Chapter 6-8 of Judges describes the story of Gideon, a deeply flawed judge who really wanted to be king. Despite his flaws, Gideon was also a man of great faith who was used by God to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. Gideon's faith was put to the test when God called him to lead the Israelites to victory. Gideon was initially reluctant and asked for signs from God to confirm His calling. God gave Gideon two signs, which helped to build Gideon's faith. God then tested Gideon's trust...
Show notes
Judges 7 + 8
In Judges 7 and 8, we see the rise and fall of Gideon. Gideon wants reassurance, and God wants faith.
HAYLEY’S BIBLE BENDER:
Within Judges 7 and 8, Gideon has many applicable lessons for us. While not a Bible bender, I loved what Susan highlighted in Gideon’s last actions of this episode:
“God wanted Gideon to lead the people back to him, but the people, like Gideon’s ruthless power– it infuses them with desire to follow the visible Gideon, not the invisible God. Gideon starts out right, he refuses to be their king, declaring that only God would rule over them. But then he mixes it up – and mixes up the people. First, he asks for tribute like a king. Then he creates an ephod: the ephod was worn only by the high priest in the tabernacle which at this point is located in Shiloh. In making his own copy, is he suggesting that he has priestly authority, that God is residing there in his town rather than the tabernacle? Of course, the people fall in, they follow his lead, they fall into sin. They worship god, their way, not His way.
There is danger in success. It can be a little addicting. It can produce a bit of a high, a lightheaded feeling of power and invincibility. I know it can give us a feeling that we are in control, we are all-knowing, and can do it all…without God.”
Have you considered how you are responding to personal success? Do you see it as you earning it, and you alone? Or are you giving the praise to God?
What was your Bible bender from Judges 7? Did you learn anything new?
VERSES MENTIONED:
- Deuteronomy 20
- Judges 6:33
- Judges 6:11
The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.
