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Judges 6

40 verses

TL;DR

Israel suffers oppression by the Midianites; God calls Gideon to deliver them, testing his faith before granting victory.

Summary

The Israelites commit evil, leading to seven years of Midianite oppression. In response, God sends a prophet who instructs Gideon, the son of Joash, to deliver Israel. Gideon is tested through signs, including a miraculous fire that consumes his food and a fleece that remains wet only on its surface. He builds an altar to Jehovah, removes Baal’s grove, and gathers forces from Manasseh and the neighboring tribes. With the Spirit of the LORD upon him, Gideon defeats the Midianites, illustrating deliverance through humble obedience and faith.

Outline
  1. Israel’s oppression and the divine call to Gideon
  2. Gideon’s tests, preparation, and establishment of a new altar
  3. Battle, divine support, and Israel’s deliverance
Themes
Deliverance through humble obedienceFaith tested by divine signsConflict between idolatry and worship of God
Keywords
midianitesGideonangel of the LORDJehovahshalomBaalfleecedewspirittrumpetfaith
People
JoashGideonAbiezer
Places
OphrahGazaJezreelManassehAsherZebulunNaphtalivalley of Jezreel
Things
angel of the LORDoak treewinepresskidunleavened cakesflourbrothrockstafffirealtar of Jehovahshalomsecond bullockBaal altargrovefleece of wooldewtrumpetSpirit of the LORD
Key Verses
  • Judges 6:11: First appearance of the Angel of the LORD, marking divine intervention.
  • Judges 6:13: Gideon's questioning shows humility and doubt.
  • Judges 6:21: Miraculous fire consumes Gideon's offering, proving the angel’s authenticity.
  • Judges 6:28: Gideon builds the altar of Jehovahshalom, establishing a new worship site.
  • Judges 6:34: The Spirit of the LORD empowers Gideon for battle.
  • Judges 6:38: The fleece test confirms divine support.
Questions
  • Why did God choose Gideon, a humble farmer, to deliver Israel?
  • What does the miraculous fire and the fleece test reveal about divine communication?
  • How does Gideon’s removal of the Baal altar reflect the tension between idolatry and worship of God?
  • In what ways does the Spirit of the LORD empower the Israelites for battle?
  • What lessons can modern believers draw from Gideon’s willingness to wait for God’s sign?
Sentiment

mixed
The narrative moves from oppression and despair to divine assurance and deliverance, blending sorrow with hope.