The Story of Gideon: A Tale of Faith, Courage, and Divine Victory

by J. Wallis

A Man Called by God

In the heart of ancient Israel, during an era of darkness and despair, when the people had turned away from God, a reluctant hero emerged. His name was Gideon, a simple man, threshing wheat in secret, fearing the Midianites who had ravaged the land for seven years. Yet, from his obscurity, he was chosen by the Almighty to liberate Israel and restore faith in the One True God.

The Oppression of Israel by the Midianites

The Book of Judges, Chapter 6, reveals a grim period in Israel’s history. After the death of Joshua, the Israelites fell into sin, worshipping Baal and Asherah, forsaking the covenant they once cherished. As a consequence, God allowed the Midianites to oppress them. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern tribes, descended upon Israel like a swarm of locusts, pillaging fields, stealing livestock, and leaving destruction in their wake. The Israelites, overwhelmed and helpless, cried out to God for deliverance.

The Call of Gideon: A Humble Beginning

One day, as Gideon was secretly threshing wheat in a winepress to avoid Midianite detection, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. The divine messenger greeted him with words that must have seemed strange to the timid man:

“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12)

Gideon, filled with doubt, questioned why God had abandoned Israel. In response, the angel declared that Gideon was chosen to save Israel. Despite his reluctance and deep-seated insecurities, Gideon was given a divine mandate to lead the nation to victory.

Gideon’s Test of Faith: Signs from God

Even after receiving his calling, Gideon was unsure. He needed confirmation from God. Thus, he placed a fleece on the ground and asked for a sign:

1. If the dew covered only the fleece while the ground remained dry, he would believe.
2. The following night, he reversed the test, asking that the fleece remain dry while the ground was wet.

God answered both requests, affirming His power and Gideon’s divine appointment.

Tearing Down the Altar of Baal

Before leading Israel into battle, Gideon had to purify his household. Under the cover of night, he obeyed God’s command to destroy the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole beside it. The next morning, the townspeople were furious, demanding Gideon’s death. However, his father, Joash, challenged them:

“If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself.” (Judges 6:31)

This act sparked a movement of renewed faith, and Gideon became a symbol of divine restoration.

The Army of Gideon: From Thousands to 300

With 32,000 warriors, Gideon prepared for battle. However, God had a different plan:

1. 22,000 soldiers left after Gideon proclaimed, “Whoever is afraid, let him depart.”
2. 10,000 remained, but God deemed them still too many.
3. At the river, those who lapped water like dogs were chosen—only 300 men remained.

Why did God reduce the army? To demonstrate that victory would come from Him alone, not by human might.

The Battle Against the Midianites: A Divine Strategy

Armed with trumpets, torches, and clay jars, Gideon’s 300 men surrounded the Midianite camp. At Gideon’s signal, they smashed their jars, revealing blazing torches, blew their trumpets, and shouted:

“A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” (Judges 7:20)

The Midianites were thrown into chaos, turning on each other in the darkness. Fear spread like wildfire, and the once-mighty army fled, pursued by the Israelites. Victory belonged to the Lord!

Gideon’s Humility and Later Years

After the triumph, Israel wanted to make Gideon their king, but he refused, declaring:

“The Lord will rule over you.” (Judges 8:23)

However, in his later years, Gideon made a mistake—he created an ephod (a priestly garment) that became an object of idolatry. Though he had led Israel to freedom, his failure to guide them spiritually after the war led to a return to old sins.

Lessons from Gideon’s Story

1. God uses the weak to accomplish great things. Gideon, an unsure and fearful man, became a mighty leader through faith.
2. Faith requires action. Gideon had to step out despite his doubts.
3. Victory belongs to God. The battle was won not by strength but by divine intervention.
4. Idolatry leads to downfall. Though Gideon freed Israel, they later fell into spiritual decay.

A Legacy of Faith and Failure

In conclusion, the story of Gideon is one of transformation, from fear to courage, from doubt to faith, and from insignificance to leadership. His journey reminds us that God calls even the most unlikely people for His divine purposes. Yet, it also serves as a warning—faith must be sustained, and victory must lead to continued devotion.