Gideon's Army is a significant narrative found in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, in the Old Testament. This account highlights God's power and sovereignty, demonstrating how He can achieve victory through seemingly inadequate means. Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, a nomadic people who had been plundering Israel's resources for seven years.

The Call of Gideon

Gideon was called by God while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel of the LORD appeared to him, saying, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial hesitance and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was assured by God that he would lead Israel to victory. Gideon asked for signs to confirm God's will, including the famous fleece test, which God graciously provided (Judges 6:36-40).

The Reduction of the Army

Gideon's army initially numbered 32,000 men. However, God instructed Gideon to reduce the number, stating, "The people with you are too many for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me’" (Judges 7:2). God first instructed Gideon to send home those who were fearful, reducing the number to 10,000. Then, through a test at the water, God further reduced the army to 300 men. Those who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths were chosen, while the rest were sent home (Judges 7:4-7).

The Battle Against the Midianites

With only 300 men, Gideon prepared to face the vast Midianite army. God assured Gideon of victory, and to bolster his confidence, allowed him to overhear a Midianite's dream that foretold their defeat (Judges 7:9-15). Armed with trumpets, empty jars, and torches, Gideon's men surrounded the Midianite camp. At Gideon's signal, they blew the trumpets, broke the jars, and shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20). The Midianites were thrown into confusion, turning their swords against each other, and fled.

The Pursuit and Defeat of the Midianites

Gideon's victory was not just a single battle but a campaign. He called upon the men of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh to pursue the fleeing Midianites. The Ephraimites were also summoned to seize the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah, capturing and killing the Midianite leaders Oreb and Zeeb (Judges 7:24-25). Gideon continued the pursuit beyond the Jordan, capturing the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna, and ultimately defeating the Midianite forces (Judges 8:10-12).

Gideon's Leadership and Legacy

Gideon's leadership brought peace to Israel for forty years. However, his account also serves as a cautionary tale. After his victory, Gideon made an ephod from the gold taken as plunder, which became a snare to him and his family, leading Israel into idolatry (Judges 8:24-27). Despite this, Gideon is remembered as a man of faith, listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32.

Gideon's Army is a testament to God's ability to deliver His people through faith and obedience, using the weak to confound the strong, and ensuring that the glory of victory belongs to Him alone.