Background and Context:
Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8. He is called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, a nomadic people who, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, had been raiding and impoverishing Israel for seven years. The Israelites, having turned away from God, were suffering under this oppression as a consequence of their idolatry and disobedience.

Divine Call and Preparation:
Gideon's account begins with an angel of the Lord appearing to him while he is secretly threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The angel addresses him as a "mighty warrior" and informs him that the Lord is with him (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon is reassured by God’s promise of victory. He asks for signs to confirm God's will, including the famous fleece test, where he seeks confirmation through a miraculous dew on a fleece of wool (Judges 6:36-40).

Reduction of the Army:
God instructs Gideon to reduce his army to ensure that Israel understands that their victory is by divine intervention and not by their own strength. Initially, Gideon gathers 32,000 men, but God reduces this number to 300 through a series of tests, including the manner in which the men drink water from a river (Judges 7:2-7).

The Battle:
Armed with trumpets, empty jars, and torches, Gideon's 300 men surround the Midianite camp at night. At Gideon's signal, they blow the trumpets, break the jars, and shout, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20). The sudden noise and lights throw the Midianites into confusion, causing them to turn on each other in panic. The Israelites pursue the fleeing Midianites, securing a decisive victory.

Aftermath and Leadership:
Following the victory, the Israelites request Gideon to rule over them, but he declines, insisting that the Lord will rule over Israel (Judges 8:22-23). However, Gideon makes an ephod from the gold collected from the spoils of war, which later becomes a snare to him and his family, leading Israel back into idolatry (Judges 8:24-27).

Significance:
Gideon's victory over the Midianites is a testament to God's power and faithfulness. It underscores the theme of divine deliverance and the importance of faith and obedience to God. Despite his initial hesitance, Gideon's account illustrates how God can use unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes. The narrative also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the need for continual faithfulness to God.