Judges 7:9-8:35

Judges 7:9-8:35

It was finally time for Gideon to lead his 300 men into battle. God had given them the victory, and it was now up to Gideon to have the courage to go. God gave Him the word, but realized that Gideon was still scared. He knew Gideon, so He provided a way to help Gideon overcome his fears and go into battle. God sent Gideon with his servant to a place just outside the city where a man was telling about a dream he had had. The dream was about a cake of barley bread crushing a tent in the Midianite city. The interpretation of the dream given to the man and Gideon was that God had called him to do that very thing, to take over and capture the city. With the assurance and confidence to go into battle, Gideon then led his 300 men into the city in the middle of the night just as God had commanded.


Remember, Gideon and his 300 men were severely outnumbered. There was no way that they could physically defeat the large number of Midianites. God was with Gideon, and He gave him the ability to overcome their enemies. The Midianites fled, and Gideon pursued. Judges 8 continues the story of this pursuit. Gideon has to cross the Jordan with his 300 men and has to ask several along the way which way the kings of the Midianites went. He eventually finds them and kills them. The Israelites once again regained their freedom under the leadership of Gideon and the grace of God. It was a truly remarkable battle. With just 300 men, God was able to take over an army of 120,000. This is how many had fallen while Gideon was still in pursuit of the kings who had 15,000 more men with them. God had once again protected His children, for there was no way that 300 men could win in such sever odds without Him.

The victory in this battle ushered in another time of peace for Israel, this time 40 years. Israel wanted Gideon to reign over them, but he declined. Although God established him as the next judge over Israel, Gideon was sure to tell the Israelites that they should not follow him. Instead, he wanted them to seek after God. Gideon knew where all the credit should go. God had proven Himself time and time again, giving Gideon the confidence to press on through every step of the battle. Gideon returned his gratitude into praise. Israel praised God right alongside Gideon, but when Gideon died, so did Israel’s worship. They immediately turned away from God, and began worshipping their idols, such as Baal. They forgot what God had done for them, and they forgot what Gideon had taught them. Israel was headed for yet another time of trouble.

Matt