The story of Gideon's deliverance illustrates the principles of faith, emphasizing God's desire for His people to rely entirely on Him. Here, God reduced Gideon's army to ensure their victory was attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. It also notes God's accommodations for Gideon's hesitations, demonstrating patience and understanding towards his uncertainties. Furthermore, the preparations for battle illustrate the importance of faith and obedience in achieving victory, showcasing how God equips and guides His people through challenges.
Week 7 - Gideon's Victory and Defeat
Judges 7-8
April 17, 2024 • Matthew Allen, Wes Grushon • Judges 7—8
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Judges
Week 9 - Tola, Jair, Jephthah, and Three Minor Judges
May 1, 2024 • Paul Braden, Kody Pritt • Judges 10—12
Following Abimelech, two lesser-known judges, Tola and Jair, ruled over Israel, though their accounts lack the dramatic events typical of earlier judges. Their periods did not feature the significant battles or the divine interventions seen during the tenures of figures like Ehud, Deborah, or Gideon, and the historian does not mention any periods of rest during their time, suggesting a phase of ongoing unrest rather than catastrophic turmoil.
Week 8 - Abimelech: The Anti-Judge
April 24, 2024 • Wes Grushon, Kody Pritt • Judges 9
Despite humble origins, Abimelech coveted the kingship his father, Gideon, refused. Unlike Gideon, Abimelech was no judge but an oppressor, leading to internal strife and bloodshed in Israel because of their unfaithfulness. Judges 9 highlights the political repercussions of Baal worship and the decline after Gideon's death. It demonstrates God's pattern of using internal discord to bring down the wicked and signifies another stage in Israel's decline, socially, morally, and spiritually.
Week 6 - Gideon's Call and Commission
April 10, 2024 • Matthew Allen, Wes Grushon • Judges 6
The story of Gideon unfolds in Judges 6-8, who lived during a time when the Israelites were dealing with seven years of occupation by the Midianites. Heavily oppressed, the Israelites pray to the Lord for assistance, prompting God to remind them of His past deeds on their behalf, Judges 6.1-10. Gideon's story teaches valuable lessons about obedience to God, even in moments of doubt.