Gideon’s Sense of Justice

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. “But I don’t? ask ... More

Justice

Gideon returned from the battle in victory (v. 13). But he wasn’t going to be satisfied until his idea of justice was fulfilled. First, he captured a young man of Succoth, gleaning from him a list of all 77 officials and elders of the city (v. 14). He then presented Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, before the men of Succoth. He reminded them how they had refused to give hospitality to his hungry and exhausted men (v. 15). Gideon then taught the elders a lesson using thorns and briers from the wilderness (v. 16). Sounds painful. Gideon then returned to Penuel where he broke down their tower and killed all the men of the city (v. 17). Gideon’s justice was cruel and inconsistent.

Next Gideon turned his attention towards Zebah and Zalmunna. The two kings tried to flatter Gideon, implying in a roundabout way that Gideon had a kingly appearance (v. 18). But Gideon was in no mood for flattery. He wanted justicefor the men killed at Tabor, his fellow Israelites (v. 19). When Jether, Gideon’s eldest son, refused to kill them, Gideon allowed himself to be goaded into killing them himself (vv. 20-21). 

Once Gideon’s sense of justice was satisfied, the men of Israel requested that he and his heirs should rule over them as kings (v. 22). They gave Gideon all the credit for the victory over the Midianites. Gideon refusing to be their king, saying, “The LORD will rule over you” (v. 23). As we will see next time, however, Gideon was not being entirely selfless. 

Application

Do I really believe the words of Romans 12:19? “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Father, give me the Faith to leave justice to you and not to judge others against my own twisted sense of justice. 

Judges 8:13-23 (English Standard Version)


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