Judges - Chapter 6

Judges 6.1 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. Judges 6.2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. Judges 6.3 And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them; Judges 6.4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. Judges 6.5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it. Judges 6.6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD. Judges 6.7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites, Judges 6.8 That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; Judges 6.9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land; Judges 6.10 And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice. Judges 6.11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. Judges 6.12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Judges 6.13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. Judges 6.14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? Judges 6.15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. Judges 6.16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. Judges 6.17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.

Judges : Chapter 6

Gideon's Call: A Lesson in Faith and Trust

Judges chapter 6 immerses us in the fascinating story of Gideon, a man chosen by God to lead his people in a time of great distress. This powerful account explores how God calls a fearful man to take the reins of leadership. Through the oppression of the Midianites, we discover Gideon's call and his first acts of faith.

Central Themes of the Chapter

This revelatory text explores profound themes such as human doubt, divine patience, and the crucial importance of trusting God. The sign of the fleece, requested by Gideon, testifies to God's condescension toward our weaknesses, reminding us that He is always ready to accompany our hesitations.

Scriptures in relation to calling and trust

We invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that resonate with the themes of calling and trust present in this inspiring chapter:

  • Hebrews 13:2: "Do not forget to show hospitality, for by it some have unknowingly welcomed angels." - The angel's visit to Gideon in Judges 6 is an example of this divine reality.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9: "And he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" - God's choice of Gideon, the youngest of his father's house, illustrates this fundamental principle.
  • Exodus 3:11-12: "Then Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh?' And God said, 'I will be with you.'" - Gideon's initial reluctance in Judges 6 mirrors Moses', showing how God calls leaders.
  • 1 Samuel 15:22: "Better to obey than to sacrifice." - God's command to Gideon to destroy the altar of Baal highlights the importance of obedience rather than ritual.
  • Matthew 12:39: "A wicked generation seeks a sign..." - Gideon's request for signs in Judges 6 contrasts with this teaching of Jesus, illustrating the progression of faith in the biblical story.

Through Gideon's example, we understand that God often chooses those who feel weakest or inadequate. May this story encourage us to embrace our own calling, placing our trust in the One who guides us with love and mercy.