SBC: Judging the Judges - 5 | Gideon

WEEK 6 – JUDGING THE JUDGES

CASE FILE #6: THE PEOPLE vs. Gideon

Text: Judges 6–8 Big Truth: God delivers His people by stripping human strength so His power is unmistakable.

FULL CONTEXT OVERVIEW

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Timeline: Approx. 1200–1150 BC Setting: After the death of Deborah (Judges 6:1), Israel again does evil in the sight of the LORD. Oppressor: Midian, joined by Amalek and “the people of the East” (Judges 6:3). Oppression Duration: 7 years (Judges 6:1).

Spiritual Climate: Severe decline. Israel is not just oppressed — they are impoverished, fearful, and hiding. They live in caves and strongholds, unable to protect their food, livestock, or land.

STRATEGIC CONTEXT

Military Disadvantage: Midianite forces are described as “numberless, like locusts” (Judges 6:5). Israel has no organized resistance and no defensive advantage.

Economic Warfare: Midian waits until harvest, then strips the land bare. This is slow destruction — starvation by design.

Key Insight: Israel is not merely weak — they are broken in spirit. God must rebuild confidence after He dismantles pride.

INTRODUCING GIDEON (Judges 6:11–12)

Gideon is introduced hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat in secret. This is not bravery — it is survival.

The Angel of the LORD addresses him:

“The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!”

This is not descriptive — it is declarative. God speaks to Gideon not as he is, but as he will be.

THE CALL OF GIDEON (Judges 6:14–16)

God commands Gideon:

“Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel.”

Gideon immediately objects:

“My clan is the weakest”

“I am the least”

“How can I save Israel?”

God does not argue Gideon’s résumé. He promises His presence:

“Surely I will be with you.”

Key Insight: God’s call precedes capability. Obedience comes before confidence.

THE CALL OF GIDEON (Judges 6:14–16) God commands Gideon: “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel.” Gideon immediately objects: “My clan is the weakest” “I am the least” “How can I save Israel?” God does not argue Gideon’s résumé. He promises His presence:

THE FIRST TEST: THE ALTAR (Judges 6:25–27)

Before Midian is confronted, Baal must be destroyed.

Gideon is commanded to:

Tear down his father’s Baal altar

Cut down the Asherah pole

Build an altar to the LORD

Gideon obeys — but at night, out of fear.

Key Insight: God accepts fearful obedience — but He will not tolerate divided worship.

THE FIRST TEST: THE TEST (Judges 6:36-40) Gideon tests God

THE ARMY REDUCED (Judges 7:1–8)

Initial force: 32,000 men Midianite force: ~135,000

God declares:

“The people with you are too many… lest Israel claim glory.”

First reduction: 22,000 leave due to fear.

Second reduction: Only 300 remain after the water test.

Key Insight: God intentionally engineers impossibility so there is no confusion about who saves.

THE BATTLE (Judges 7:16–22)

Weapons issued:

Trumpets

Empty jars

Torches

No swords.

At Gideon’s signal, the men shout:

“The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!”

God turns the Midianites against one another. The enemy collapses from within.

Victory is total — without Israel’s strength being the explanation.

THE AFTERMATH (Judges 8)

Gideon refuses kingship (Judges 8:23):

“The LORD shall rule over you.”

But he requests gold from the spoils and makes an ephod. This ephod becomes an object of idolatry.

Key Insight: Gideon wins the battle but stumbles in legacy. Humility at the start does not guarantee humility at the end.

📍 CHARGES AGAINST GIDEON

Fearful Obedience – He hesitates repeatedly and seeks reassurance. Demand for Signs – The fleece test exposes weak faith. Dangerous Legacy – The ephod becomes a snare to Israel.

🔴 THE PROSECUTION

Exhibit A1 – Fear and Hesitation

📖 Judges 6:27 “He did it by night… because he feared.”

Argument: “Is a fearful deliverer fit to lead God’s people?”

Exhibit A2 – Testing God

📖 Judges 6:36–40

Argument: “Gideon repeatedly asks God for proof. Does this show faith — or distrust?”

Exhibit A3 – The Ephod

📖 Judges 8:27

Argument: “What began as victory ended in idolatry. Did Gideon plant the seeds of Israel’s next fall?”

🟩 THE DEFENSE

Exhibit B1 – Chosen by God

📖 Judges 6:14

Argument: “God Himself called Gideon. Weakness did not disqualify him — it showcased God’s power.”

Exhibit B2 – Radical Obedience

📖 Judges 7:7

Argument: “He obeyed commands that defied military logic. Faith was shown in action, not confidence.”

Exhibit B3 – God Gets the Glory

📖 Judges 7:22

Argument: “The victory is undeniably divine. Gideon led Israel to trust God’s strength, not their own.”

Defense Closing: “Gideon was not chosen for courage, strength, or certainty. He was chosen because God could work through him without competition. His story reminds us: God saves by subtraction, not accumulation.”

⚖️ VERDICT TIME

Step 1 – Legacy Verdict (Vote):

“What best defines Gideon’s legacy?” □ Faithful □ Flawed □ Mixed □ Compromised

🗣 Invite 1–2 people to explain.

Step 2 – Leadership Grade (Vote):

“How do you grade Gideon’s leadership?” □ A – God-dependent and obedient □ B – Faithful but inconsistent □ C – Effective but unstable □ D – Victory without discernment □ F – Failed long-term leadership

🗣 Ask: “Who graded him highest — and why?”