Gideon
A hesitant judge who led Israel to victory over Midian.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
Gideon, also called Jerubbaal (Judges 7:1), is the son of Joash the Abiezrite from Ophrah (Judges 6:11). He appears in the biblical narrative as a man called by an angel of the LORD to deliver Israel from the Midianites, though he initially questions God’s presence and miracles (Judges 6:13). Gideon is portrayed as a reluctant leader who seeks signs, such as the fleece test (Judges 6:36-39), and who ultimately leads a reduced army of three hundred men to victory (Judges 7:7).
- Father
- Joash the Abiezrite (Judges 6:11)
- Also called
- Jerubbaal (Judges 7:1)
- Location of encounter
- Ophrah, under an oak (Judges 6:11)
- Enemy kings slain
- Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:21)
Lore & Background
Gideon first appears threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites (Judges 6:11). When an angel of the LORD appears, Gideon questions why God has allowed Israel’s suffering and asks for signs, including a fleece test for dew (Judges 6:36-39). After destroying an altar of Baal by night out of fear (Judges 6:27), the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him, and he gathers an army (Judges 6:34). God reduces Gideon’s army from thousands to three hundred men by a water-drinking test (Judges 7:4-7). Encouraged by a dream of a barley cake tumbling into the Midianite camp (Judges 7:13-15), Gideon attacks with trumpets, pitchers, and torches, crying “The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon” (Judges 7:18-20). The Ephraimites later capture and kill the princes Oreb and Zeeb (Judges 7:24-25). Gideon pursues the fleeing kings Zebah and Zalmunna, threatening to tear the flesh of those who refused him food (Judges 8:7), and finally slays them (Judges 8:21). He builds an altar called Jehovahshalom in Ophrah (Judges 6:24).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Gideon as a complex figure: initially fearful and doubting, yet chosen by God. He hides from enemies (Judges 6:11), questions divine presence (Judges 6:13), and requires multiple confirmations (Judges 6:36-39). His nighttime destruction of the altar shows both obedience and fear of his household (Judges 6:27). Once empowered by the Spirit (Judges 6:34), he becomes a decisive military leader, but still relies on signs like the dream (Judges 7:13-15). God deliberately reduces his army to prevent Israel from claiming self-salvation (Judges 7:2). Gideon’s battle tactics—trumpets, pitchers, and lamps—are unconventional (Judges 7:19-20). After victory, he executes the enemy kings personally (Judges 8:21) and threatens harsh punishment to those who did not aid him (Judges 8:7). The narrative emphasizes that deliverance comes from God, not human strength.
Did You Know?
- Gideon was also called Jerubbaal after the events in Judges 6 (Judges 7:1).
- He built an altar named Jehovahshalom in Ophrah (Judges 6:24).
- He slew the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:21).
Elsewhere in the Figures of Scripture universe
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