Gideon

Definition

Gideon was an Israelite man whom God raised up to deliver the Israelites from their enemies.

• During the time when Gideon lived, a people group called the Midianites kept attacking the Israelites and destroying their crops.
• Even though Gideon was afraid, God used him to lead the Israelites to fight against the Midianites and defeat them.
• Gideon also obeyed God by taking down altars to the false gods Baal and Asherah.
• He not only led the people in defeating their enemies but also encouraged them to obey and worship Yahweh, the one true God.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: Baal, Asherah, deliver, Midian, Yahweh)

Bible References

• Hebrews 11:32-34
• Judges 6:11
• Judges 6:23
• Judges 8:17

Examples from the Bible stories

• __16:5 The angel of Yahweh came to Gideon__ and said, “God is with you, mighty warrior. Go and save Israel from the Midianites.”
• __16:6 Gideon’s father had an altar dedicated to an idol. God told Gideon__ to tear down that altar.
• __16:8 There were so many of them (Midianites) that they could not be counted. Gideon__ called the Israelites together to fight them.
• __16:8 Gideon__ asked God for two signs so he could be sure that God would use him to save Israel.
• __16:10 32,000 Israelite soldiers came to Gideon__, but God told him this was too many.
• __16:12 Then Gideon__ returned to his soldiers and gave each of them a horn, a clay pot, and a torch.
• __16:15 The people wanted to make Gideon__ their king.
• __16:16 Then Gideon__ used the gold to make a special garment like the high priest used to wear. But the people started worshiping it as if it were an idol.

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1439, H1441