by:
09/20/2025
0
Instead of being hailed as a hero, Gideon first had to address the petty jealousy of the men of Ephraim (8:1ff). After pacifying them, he continued, “weary yet pursuing” (8:4), two of the Midianite kings. When he asked for refreshment for his men, his own countrymen turned him down.
The fact of Gideon’s success does not make him a model for us. His behavior often reflected the ethos of his time. Yet the picture of God comes through; God was faithful when Israel did not deserve it and used men and women whom we probably would not have chosen. He hasn’t changed.