Setting – Gideon continue to pursue the remaining Midianites. Israel lived in peace for 40 years after the defeat of the Midianites.
Content – While pursuing the Midianites the cities of Succoth and Peniel didn’t assist Gideon’s army by providing food. When Gideon overtook and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, he returned to Succoth (v. 16 NLT), “Then Gideon took the leaders of the town and taught them a lesson, punishing them with thorns and briers from the wilderness”. And for Peniel (v. 17 NLT), “He also knocked down the tower of Peniel and killed all the men in the town”
Israel wanted Gideon to rule over them, but he said for God to rule over them. But Gideon request (v. 24), “Each of you can give me an earring out of the treasures you collected from your fallen enemies." (The enemies, being Ishmaelites, all wore gold earrings.)”, which they did. Gideon made an ephod from it and placed it in Ophrah, his hometown. This ended up being a bad thing (v. 27), “But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family”
Gideon had seventy songs (“for he had many wives”). Abimelech was born from a concubine from Shechem.
After Gideon died Israel turned from God and worshiped images of Baal. They didn’t show loyalty to Gideon’s family either (v. 35), “Nor did they show any loyalty to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon), despite all the good he had done for Israel.”
Application – Once again Israel experience peace after God delivered them from oppression. And once again they forsook God and returned to idol worship after Gideon died. By God, Gideon defeated the Midianites and Amalakites, a victory that could have only been won by God.
Many victories and deliverances have occurred in my life by God. I am also quick to forget my promised dedication and devotion to God. I’m thankful for God’s patience with me as He was with Israel.
Joel 2:13, “And rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil.
I’m in awe of God’s endless patience and grace with me. I will be spending the rest of eternity thanking and praising God for this.
Content – While pursuing the Midianites the cities of Succoth and Peniel didn’t assist Gideon’s army by providing food. When Gideon overtook and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, he returned to Succoth (v. 16 NLT), “Then Gideon took the leaders of the town and taught them a lesson, punishing them with thorns and briers from the wilderness”. And for Peniel (v. 17 NLT), “He also knocked down the tower of Peniel and killed all the men in the town”
Israel wanted Gideon to rule over them, but he said for God to rule over them. But Gideon request (v. 24), “Each of you can give me an earring out of the treasures you collected from your fallen enemies." (The enemies, being Ishmaelites, all wore gold earrings.)”, which they did. Gideon made an ephod from it and placed it in Ophrah, his hometown. This ended up being a bad thing (v. 27), “But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family”
Gideon had seventy songs (“for he had many wives”). Abimelech was born from a concubine from Shechem.
After Gideon died Israel turned from God and worshiped images of Baal. They didn’t show loyalty to Gideon’s family either (v. 35), “Nor did they show any loyalty to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon), despite all the good he had done for Israel.”
Application – Once again Israel experience peace after God delivered them from oppression. And once again they forsook God and returned to idol worship after Gideon died. By God, Gideon defeated the Midianites and Amalakites, a victory that could have only been won by God.
Many victories and deliverances have occurred in my life by God. I am also quick to forget my promised dedication and devotion to God. I’m thankful for God’s patience with me as He was with Israel.
Joel 2:13, “And rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil.
I’m in awe of God’s endless patience and grace with me. I will be spending the rest of eternity thanking and praising God for this.
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