Scripture to Read: Judges 8:1–27
At the end of Judges 7, Gideon had sent messengers throughout Ephraim to enlist them to continue their pursuit of the Midianites to destroy them. In Judges 8:1–3, the men of Ephraim were mad at Gideon for not calling them to the original battle. It seems they were jealous of not being included and of not receiving recognition, which is exactly what God warned Gideon about in Judges 7:2. Gideon did not challenge their pride; he complimented them and gave them the recognition they seemed to want. He also challenged them to get involved in the work of God at hand, and they did. As Gideon and the 300 pursued the kings of Midian, Gideon asked both the men of Succoth and the men of Penuel to help them by feeding his troop of 300. Both groups were unwilling, so, Gideon promised to destroy them when they returned, which is exactly what he did. When Gideon finally killed the kings of Midian, we read in Judges 8:22 what the men of Israel said to Gideon: “Rule over us, both you and your son, also your son’s son, for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.” Gideon’s response in Judges 8:23 reveals that he recognized the Lord God as King over Israel. Gideon’s words were humble, but his actions weren’t. In Judges 8:24–26, Gideon accumulated a fortune of gold. Then, he used that gold to lead Israel into idolatry in Judges 8:27. Sadly, it’s easier to talk about serving God than it is to actually do it.
Challenge & Application
How did Gideon handle the struggles he faced in Judges 8 according to what you learned today?
Gideon spoke of God as King over Israel, but his actions proved otherwise. How do you guard against hypocrisy and actually live a Christ-like life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!