Topical Encyclopedia Gideon, a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, is one of the most extraordinary judges of Israel. His account is primarily found in Judges chapters 6 to 8. Gideon is known for his leadership, faith, and the miraculous victories he achieved with God's guidance. Throughout the biblical narrative, Gideon is referred to by several names and titles, each reflecting different aspects of his character and mission.1. Gideon: The name "Gideon" itself means "hewer" or "one who cuts down," which is fitting given his role in cutting down the altars of Baal and leading Israel to victory over the Midianites. His name signifies his mission to destroy idolatry and deliver Israel from oppression. 2. Jerubbaal: This name, meaning "let Baal contend," was given to Gideon after he destroyed the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole beside it (Judges 6:32). His father, Joash, defended him by suggesting that if Baal were a true god, he could contend for himself. This name highlights Gideon's boldness in confronting idolatry and his reliance on the true God of Israel. 3. Mighty Warrior: When the Angel of the LORD first appeared to Gideon, he addressed him as a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). This title was prophetic, as Gideon initially saw himself as weak and insignificant. The angel's greeting underscored God's view of Gideon's potential and the divine empowerment he would receive. 4. Deliverer of Israel: Although not a formal title, Gideon's role as a deliverer is central to his account. Under God's command, Gideon led a small army of 300 men to defeat the vast Midianite forces, demonstrating that victory comes from the LORD and not by human strength (Judges 7:7). 5. Judge of Israel: As one of the judges, Gideon served as a leader and ruler over Israel for a period of forty years (Judges 8:28). His judgeship was marked by peace and the subduing of Israel's enemies, although it was not without its challenges and controversies. Gideon's account is a testament to God's power working through human weakness. His various names and titles reflect the multifaceted nature of his mission and the divine calling on his life. Through Gideon, God demonstrated His ability to use unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes and deliver His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 6:11And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus A Discourse An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the story of the Levite and his concubine? | GotQuestions.org Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Extraordinary Judges: During Four Hundred and Fifty Years Extraordinary Judges: Israel not Permanently or Spiritually Benefitted By Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abdon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abimelech Extraordinary Judges: Names of Deborah Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ehud Extraordinary Judges: Names of Eli Extraordinary Judges: Names of Elon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Gideon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ibzan Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jair Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jephthah Extraordinary Judges: Names of Othniel Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samson Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samuel Extraordinary Judges: Names of Shamgar Extraordinary Judges: Names of Tola Extraordinary Judges: Not Without Intermission Extraordinary Judges: Raised up to Deliver Israel Extraordinary Judges: Remarkable for Their Faith Extraordinary Judges: The office of, not Always for Life, or Hereditary Extraordinary Judges: Upheld and Strengthened by God Related Terms |
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