Once upon a time there was a judge named Gideon

Sunday March 14, 2021

Once upon a time there was a judge named Gideon

“You will not make sacred sculptures for yourself.” Exodus 20. 4

You know the warlord, the “valiant warrior,” who delivered the people of Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, with only 300 men, torches and broken jugs. Activate the fast-forward button to reach the end of the life of Gideon, the now venerable judge of the people of Israel. One day he receives a visit from the officials of Israel who come to propose to him to become king, and his descendants after him. But he knows full well that the only King of Israel is God, the Lord, so like the prophet Samuel later, he declined the invitation : “I will not rule over you, neither will my descendants. The Lord will rule over you” (Judges 8:23). If we consider the history of the people of Israel, it is evident that most kings were the cause of unrest. Gideon's response demonstrates astonishing prophetic vision and a great deal of wisdom. But, as Frederick Buchner puts it, "Judge Gideon's best decision, and his worst mistake, came minutes apart !" No sooner had Gideon rejected the offer of the men of Ephraim when he asked them a favor : “Give me each a ring of your spoils. The enemies did indeed have gold rings, for they were Ishmaelites." They accepted on the spot and after placing a cloak on the floor, they threw a gold ring on it. Gideon also demanded other ornaments, pendants, crescents... which he melted into an "ephod," some kind of work of art, or a gold-plated idol. In doing so, Gideon was breaking the second of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20. 4). Perhaps he imagined that this “ephod” would remind the people of Israel who their true king was. But God prefers obedience more than anything else. This anecdote from Gideon's life teaches us a lesson about our attitude before God. Humility and obedience go hand in hand and should not be separated. Remember when David contemplated before the prophet Nathan the building of a Temple to the glory of God. Nathan thinks this is a good idea. David's intention was good, but it was not God's plan (2 Samuel 7. 1-7). David had the wisdom to bow to His will and we would do well to follow his example !

Source (His Word for Today)