Gideon: A Man of Valor - Judges 6-7

By David Woods

Accountability: Have you had the opportunity to encourage someone recently?

Open: Have you ever been dared to do something? Did you do it?

Today we are looking at the life of Gideon. Gideon's story is told in the book of Judges. The book of Judges records Israel's history between the time of Joshua's campaign of Canaan and Israel's first king.

In Judges we see a cycle that repeats itself seven times. The people forget God and live wickedly. God allows their enemies to oppress them. The Israelites cry to God for mercy. God uses a key man or woman to bring deliverance for the people.

Gideon was that key man for his time. To help us understand the significance of the Israelite's distress I would like for us to begin by reading Judges 6:1-10.

Read Judges 6:1-10

The people are in dire distress. A prophet rebukes them for their sin and does not seem to offer any hope.

Read Judges 6:11-12

Discussion: What does it mean to be a "mighty man of valour"?

Discussion: Does Gideon appear to be a "mighty man of valour" from the description of what he was doing in verse eleven? Why not?

(The "Doctrinal Discussion" for this lesson notes that threshing wheat in a winepress was almost an impossible feat. Because of the high walls of the vat there was little wind to carry away the chaff.)

Read Judges 6:13-16

Discussion: In Gideon's mind, why was Israel in such distress?

Discussion: How does Gideon's attitude mirror that of many people who experience heartache as the result of their sin?

Discussion: Did Gideon consider himself a "mighty man of valour"? Why not?

Discussion: How would Gideon have victory, according to God?

Discussion: Why, if Gideon would gain victory through God's abiding presence, did God first command Gideon, "Go in this thy might"? What is the proper place of human initiative in God's will?

Read Judges 6:17-18; 21-23

Discussion: Why do you think Gideon felt he needed a sign that this was from God?

Discussion: When you have felt God was calling you to do something, have you ever questioned if it was really Him?

Read Judges 6:25-27

Discussion: On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being least courageous and 10 being most courageous, how would you rate Gideon's actions this night? Why?

Read Judges 6:33-40

I find these verses really interesting. God has told Gideon His plans for him. The Spirit of the Lord has come upon Gideon. Gideon calls out a huge army (32,000, we're told later in the scripture). But then, Gideon asks God to be sure this is His will two more times.

Discussion: Have you ever dared to do something courageous, only to have second thoughts? Why did you question yourself?

Discussion: Why do you think Gideon put out these fleeces?

In Judges 7:1-8, we are told how God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300. He did so saying it was necessary for Israel to realize that it was God who had saved them.

Read Judges 7:9-11

The two armies had pitched camp very close together. War was imminent. Gideon was already committed to this fight - there was no way out now.

Discussion: Why do you think Gideon went down to the camp?

Read Judges 7:15-23

Discussion: How would you describe Gideon's attitude in verse fifteen?

Discussion: What is the significance of Israel's shout "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon"? Why didn't they say, "The sword of Gideon and of the Lord"?

When the angel first met Gideon, he addressed him as "a mighty man of valour". The different acts of Gideon were quite courageous. He destroyed an idol, raised a rebel army, and fought the Midianites and Amalekites who were "like grasshoppers for multitude".

Yet, his lack of courage is very obvious. He destroyed the idol in the dark. He put out a fleece twice. He felt he needed to spy on the enemy camp.

Discussion: If the angel had not described Gideon as a "mighty man of valour", would you have described him as such? Why or why not?

Discussion: Why do you think the angel called Gideon "a mighty man of valour" even though he knew Gideon was a very fearful person?

Discussion: What was it that gave Gideon the courage to overcome his fears and to obey God's call?

Discussion: What lesson(s) do we learn from the angel's description of Gideon as more courageous than he thought he was?

Discussion: What lesson(s) do we learn about following God's will for our lives?

I think many Christians tend to look down on themselves. They see themselves as failures. Maybe they struggle spiritually in some areas. They see themselves as "nobodies". They are not talented with some of the special gifts other Christians have so they feel they have no place to work in God's kingdom.

What I believe the story of Gideon teaches us, however, is that God views us differently. Even though He knows we may be fearful or limited in our abilities, He has extreme confidence in us.

So He calls us. He calls each one of us to serve Him in different ways. And if we will listen, trust, and obey, He will empower us for service. Through Christ's strength, we can win the victory!

But maybe you are still questioning yourself. Maybe you are still doubtful. I am going to lead us in prayer asking that God would show you clearly His will for your life, that He would put His thumb in your back, and that you would surrender yourself in obedience to Him

Prayer: