Judges 8 - Punishment for the faithless

Click to read Judges 8

Synopsis

Gideon was confronted by the Ephramites for not asking them to help out in the battle. Gideon showed great humility and diplomacy when he told them that God who Oreb and Zeeb into their hand and so the Ephramites were greater than him. By that, he defused the tension.

Gideon pursued the remaining forces of the Midian kings, Zebah and Salmunna. 120,000 men of their army were already slain. The remaining 15,000 men were running away from Gideon's band of 300. Tired and exhausted, they asked the people in Succoth and Peniel to provide them with food. These people, fearing the Midianites, refused to help Gideon and his men. Gideon swore punishment upon them when he complete the capture of the two kings. And that he did.

The big story here is when Gideon asked for a spoil of the plunder (gold earrings) to be made into an ephod (priestly garment). Though he meant it to be a memorial for God's deliverance, the people eventually worshiped it as an idol. What started with good intention ended up driving the people to idolatry again.

While Gideon was a successful leader of the nation, his laxness in his private life (having many wives and concubines) led to the birth of Abimelech, who would eventually tear the family apart and cause a tragedy to the nation.

Major Verses

V1-3 - Ephraim's leaders felt slided as they were not called to join the battle and were left to do the "cleaning up". Gideon assured them that it was their act of capturing Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianite generals, that helped turned the battled in Israel's favor.

What I learn
Much of the necessary and important works in church are considered by many as "dirty work " However, these works play crucial roles in getting the big tasks done. No work done for God is ineffective. Each of us in His family plays a vital role in His overall plan for salvation of mankind. Instead of complaining, let us learn to take each task that God puts in our life-path with gusto. Let us do it well for Him.

V5-9 and 13-17 - The leaders of these two people refused to help Gideon probably for the fear of the Midianites' revenge. After all, they figured rather logically that, Gideon had only 300 men against the 15,000- strong forces of Midian. They were more worried about saving themselves and did not thought about the saving power of God. Because of fear, they did not recognize nor acknowledge God's presence and leading in Gideon and his band. They showed neither faith nor respect for God who had chosen Gideon to save the nation. Fear caused them to miss out God's victory. For that, they had to face the consequences.

What I learn
We too will have to face the consequences of not joining forces with people whom God has chosen to lead and do His work. God will prevail, with or without our involvement. As such, we must be even more alert not to let the opportunity pass us when we are led to help these people. Prayerfully ask God for confirmation and once done, lend our support with our time, money , talents and prayer to the cause and to the people chosen to do it.


V23 - Gideon did not want to rule over the nation. He reminded them clearly that it was the Lord who would rule over them. He never lost sight of the importance of putting God first for himself and for the nation.

What I learn
If we proclaim that God is to first in our life, then we must put Him first in ALL aspect of our life. Not just on Sundays, but every moment.


V27 - An ephod was a linen garment worn by priests over their chest. It was considered holy. Gideon meant to commemorate God's victory over the enemy with the ephod as a visible reminder. Instead, the people began to worship it as an idol.

What I learn
Many things start out with good intention behind them. Similarly, many of our decisions stem from good motives but if not carefully done, they produce negative results. It would be good if we could ask ourselves if our decision could cause any negative consequences. It would be good if we take time to anticipate how a good idea might lead to a potential problem. And more importantly, seek God's guidance before deciding. A decision made with reverence to God is always a right decision.

V31 - Gideon may have been a great leader for the nation but his private life was not so great. Having many wives and concubines eventually caused his family and the nation to suffer. Abimelech, his son with one of his concubines would eventually tear his family apart. We will see more of this in Judges 9.

What I learn
We must learn from Gideon. While a hero in battle, he could not lead his family. Moral laxness will always cause problem. We must guard against the feeling that having won a battle against one temptation will automatically help us win the next battle. We need to constantly pray for God's strength to overcome the next temptation that presents itself, lest we fall. Satan's strongest attacks, many times, come just after a victory. Be on guard by committing ourselves to God daily.


Summary

Gideon was obedient to God. He had faith in Him and this was demonstrated by using having 300 men to fight an enemy that had over whelming numbers. Those who did not trust God had to pay the consequence. God will prevail, with or without out help, but supporting and helping those whom God had chosen to lead is a privilege for us. We must not miss out on such opportunities.

Up Next ...

Abimelech was not a judge. In fact, he is the exact opposite of what God wanted in a judge. Yet a whole chapter is dedicated to his misdeeds. Let's learn together next week ... 16th July.