S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The account of Gideon's life is recorded in Judges 6:11-8:32. The backdrop for Gideon's biography begins with the Israelites being ravaged by the Midianites as a consequence of their disobedience t...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

The Man of Might and Valor: Gideon was perhaps the greatest of the judges (Wiersbe).

The one incident that I find most fascinating is the incident of the reduction of Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 10,000, then to only 300. God told Gideon, “Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.” 22,000 left, and I would have been one of them, too. Far too often am I a coward. Cowardice is an unwillingness to act in a situation of danger or opposition, because of fear. It is avoiding the source of one's anxiety or fear, rather than dealing with it directly. By and by, there were only 300 men against the countless swarms of Midian! Yes, but the few choice, brave, active men and God were in the majority [Romans 8:31 says, “If God be for us, then who can be against us?”]. God is not always on the side of big battalions. In a sermon on Gideon Dr. J. Vernon McGee repeatedly uses 1 Corinthians 1:27 which he quotes as saying, “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”

Without doubt Gideon is among the brightest luminaries of Old Testament history. (Lockyer). Wiersbe also says, [There is] “a principle every Christian needs to take to heart: When God goes to war, He usually chooses the most unlikely soldiers, hands them the most unusual weapons, and accomplishes through them the most unpredictable results. 

“For example, God gave Shamgar an ox goad, and with it he killed 600 men (Jg 3:31). Jael used a hammer and tent peg to kill a captain (Jg 4:21), and Gideon routed the whole Midianite army with only pitchers and torches as weapons (Jg 7:20). Samson slaughtered 1,000 Philistines using the jawbone of an ass (Jg 15:15), and young David killed the giant Goliath with a stone hurled from a sling of a shepherd (1 Sam. 17). West Point is not likely to offer courses on how to use these weapons.” Wiersbe

June 20 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What should we learn from the life of Gideon?

Gideon's story in Judges 6–8 teaches that God uses unlikely, fearful people to achieve great victories, relying on His strength rather than human capacity. Key lessons include that God sees our potential, not just our weaknesses; obedience is paramount; and true success comes from trusting God rather than our own resources. 

Some Lessons from the Life of Gideon:

God Sees Potential Over Weakness: Gideon described himself as the weakest in his family, yet the angel of the Lord called him a "mighty man of valour". This shows that God empowers those who feel inadequate, rather than just the strong.

Trusting God Over Numbers: God deliberately reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to just 300 men to prove that he accomplished the victory over the Midianites, not human strength.

Faith Over Fear: Despite his initial fear and hesitation (as shown by his request for signs with the fleece), Gideon eventually obeyed God. His story encourages acting in faith even when afraid.

The Power of Obedience: Gideon's willingness to follow God's unconventional battle plan (trumpets and torches) led to victory.

Giving God the Glory: Gideon initially refused to rule over the people, saying, "The Lord will rule over you". However, his later mistakes show the importance of continuing to rely on God rather than our own accomplishments.

Gideon's journey from a terrified farmer to a leader illustrates that God can accomplish immense things through anyone willing to trust him, regardless of their background or insecurities. 

Gideon's faith, in the face of great odds, entitled him to be mentioned as one of the "so great a cloud of witnesses." (Heb 11:32; 12:1) Additionally, his modesty was exemplary, and this was coupled with caution. Apparently, Gideon's cautiousness was wholesome and was not to be viewed as springing from a lack of faith on his part, as he was never once censured for it.

Conclusion

Gideon's story provides lessons of both warning and encouragement. 

The Bible account of Gideon encourages us to trust in Jehovah, who will bless and deliver all who exercise faith in Him.

Judges 6:12 ESV: "And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him, and said unto him, 'Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.'" These words convey divine confidence in Gideon's ability to be a valiant leader in Israel.

Gideon is an excellent example of modesty in action. When Jehovah's angel first appeared to him, Gideon readily acknowledged his modest background and credentials. Read Judges 6:11-15.

Judges: 6:11-15; 8:1-3, 22, 23. Gideon's modesty teaches us three important lessons: (1) When a privilege of service is extended to us, we should reflect on the responsibility it entails rather than dwell on the prominence or prestige that may be associated with it. (2) When dealing with those inclined to quarrel, displaying modesty is the course of wisdom. (3) Modesty protects us from being position-oriented.

Like Gideon, do we show the same attitude by searching the Word of God to discover what Jehovah's will really is, and then sticking to it?

We can draw encouragement from the account about Gideon, for it proves that Jehovah can deliver his people from any menace, even by using those who appear weak or helpless.

April 24 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report