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Notes: June 14, 2008 – Judges 6

June 14, 2008 by

The Call of Gideon

After only 7 years of Midianite oppression, God raised up Gideon to deliver Israel (Judges 6:1, 14).

  • As the Midianites destroyed crops, flocks and herds Israel experienced a food shortage (1-6)
  • In answer to their prayers, God sent word that He would deliver the people (7-10).
  • Gideon questions his call; and the Lord sends fire from a rock to authenticate the commission (11-24)
  • The deliverer’s first task is to destroy his father’s idolatry (25-32); his father learns and teaches a valuable lesson.
  • Dew and a fleece are the instruments by which Gideon wishes God to prove (again) His will for Gideon (33-40).

Meditation Points:

  1. God is under no obligation to deliver sinful people from their problems. Certainly such have no reason to complain when the Lord allows them to suffer for any length of time.
  2. The nation that once had the powerful presence of God was impoverished and frightened by a people that they should have conquered easily. This has been the case ever since-a nation is blessed by God, that nation forgets about God, the nation loses it reputation, power and wealth.
  3. God saw Gideon as a mighty man of valor (Judges 6:12, 14). Gideon saw himself as the least of an insignificant family (Judges 6:15). Better to accept God’s evaluation (and strength).
  4. Yes, Gideon destroyed his father’s idols at night, under the cover of darkness; but he did destroy them (Judges 6:27). Have you ever had to turn your back on the false religious traditions of your ancestors?
  5. “If he be a god…” was the father’s response to his offended neighbors (Judges 6:31). The day before there was no doubt of Baal’s existence and power; and now there is reason to believe otherwise. Is the object of your religious activity really God?
  6. The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon (Judges 6:34). What else, Who else, would he need?
  7. Have you ever placed a fleece before the Lord and challenged Him to prove Himself? Gideon did; and when he didn’t like God’s response, Gideon arranged for a second opinion (Judges 6:37-40). Do you always accept God’s answers to your prayers?

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