The Tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Among its notable figures is Gideon, a judge and military leader whose account is recounted in the Book of Judges. Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, emerges as a central figure in the narrative of Israel's deliverance from Midianite oppression.

Gideon's Call and Commission

Gideon, the son of Joash, belonged to the Abiezrite clan within the tribe of Manasseh. His account begins in Judges 6, during a time when the Israelites were suffering under the harsh domination of the Midianites. The angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The angel addressed him with the words, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial hesitance and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was chosen by God to lead Israel against their oppressors.

Destruction of Baal's Altar

One of Gideon's first acts of obedience to God was the destruction of his father's altar to Baal. Under the cover of night, Gideon tore down the altar and the Asherah pole beside it, building an altar to the LORD in its place. This act of defiance against idolatry earned him the name Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend against him" (Judges 6:32).

The Battle Against the Midianites

Gideon's most renowned military achievement was his victory over the Midianites. God instructed Gideon to reduce his army from 32,000 men to a mere 300, ensuring that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Armed with trumpets, jars, and torches, Gideon's small force surrounded the Midianite camp. At Gideon's signal, they blew the trumpets, smashed the jars, and shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20). The Midianites were thrown into confusion, turning on each other and fleeing in panic.

Gideon's Leadership and Legacy

Following the victory, the Israelites sought to make Gideon their king, but he refused, declaring, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). Despite his refusal of kingship, Gideon made an ephod from the spoils of war, which later became a snare to him and his family, leading Israel into idolatry once more.

Gideon's leadership brought peace to Israel for forty years, but his legacy was marred by the actions of his son Abimelech, who sought power through violence and treachery. Nevertheless, Gideon is remembered as a man of faith, commended in the New Testament for his trust in God (Hebrews 11:32).

Gideon's account serves as a testament to God's power to use unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes, demonstrating that faith and obedience can lead to deliverance and victory, even against overwhelming odds.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

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh ... and Jerubbaal, judge of
the eastern Manasseh, and to ... on the decoration of their persons: their chiefs ...
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Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The great utility of remarkable accounts of the ways
of God in bringing his sheep into the fold, must be admitted by all. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... It is remarkable that of the vast number of pious and enlightened mechanics who
adorn this country and feed its ... Of the Persons or Subsistances in the Godhead. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Who was King Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Manasseh? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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