Who Was Gideon in the Bible?
Who Was Gideon in the Bible? Gideon was a judge of Israel whom God used to defeat the Midianites with just 300 men, demonstrating that victory belongs to God, not human strength.
Key verse: Judges 6:15-16 (KJV)
Gideon was a judge of Israel whom God used to defeat the Midianites with just 300 men, demonstrating that victory belongs to God, not human strength.
Gideon was a judge of Israel whom God used to defeat the Midianites with just 300 men, demonstrating that victory belongs to God, not human strength.
"And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee." — Judges 6:15-16 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Gideon's story is found in Judges 6-8. When the Midianites oppressed Israel, God called Gideon—a man from the weakest clan who considered himself the least in his family. Gideon tested God with a fleece twice before accepting his commission. God then deliberately reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to just 300 men so that Israel would know the victory was God's, not theirs. Armed only with trumpets, jars, and torches, Gideon's small band threw the Midianite camp into confusion and routed them. Gideon's story powerfully illustrates that God uses the weak and unlikely to accomplish His purposes.
Key Scripture References
"And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee."
"And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand."
"The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Samson in the Bible?
Samson was a judge of Israel with supernatural strength from God, whose story warns about the consequences of compromise and disobedience despite great gifting.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Who Was King David?
David was the shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king, known as 'a man after God's own heart' and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Judges. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Judges on day 64 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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