodus 3-4The calling of Moses, which parallels Gideon's call. Both leaders express initial reluctance but are reassured by God’s promise of presence and power. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath, which similarly highlights God using unlikely individuals to achieve victory over formidable foes. Hebrews 11:32-34Gideon is mentioned in the "Faith Hall of Fame," emphasizing his faith and the miraculous victories achieved through God's power. 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 Arms, Asher, Calling, Follow, Gathered, Joined, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Meet, Messengers, Naphtali, Naph'tali, Throughout, Zebulun, Zeb'ulunDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 6:35 5408 messenger 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 6:35 NIVJudges 6:35 NLTJudges 6:35 ESVJudges 6:35 NASBJudges 6:35 KJV
Judges 6:35 Commentaries
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