JUDGES 6

GOD SENDS THE PROPHET GIDEON

After forty years of peace in Israel, the Midianites begin to overpower the Israelites, depleting their food supply and enslaving them for labor. After seven years of oppression, the Israelites cry out to God for provision. Instead of sending another judge, God sends a prophet named Gideon.

An angel appears before Gideon, telling him that God is with him and that he will lead the Israelites out of the Midianite oppression. Gideon questions his own authority, telling the angel that he is from Manasseh, the smallest of the tribes. God comforts Gideon, letting him know that He will be with him.

Gideon, still skeptical, asks the angel for a sign. Gideon prepares food, which the angel turns into fire, providing Gideon with a sign from God. Gideon builds an altar and finds peace in God’s presence.

In the middle of the night, Gideon destroys the altar of Baal, built by his father. Gideon replaces it with a new altar and makes sacrifices to God alone. The Midianites are angry with Gideon and want to kill him, but God protects him.

Gideon asks God to provide two more signs, proving to Gideon that he could trust God’s plans. God responds to Gideon’s request, reassuring him of his purpose.