Commentary on Judges 6

Judges 6 introduces Gideon, a timid man called by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. The chapter details Israel's suffering, God's prophetic rebuke, and the dramatic encounter between the Angel of the LORD and Gideon. Despite Gideon's doubts and requests for signs, God assures him of victory. The chapter culminates with Gideon's initial act of obedience: tearing down his father's altar to Baal and building an altar to the LORD, establishing his new identity as “Jerub-Baal.”

Historical context

The book of Judges covers a period of approximately 300 years after the death of Joshua, a time when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). This era was characterized by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel would turn away from God, fall under the hand of foreign oppressors, cry out to the LORD, and God would raise up a judge to deliver them. This cycle is explicitly laid out in Judges 2:11-19.

Judges 6 finds Israel in one of the deepest valleys of this cycle, suffering under the brutal hand of the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, were nomadic raiders who would sweep into Israel during harvest season, destroying crops and livestock, leaving the land desolate (Judges 6:3-6). This oppression was so severe that the Israelites were forced to hide in caves and strongholds. The narrative highlights the spiritual apostasy of Israel, as their suffering is a direct consequence of their idolatry, particularly their worship of Baal and Asherah, gods of the Canaanites.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  The chapter opens with Israel once again doing “evil in the sight of the LORD,” leading to their subjugation by the Midianites for seven years. This immediately establishes the familiar pattern of sin and judgment that defines the book of Judges.

• 3:

  The Midianites, along with their allies, are described as overwhelming invaders, likened to locusts, who would destroy the land's produce. This imagery emphasizes the sheer scale and destructiveness of their raids, leaving Israel utterly impoverished.

• 7:

  In their desperation, the Israelites cry out to the LORD. This act of repentance, however superficial it might be at times, consistently moves God to action, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful.

• 8:

  God responds not with immediate deliverance, but with a prophet who reminds Israel of their history and God's past faithfulness, particularly their deliverance from Egypt. This serves as a rebuke, highlighting their ingratitude and the reason for their current distress.

• 11:

  The Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, who is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. This setting underscores Israel's fear and Gideon's own humble, almost cowardly, circumstances at the time of his divine call.

• 12:

  The Angel addresses Gideon as a “mighty hero,” a title that starkly contrasts with Gideon's actual situation and self-perception. This divine address reveals God's perspective on Gideon, seeing him not as he is, but as he will become through God's power.

• 15:

  Gideon expresses profound doubt and humility, questioning how he, from the weakest clan and the least in his family, could possibly save Israel. His response highlights his lack of confidence and the seemingly impossible nature of the task.

• 16:

  God's assurance, “I will be with you,” is the bedrock of Gideon's commission. This promise of divine presence and power is the true source of his strength, not his own capabilities or lineage.

• 19:

  Gideon prepares an offering, demonstrating a cautious obedience and a desire to confirm the divine encounter. This act of hospitality and sacrifice foreshadows his later acts of worship and obedience.

• 21:

  The Angel of the LORD consumes the offering with fire, confirming His divine identity to Gideon. This miraculous sign removes Gideon's remaining doubt about the messenger, though his doubts about the mission persist.

• 24:

  In response to the divine encounter, Gideon builds an altar and names it “The LORD Is Peace” (Yahweh Shalom). This name reflects the peace he found in knowing God's presence and assurance, despite the turmoil around him.

• 25:

  God immediately commands Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole. This act of destroying idolatry within his own household is a crucial first step in his role as deliverer, demonstrating his commitment to the LORD.

• 34:

  The Spirit of the LORD comes upon Gideon, empowering him for the task ahead. This divine anointing is essential for his leadership, enabling him to rally the tribes of Israel against the Midianites.

• 36:

  Gideon requests the first sign of the fleece, asking God to make it wet with dew while the ground remains dry. This reveals his continued need for reassurance, a common human struggle when facing daunting tasks.

• 39:

  Gideon asks for a second sign, reversing the conditions of the first: the fleece dry, the ground wet. God graciously grants this request, demonstrating His patience and willingness to meet Gideon in his weakness.

Key themes

• God's call of the unlikely
• Israel's cyclical apostasy and repentance
• Divine patience and assurance
• Overcoming fear and doubt
• The necessity of destroying idolatry

Application

The story of Gideon in Judges 6 reminds us that God often chooses the weak and the unlikely to accomplish His mighty purposes. Gideon's initial fear and doubt are deeply relatable; we too often feel inadequate for the tasks God places before us. Yet, God's call is not based on our strength, but on His. His promise, “I will be with you,” is the true foundation of our confidence. This chapter encourages us to step out in faith, even when we feel ill-equipped, trusting in God's presence and power to enable us.

Furthermore, Gideon's first act of obedience—tearing down the idols in his own home—serves as a powerful reminder that true spiritual renewal often begins with confronting and dismantling the idols in our own lives. Before we can effectively serve God in the public square, we must first ensure our hearts and homes are devoted to Him alone. This move from personal idolatry to public obedience is a pattern for all who seek to follow Christ.

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