Study together · BCS

Gideon

A frightened farmer God made into a deliverer, who kept asking for signs and stumbled after the victory.

The story

1. Hiding in the winepress Judges 6:11-16

   The angel of the LORD calls him while he hides his wheat. Gideon lists his weaknesses.

2. Tears down Baal's altar Judges 6:25-32

   He obeys, but at night, because he fears his family and town.

3. The fleece Judges 6:36-40

   He asks God for a sign, then asks again with the sign reversed. God patiently answers both.

4. Three hundred men Judges 7:1-22

   God shrinks the army so Israel cannot boast. With jars, torches, and trumpets they rout Midian.

5. Refuses the crown Judges 8:22-23

   He tells Israel the LORD will rule over them, after a season of bitter revenge on two towns.

6. The golden ephod Judges 8:24-35

   He makes an ephod from the spoil, Israel worships it, and after his death they return to Baal.

Key verses

“The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Judges 6:12 (ESV)

Read together: Judges 6:11-16 · Judges 6:25-32 · Judges 6:36-40 · Judges 7:1-22 · Judges 8:22-23 · Judges 8:24-35

Questions to sit with

1. Gideon kept asking God for signs, and God kept answering. What does that say about how God treats weak faith?
2. Gideon's worst failure came after his greatest victory. Where might success be making you careless?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.