Learn From Gideon, 1of52

~ Introduction—God Has Special Tasks for Each of Us ~

NOTE:  We temporarily interrupt our “Fear God” series with this “Learn from Gideon” 52-week series.

The Biblical account of the life of Gideon provides for one of the most interesting character studies in all of Scripture.  In this series we will discover practical lessons for living the Christian life today.

Basics  ~  Gideon is a quite well-known Old Testament character due to several spectacular events in his life. 

Scripture  ~  We find the main Biblical account of Gideon in the Book of Judges chapters 6—8.  He was a true hero of the faith and is listed in the Bible’s Hall of Fame (the “Hall of Faith” chapter).  “And what more shall I say?  For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:32-34).

His Name  ~  The name “Gideon” has the meaning he that bruises or breaks; a destroyer; cutter down; feller; or hewer.  The name may well indicate a warrior.  Gideon was also named Jerubbaal (Judges 6:32, 7:1) and Jerubbesheth (2 Samuel 11:21).  He was the youngest son of Joash and part of the clan of Abiezer in the tribe of Manasseh. 

His Family  ~  “One day the angel of God came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, whose son Gideon was threshing wheat in the winepress, out of sight of the Midianites.  The angel of God appeared to him and said, ‘God is with you, O mighty warrior!’  Gideon replied, ‘With me, my master?  If God is with us, why has all this happened to us?  Where are all the miracle-wonders our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us, “Didn't God deliver us from Egypt?”  The fact is, God has nothing to do with us—he has turned us over to Midian.’  But God faced him directly: ‘Go in this strength that is yours.  Save Israel from Midian.  Haven’t I just sent you?’  Gideon said to him, ‘Me, my master?  How and with what could I ever save Israel?  Look at me.  My clan’s the weakest in Manasseh and I’m the runt of the litter’” (Judges 6:11-15, The Message).

Personal Data  ~  Gideon, from the tribe of Manasseh, had many wives and 70 sons (Judges 8:30). 

His God Given Roles  ~  Gideon became the leader of Manasseh and also became the fifth Judge of Israel (1191 bc—1151 bc, a period of 40 years).  More importantly, God chose Gideon for a variety of special tasks. 

Learn From Gideon  ~  Like Gideon God has special tasks for each of His people.  If you know God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ then God has special tasks for you! 

concluding comment  ~  We learn about Gideon primarily from Judges 6-8, but also Isaiah 9:1-7, and Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-34.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .