Judges 6 - Gideon called but asked for signs

Click to read Judges 6

Synopsis
Again, after Deborah's rule, the nation fell into sin and worshiped Baal and the idols. As a result, they were oppressed by the Midianites and were toiling under their cruel rule. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his second wife Keturah (Gen 25:1-2) who had been always in conflict with Israel. Years ago, the nation did not obey the Lord's command to destroy them. They repopulated and now became Israel's oppressor. Gideon was called by God to deliver the Israelites who were oppressed by the Midianites.

When the angel of the Lord came to Gideon and asked him to lead the revolution, Gideon was making excuses, despite God's affirmation (v14-16). In fact, in v13, he kind of blamed God for their calamity, instead of acknowledging that it was the nation's sin that brought about the problems. Gideon sought confirmation that indeed it was the Lord speaking with him (v17-22) and God showed him. Once that was settled, God instructed him to destroy his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole. He was to set an altar to Jehovah God in its place. That was a very dangerous thing to do at that time as it tantamount to rebellion against the local government as the political masters were using religion to control the people.

After he was found out, Gideon's father Joash protected him but the Midianites and the Amalekites gathered their armies to confront Israel. The Lord intervened by raising up soldiers for Gideon to lead.

Despite witnessing the miracle of the offering being consumed, Gideon was still unsure of God's instruction to him. He asked God for signs (v36-39), not once, but twice, to confirm His instructions.

Is it correct or alright for Gideon to ask God for two signs of confirmation? Was he showing his faithlessness in God or merely seeking another encouragement from God? What does this teach us?

Major verses

V13 - Gideon laid blame upon God for the problems that they were facing. He failed to acknowledge that the calamity was brought upon themselves by their sins. The nation had fallen into grave sin by abandoning God and worshiping Baal. In place of the altar to God, families had altars set up to worship Baal in their homes. The Asherah pole was planted besides the altar. Baal was the Canaanite god of agriculture and he symbolized strength and fertility. Asherah was his famale consort, the mother goddess of the sea.

What I learn
Many times, we find it easy to overlook personal accountability and blame our problems on God and others. This does not solve our problems and worst of all, it distracts us from realignment with God. This attitude brings us dangerously close to the edge of rebellion and backsliding. When we are faced with problems, let us first look within ourselves to examine if we had willfully stepped out of God's plan and will for us. Our first action should be a confession to God of our shortcoming and sinful practices that might have caused those problems.

V14-16 - The Lord gave only words of strength and assurance to Gideon as He commissioned him to lead the nation.

What I learn
When the Lord wants us to serve Him, He always provides the strength and resources needed. Despite our weaknesses and lack of faith, He gives us His assurances. Let's learn to trust God and not to look at our weaknesses as excuses to be effective for Him.

V25-28 - The first commission that gave Gideon to test his faith and commitment was to destroy Baal's altar and the Asherah pole. Gideon knew that it was a dangerous thing to do as it meant that he was going against the local government as it was their religion. If caught, he would be dealt serverly. That was why he did it at night. Despite his fears, he obeyed God.

What I learn
While there will be "local" dangers in standing up for God's ways, we must know that God is with us. Following God's higher laws is more important than to hold the peace of popular beliefs. When we begin to be serious with God and want to live an upright life for Him, we can expect to be criticized by the people around us, even those who had supported us before. But we need to heed the higher calling instead of succumbing to the world's ideas.

V36-40 - When Gideon was to lead the attack of the forces gathered to fight Israel, he was unsure yet again. Despite God having shown him that He was speaking and instructing him (v20-24), Gideon wanted more affirmation. He asked God, not once but twice, for signs to confirm his belief. This must be read and studied in context that God had already shown Gideon through the consumption of his offerings upon the rock (v20-22). Was it a lack of faith in God's word or was it another excuse Gideon was trying to create for not taking the responsibility or was he simply asking for another encouragement?

What I learn
While Gideon's motive to obey God and defeat the enemy was right, his method to seek assurance was less than ideal. I cannot judge if Gideon was testing God or simply asking God for more encouragement but it seems that Gideon knew that his requests might displease the Lord (see v 39) where he asked God not to be angry with him for asking the next sign.

While it is true that, like Gideon, we need facts to make good decisions ( and Gideon had all the facts already), many times we hesitate to follow God's clear call to us. We delay executing what He had told us as we "want more proof that it is God's will".

God speaks to us in many ways; through His word in the bible, through the Holy Spirit to our spirit, and He confirms it in our hearts or through brothers and sisters who have a word for us. Yet many times we delay obeying Him because we want more proof. We must learn to be like Abraham. He moved as God instructed, without questions. That is why he is justified and accepted as the father of faith.

Summary

When God tells us His plan, He will always give us the resources to carry it out even though it may not be apparent to us at that time. We must learn to respond in faith to His calling.

Up next .....
Gideon battles and triumphant over the enemies. There are a number of interesting points to learn about how the victory was secured. Catch it next Monday....