Samson’s First Wife

In Judges 14, we meet Samson’s first wife.

His love is short-lived.

The story reads like a contemporary tabloid account of two celebrities.

Iffy End

In the second half of chapter 8, Gideon commands his frightened young son to kill an enemy, makes a gold ephod perfect for idolatry, and grows old protecting his countrymen from the Midianites.

But when he dies, his surviving family is disrespected and unappreciated.

Gideon did some things well, other things poorly.  Just like you and me.

Harsh Response

In verses 4-17, we read that Gideon punishes some of his adversaries with “desert thorns and briars.”

Ouch!

So Gideon is not all sunshine and roses.  He has a tough streak, too.

Gentle Answer

In 8:1-3, Gideon speaks to his opposition with gentle words and wins them over.

Read further in the chapter to see his response to other rebels.

Too Many Soldiers

Judges 7 is one of the most interesting stories in the Bible.

Gideon has thousands of soldiers at his disposal, and God narrows this fighting pool down to only 300 men.

Where are you being pruned today?  How can this increase your faith?

Wet Fleece, Dry Fleece

At the end of Judges 6, we read about the curious story of Gideon’s two tests.

God honors both requests.

Do I have the faith to make this kind of request?

Jerub-Baal

In Judges 6:1-32, we read about Gideon’s first encounter with the angel of the Lord.

Gideon asks why the Israelites are suffering under the Midianites.  The Lord reassures Gideon that he will help his people overcome the Midianites.

Then Gideon is ordered to tear down an Asherah pole for a sacrifice.  This ticks off the townspeople, and they demand that Joash–Gideon’s father–give his son up for execution.

Instead, Gideon earns the nickname Jerub-Baal, “let Baal defend” himself.