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Gideon gathered 32,000 Israelites to fight the huge Midianite army of 135,000 men. The Lord commanded Gideon to reduce his army to only 300 men. Gideon and his small army surrounded the Midianite camp at night and, at a signal, smashed jars, blew trumpets, and yelled. Torches were in all of the jars, so the Midianites became totally confused by the noise and light display. In their confusion, they began to fight and kill each other. As they fled, Gideon ordered all Israelites to attack. Gideon did things God’s way, and his small army won a seemingly impossible battle.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Judges 7

Outline:

1. God pares down the Israelite army. (Judges 7:1-8)
2. Gideon and his servant scope out the enemy camp. (Judges 7:9-18)
3. God caused Gideon’s army to miraculously defeat the enemy. (Judges 7:19-25)

Tips for teaching children:

• The dream that the Midianite soldier had about a giant loaf of bread rolling into the camp and destroying a tent will sound humorous to children. A fun activity would be to set up little tents with cloth and a stick. Then let the children aim for them and bowl them over with a ball.
• Fill a shallow dish with water and place it on the floor. Children can drink from it and mimic Gideon’s soldiers in the story.
• A simple craft would be broken pieces of pottery with a small tea light sitting on it. Write “remember Gideon” on it. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Begin with the following question: “Have you ever felt inadequate or outnumbered in a situation?” How did you handle it?
• This story can be read in the class. Choose three readers to read the three parts to the outline in the notes above.  Or choose six readers to read and divide chapter 7 into verses as follows:
  • 1-3
  • 4-8
  • 9-14
  • 15-18
  • 19-23
  • 24-25
• The following questions could be used for reflection and discussion.  Ask as many questions as time allows.  
  • How did fear play a role in the story—for both Gideon and the Midianites?
  • What does this story reveal about God's power and human weakness?
  • What role did obedience play in Gideon’s success? 
  • When have you felt outnumbered or overwhelmed and had to rely on God's strength?
  • How can we support one another when we feel hesitant or fearful like Gideon?
  • Where in your life might God be asking you to trust Him more and yourself less?
• End the class with prayer, praying for trust in God even when life doesn’t make sense; pray that God may use you to do his will and to rely on God’s strength, not yours.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Gideon and the Midianites

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

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