Judges 6
Conditions in Israel
Forty years of rest and the next generation of Hebrews had once more forgotten God and reverted to an easygoing religion that threatened to do away with Israel’s trust in God (v. 1). To punish His people, God sent in warlike tribes from the desert (vv. 2-3). These Bedouins and shepherds who …
Destroying the Pagan Altar
Gideon’s father had set up an idol to Baal in a grove of trees on their land like the heathen nations around them. That very night God tested Gideon’s dedication by asking him to tear down his fathers’ altar and to build an altar to Jehovah in its place (vv. 25-26). In addition to this he was to sacrifice …
The Commission of Gideon
God used a coward to lead a nation of cowards. Gideon, the fifth judge, was the youngest son, of the poorest family in Israel. The “angel of the Lord” appeared to Gideon. Gideon was thrashing grain in a covered shelter where grapes were pressed into wine because he was trying to hide his …
Confirming the Will of God
When it was confirmed that Gideon was the one guilty of tearing down the altar of Baal the followers marched on Gideon’s house and demanded that he be turned over to them for execution (v. 30). Joash, Gideon’s father responded by saying, “If (Baal) is a God let him contend …