Gideon
Hey friends, Josh here! We’re rolling through our “First Gospel” series, making our way through the Old Testament, and I’m thrilled you’re sticking with us. For anyone on a yearly Bible reading plan, we’ve now made it past the Torah—which is a victory in itself! The Torah is packed with stories that reveal God’s character, and I’m so glad we could unpack those together. But today, we’re jumping ahead—not to Joshua, but to the Book of Judges, and diving into the story of Gideon.
Why We’re Skipping Joshua (And It’s Okay)
First off, why skip Joshua? Not because it’s unimportant—far from it! Joshua is the story of God’s people finally taking the Promised Land. It’s action-packed, full of giant battles, brave spies, and even unlikely heroes like Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute whose single act of courageous faith catapulted her into the very genealogy of Jesus. Just think about how nobody would put Rahab on their “Most Likely To Succeed” list, and yet God did.
But here’s why we’re parking in Judges: This is where things get gritty. Israel has settled (mostly) into the land, but they didn’t drive out all the nations as God instructed. Instead of influencing their neighbors, the Israelites start to be influenced—in all the wrong ways. And this is where the story of Gideon comes to life.
The Book of Judges: A Cycle of Forgetfulness
Judges is an intense book. Israel is comprised of tribes, not yet a united kingdom. There’s no king, just tribal leaders known as “judges”—really, more like chiefs or military leaders, not the courtroom type we imagine.
The cycle goes like this:
Blessing: God’s people enjoy the Promised Land.
Forgetfulness: They forget what God has done and slip into idolatry.
Oppression: Foreign nations oppress them as a consequence.
Cry for Help: Israel cries out to God.
Deliverance: God raises a judge, delivers them, and restores peace—until they forget again.
It’s basically a spiritual toilet bowl, swirling round and round, each cycle a little darker than the last. Yet, in the midst of this, God works with—and often through—Israel’s doubt, confusion, and weakness.
Introducing Gideon: The Reluctant Hero
Israel is under heavy oppression from the Midianites. The people are hiding in caves, and every time they harvest crops, Midian swoops in “like locusts” and devours everything. Enter Gideon. We first meet him hiding, threshing grain in a winepress (which, by the way, is as inefficient as washing plastic forks after a Thanksgiving feast—Depression-era survival tactics at their best).
The angel of the Lord (which many believe is a special, God-himself kind of messenger) appears and says, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Gideon, looking over his shoulder, can barely believe it. “Who, me?” He’s doubtful, insecure, from the smallest clan, and feels completely overlooked.
But God sees something else. God sees all of Gideon’s story—even the parts yet unwritten. When we’re in the middle of our own struggles, we define ourselves by failure and fear. God defines us by the victory He has already secured through His grace—even before we see it.
God Welcomes Our Doubts
Gideon’s honesty is almost comical. “Pardon me, Lord, but if you’re with us, why has all this happened?” He’s not afraid to admit his doubts. And you know what? God isn’t threatened. Instead, God makes space for Gideon’s questions.
Gideon asks for a sign. Actually, he asks for three. And each time, God responds—not with frustration, but with reassurance. Doubt isn't the opposite of faith. When we bring our doubts TO God, it’s like exercising a muscle—it can actually make our faith stronger.
Before the Battle: Tear Down the Idols
Before any great victory, God has Gideon do something surprising: Tear down the altars to Baal and Asherah right in his hometown. It’s not a requirement for rescue—a sign God’s grace is initiative, not transaction—but God wants Israel to learn to live free, not just temporarily experience freedom. Gideon does this under cover of darkness. When no divine retribution comes, the locals realize Gideon’s God is greater than Baal.
This courageous stand draws thousands to Gideon’s side. There’s power when we stand against the idols of our past.
God Shrinks the Army—On Purpose
With over 30,000 warriors, Israel is still outnumbered by Midian, but God says, “Too many.” He doesn’t want anyone to think victory comes by human effort. After a couple of improbable tests—send home the fearful, send home those who drink the “wrong” way—Gideon is left with only 300 men.
The odds have gone from slim to impossible. But that’s the point. Now, when God delivers His people, it’s clear who deserves credit.
The Unexpected Battle Plan (And Victory!)
Gideon’s plan: Trumpets, torches, and clay jars. At his signal, his 300 men break jars, wave torches, and blow trumpets—causing chaos and panic in the Midianite camp. The enemy turns on itself and flees. Gideon’s doubt has finally become faith, and God’s strength is shown in weakness.
The Aftermath: Don’t Forget
Sadly, after Gideon dies, Israel forgets. The cycle starts again. But that’s a warning and an encouragement to us.
What Gideon’s Story Means for Us
God isn’t looking for the strongest, boldest, or most confident. He wants the available. Those honest about their doubt, but willing to say “yes.”
Doubt is not a deal-breaker. Bring your doubts to God; He makes space for your questions, and He can use them to strengthen your faith.
Your identity is not defined by your worst moments. God sees your victory, even when you don’t.
Rescue and victory don’t start with perfect repentance, but with God’s amazing grace. He initiates, He pursues, and He delivers, again and again.
So as we move forward, let’s remember—not just once, but every day—what God has done, who He says we are, and how He’s committed to working through us, even in our doubts.
Let’s be available. Let’s take our doubts to God. And let’s watch Him do what only He can.
