Topical Bible: Humility: Gideon

◄ Humility: Gideon ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, and is often celebrated for his humility and obedience to God. His account is a testament to how God can use the humble and seemingly insignificant to achieve great victories.

Background and Calling

Gideon was the son of Joash, from the tribe of Manasseh, and lived during a time when the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites. The oppression was so severe that the Israelites were forced to hide in caves and strongholds. In Judges 6:12, the Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, saying, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." Despite this greeting, Gideon's response was one of humility and doubt. He questioned, "Please, my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house" (Judges 6:15). This response highlights Gideon's humble view of himself and his recognition of his limitations.

Testing and Obedience

Gideon's humility is further demonstrated in his cautious approach to God's call. He sought confirmation through signs, such as the famous fleece test, to ensure that it was truly God who was speaking to him (Judges 6:36-40). This cautiousness was not born out of disbelief but rather a humble desire to be certain of God's will.

When God instructed Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 men, Gideon obeyed without question (Judges 7:2-7). This act of obedience required immense faith and humility, as it meant relying entirely on God's power rather than human strength. The LORD said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand" (Judges 7:7). Gideon's willingness to follow God's unconventional strategy underscores his humble submission to divine authority.

Victory and Leadership

Gideon's victory over the Midianites was a direct result of his humility and reliance on God. The battle plan involved a surprise attack using trumpets, jars, and torches, which led to confusion and defeat among the Midianite forces (Judges 7:16-22). This victory was a clear demonstration that the battle belonged to the LORD, and Gideon's role was to faithfully execute God's plan.

After the victory, the Israelites sought to make Gideon their king, but he refused, saying, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). This refusal to accept kingship further illustrates Gideon's humility and recognition of God's sovereignty.

Legacy

Gideon's account is a powerful example of how God exalts the humble and uses them for His purposes. His life serves as a reminder that true strength and leadership come from reliance on God rather than personal power or status. Despite his initial doubts and fears, Gideon's humility allowed him to become a vessel for God's deliverance of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 6:15
And he said to him, Oh my Lord, with which shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Teaching Humility
... Gideon had learned the lesson of humility before God made choice of him to be the
deliverer of his people Israel from the hands of their enemies; and then, for ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching humility.htm

The Choice of Gideon was a Figure of Our Lord's Incarnation, The
... Good is the mystery of humility, because while washing the pollutions of others
I wash ... Gideon, too, was willing to wash the feet of the Angel of the Lord who ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/the choice of gideon was.htm

The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones.
... Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord and called it Jehovah-shalom ... that
stand before the divine throne of grace, obtaining the true humility and real ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter iv the service common.htm

None Greater than John the Baptist, Yet. . .
... His Place in the Devine Economy"The Spirit of Meekness"The Greatness of Humility. ...
When we are first introduced to Gideon, the youngest son of Joash the Abi ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xii none greater than john.htm

Discouragement
... we even succeed in persuading ourselves that to be discouraged is a very pious state
of mind, and an evidence of true humility. ... Gideon is another illustration. ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 13 discouragement.htm

Hebrews xi. 28-31
... "By faith," he says, "they subdued kingdoms;" those with Gideon. ... If then we pray
with humility, smiting our breast as the publican, if we utter what he did, if ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvii hebrews xi 28-31.htm

The Third Season
... but write this motto upon his ensign: The sword of the Lord and of Gideon. ... be
unfavourable; but if you reckon its glory to consist in its humility, faith, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 53, "Except Ye Eat the Flesh ...
... had nevertheless received; but that the Lord in mercy, to teach him humility, took
away ... Gideon, one of the righteous men of old, asked for a sign from the Lord ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxxi on the words.htm

The Seventh Book
... does he order us to offer him, save only faith, chastity, humility, sobriety, mercy ...
of Judges relates, had filled all the land like locusts, Gideon was ordered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... Never in her humility had she thought that she herself might be the chosen one ... (
Joshua 24..26.) It was here that Abimelech, the son of Gideon, was hailed as ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm