Part 2: The downward spiral of Israel’s apostasy (Judges 3:7-16:31), continued
Gideon (Judges 6:1-8:35), continued
Gideon’s first battle (Judges 7:1-8:3)
Judges 7:5 – It is not stated exactly why this particular test was used. Possibly it was just an unusual behavior that would cut the size of the force drastically.Judges 7:9-15 – Gideon immediately worshiped when God strengthened his faith. God can also strengthen our faith when He deems it necessary.Judges 7:16 – The three hundred men would essentially be unarmed with torches and trumpets in their hands. This maneuver required faith!Judges 7:22 – God set the enemy against themselves, defeating themselves in the chaos.Judges 8:1-3 – Gideon wisely shows humility and quells the anger of the Ephraimites.Gideon’s second (Judges 8:4-21)
Gideon’s apostasy (Judges 8:22-28)
Judges 8:23 – This was a complete defeat of the Midianites.Judges 8:27 – Gideon’s ephod had catastrophic results – he facilitated idolatry.Class 6 Takeaway
We are tempted to think, like the Israelites, “My own hand has saved me” (Judges 7:2). Further, we may seek glory rightly due to God, like Gideon’s army did in shouting, “For the Lord and for Gideon” and “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon.” (Judges 7:18, 20).Let us always remember God delivered our souls from sin by his grace, not by anything we did (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our lives are meant to glorify him and not seek glory for ourselves (Matthew 5:16).
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