Gideon's Call
Why was Gideon secretly threshing wheat in a winepress?
He was hiding from the Midianites because they were oppressing Israel and stealing their crops
Who ultimately received the credit for Israel's victory over Midian?
God gets the credit.
What did Gideon ask God to provide as confirmation?
He asked for signs, including the fleece, to confirm God's instructions.
What kind of men did Abimelech hire?
He hired worthless or reckless men who followed him.
What happened to the ephod Gideon created?
Israel worshiped it, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.
Reference: Judges 8:27.
What title did the Angel of the LORD give Gideon?
“Mighty man of valor”
According to Ephesians 3:20, God able to do more than all that we ask or think according to His power at work within us. What it the "power" this verse is referring to?
According to His power at work within us refers to the Holy Spirit.
Who strongly criticized Gideon after he defeated Midian?
The men of Ephraim criticized Gideon.
What was unusual about Abimelech's birth?
He was Gideon's son through his concubine in Shechem rather than through one of Gideon's wives.
In the biblical context, what does the word “snare” mean?
"Snare" mean a trap or something that causes a person to stumble, fall into sin, or turn away from God.
What happened when the Spirit of God clothed Gideon?
The Spirit empowered Gideon, and he called the Israelites together to fight against Midian.
Why did God reduce Gideon's army?
He reduced the army so Israel would not boast that its own strength had defeated Midian. The victory would clearly be recognized as God's work.
How did Jesus respond when the Pharisees demanded a sign?
He rebuked their demand and pointed them toward the “sign of Jonah.”
Reference: Matthew 12:38–40.
In Jotham's parable, which plant agreed to become king?
The "bramble" or "thornbush" agree to rule.
How did Hezekiah respond differently to idolatry than Gideon responded to the ephod?
Hezekiah actively removed and destroyed idols and places of false worship.
Reference: 2 Kings 18:3–4.
Why did God allow Gideon to ask for signs before moving forward?
God patiently strengthened Gideon's faith and gave him reassurance as he prepared to obey.
How was God's work through Gideon similar to the way He works through believers today?
God can accomplish His purposes through ordinary people who depend on His power rather than their own strength or abilities.
Does opposition necessarily mean someone is outside God's will?
No. People can face opposition while faithfully obeying God. Jesus and His followers experienced opposition while doing God's will. Reference: 1 Corinthians 16:8-9
What did the bramble becoming king reveal about Abimelech?
It portrayed Abimelech as an undesirable and destructive ruler who sought power for himself rather than serving others.
What does God’s ultimate response to Israel in Judges 10:10–16 teach us about His character?
He is moved by the cries of His people. He is a compassionate God.
How did Gideon view himself compared with how God viewed him?
Gideon saw himself as weak, insignificant, and from an unimportant family. God saw him as a mighty warrior whom He would use to deliver Israel.
Why does God often use people who seem weak or inadequate?
His power and glory are evident rather than human ability receiving the credit. Examples include Gideon, Moses, David, and Paul.
What are the major explanations for the identity of the Angel of the LORD in Judges 6?
Some understand the Angel of the LORD as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Others understand Him as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God. And some argue that he is Michael the Archangel.
Put these events in chronological order:
Tola becomes judge.
Gideon listens to a dream in the Midianite camp.
The Midianites attack Israel.
Israel worships Gideon's ephod.
Abimelech and the parable of the four trees.
The Midianites attack Israel.
Gideon listens to a dream in the Midianite camp.
Israel worships Gideon's ephod.
Abimelech and the parable of the four trees.
Tola becomes the next judge.
Was God's first response to Israel in Judges 10 reasonable? Explain.
Yes. God reminded Israel that He had repeatedly delivered them from their enemies, yet they repeatedly abandoned Him for other gods. His response demonstrated that their rebellion had serious consequences.