Judges 8

Since chapter 6, we’ve been reading about how God chose Gideon to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites and his exploits. In today’s chapter, events concerning him draw to a close as we come to the end of his life.

Before we leave Gideon behind for now, let us consider and strive to emulate the obedience, faith and courage of Gideon in defeating the Midianites as well as his tactful answer that turned away the wrath of the Ephraimites. More importantly, let us ponder the not-so-well-done parts of his life for our own warnings and reminders.

Bible Passage:  Judges 8

What is said

So he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. And what was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger toward him subsided when he said that. (Judges 8:2-3)

One of the qualities we really should learn from Gideon is that of tact and replying with a soft answer when facing anger.

Many a time, people have a tendency to meet anger with anger. This is especially so when we feel the anger of the other party is unfounded. However, meeting anger with anger seldom, if ever, results in anything good.

While our first reaction may be to reply harshly, let us remember that our words can actually turn the situation around. We should not be too hasty to win the argument (a lesson for me especially) or to fight for our rights for God who sees everything will judge fairly. If we need to explain, let’s do so calmly and if the other party refuses to listen to reason, so be it. Why speak harshly and make ourselves angry just because the other party is angry? Shouldn’t we as Christians try to make peace instead of stir up anger?

Therefore, let’s remember

A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Prov 15:1)

What is said and what is done

But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”(Judges 8:23)

Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house. (Judges 8:27)

And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, whose name he called Abimelech. (Judges 8:31)

However, merely saying what is pleasant or right is not enough. Our deeds have to match what we say or we’re just deceiving ourselves and others.

As we move on in the chapter, we notice how Gideon seems to have left his insecurity and fear behind after his first successful battle; fighting and attacking without needing God to handhold him anymore. This seeming independence from God may have been a contributing factor to his unwise actions that followed despite his wise and theologically sound words.

If Gideon really wanted the people to obey God instead of remember him, why would he ask them for gold to make the ephod? If he truly believed that God is the king instead of himself, why would he name his son ‘Abimelech’ which means ‘My Father is King’?

Today, as we speak noble, theologically sound words, let us check our hearts and deeds to see if they match. Let us not be Christians with just our lips but with our whole selves.

What is said, what is done and what is left behind

Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house. (Judges 8:27)

Sadly, Gideon didn’t seem to leave a good legacy after him despite all he has said and done.

Pericles, a leader of Athens during the Athenian Golden Age, once said “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

While this is usually taken in a more positive light, it can also be a warning to how we live and what we leave behind. Our lives and actions do not just affect us. They touch the lives of people all around us just like their lives and actions affect us.

Are the threads we weave into the lives of the people around us going to shine and form beautiful patterns long after we are gone or are they going to be threads that mar and darken the fabric of their lives?