Gideon

Gideon, also known by the names Jerubbaal and Jerubbesheth, was a pivotal figure in the Hebrew Bible, serving as an Israelite judge, military leader, and prophet. His story, primarily detailed in Judges 6–8, recounts his divine calling to liberate the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites, Amalekites, and Kedemites, who had harried them for seven years. Gideon's leadership is marked by his faith, his reliance on divine guidance, and his remarkable victory against overwhelming odds.

Calling and Miraculous Signs

The narrative begins with Gideon, a humble man from the tribe of Manasseh, being chosen by God through an angelic messenger. To confirm God's will and his own calling, Gideon requested and received several miraculous signs. These included fire consuming his offering and, most famously, two successive nights where a fleece was covered in dew while the surrounding ground remained dry, and then the fleece was dry while the ground was covered in dew. Following God's instructions, Gideon then destroyed the local altar to Baal and its accompanying Asherah pole, earning him the name Jerubbaal.

The Battle of Gideon

Gideon was tasked with leading an army against the vast forces of the Midianites. God, however, informed Gideon that the men he had gathered were too many, as any victory might be attributed to human strength rather than divine power. In a series of divine instructions, the army was reduced first to 22,000 men and then to a select 300. These 300 men, chosen for their unique method of drinking water, were armed with shofars (rams' horns) and clay jars containing torches hidden within. In a strategic night attack, they blew their trumpets, shouted their battle cries, and revealed their torches, creating the illusion of a massive invading force. The Midianite army was thrown into confusion and fled, leading to Gideon's decisive victory.

Leadership and Refusal of Kingship

Following his triumph, the Israelites offered Gideon the opportunity to become their king and establish a dynasty. Gideon, however, refused this offer, asserting that only God was their sovereign ruler. He did, however, collect gold from the spoils of war to fashion an ephod, which, according to rabbinic commentary, later became an object of idolatry after his death. Gideon fathered seventy sons from his wives and a son named Abimelech from a concubine. His leadership brought forty years of peace to Israel.

Legacy and Veneration

Gideon's life and exploits have had a lasting impact. He is cited in the New Testament's Epistle to the Hebrews as an exemplar of faith, highlighting his subduing of kingdoms and his strength in battle. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Armenian Apostolic Churches. The military success of a small, elite force against overwhelming odds has also made Gideon a symbol in military history and culture, with the phrase 'putting out a fleece' originating from his requests for divine signs. The organization The Gideons International, known for distributing Bibles, takes its name from him, aspiring to emulate his faith and obedience.