Gideon, in fearful obedience, tears down idols by night, illustrating faith in God amid human apprehension.
Then Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had spoken to him; and because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night. (v.27) Gideon, living around 1179-1155 BC, was one of the judges God raised up to deliver Israel. This event occurs in the region of Ophrah, within the tribal territory of Manasseh. Historically, Israel had been suffering oppression from the Midianites and experienced a series of cycles in which they cried out to God for deliverance. In this verse, we see Gideon obeying God’s instruction to tear down his family’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole (Judges 6:25-26 not italicized). Fearing the backlash from the people, he chooses to act under the cover of night, revealing his initial trepidation and desire to faithfully follow God while also protecting himself and the men who help him.
By taking “ten men of his servants,” Gideon displays tangible leadership, showing his ability to convince others to join him in following God’s command. Though he was hesitant and afraid, his actions highlight the importance of obedience even when circumstances are daunting. Gideon’s response to God’s word contrasts with the unbelief spreading among the people, who had turned to worship false idols. This step of obedience sets the stage for Gideon’s greater role in leading Israel to victory over the Midianites, an example later commended in the New Testament for faith (Hebrews 11:32 not italicized).
Gideon’s story also reminds us of how God meets us in our apprehension. Men and women throughout the Scriptures struggled with fear, but God repeatedly demonstrated His faithfulness. Despite Gideon’s anxiety regarding his father’s household and the city’s potential reaction, God’s sovereignty guided this judge toward spiritual renewal for Israel. In the end, Gideon’s faithful—though cautious—action paves the way for a miraculous deliverance for God’s people.
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Judges 6:27 meaning
Then Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had spoken to him; and because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night. (v.27) Gideon, living around 1179-1155 BC, was one of the judges God raised up to deliver Israel. This event occurs in the region of Ophrah, within the tribal territory of Manasseh. Historically, Israel had been suffering oppression from the Midianites and experienced a series of cycles in which they cried out to God for deliverance. In this verse, we see Gideon obeying God’s instruction to tear down his family’s altar to Baal and the Asherah pole (Judges 6:25-26 not italicized). Fearing the backlash from the people, he chooses to act under the cover of night, revealing his initial trepidation and desire to faithfully follow God while also protecting himself and the men who help him.
By taking “ten men of his servants,” Gideon displays tangible leadership, showing his ability to convince others to join him in following God’s command. Though he was hesitant and afraid, his actions highlight the importance of obedience even when circumstances are daunting. Gideon’s response to God’s word contrasts with the unbelief spreading among the people, who had turned to worship false idols. This step of obedience sets the stage for Gideon’s greater role in leading Israel to victory over the Midianites, an example later commended in the New Testament for faith (Hebrews 11:32 not italicized).
Gideon’s story also reminds us of how God meets us in our apprehension. Men and women throughout the Scriptures struggled with fear, but God repeatedly demonstrated His faithfulness. Despite Gideon’s anxiety regarding his father’s household and the city’s potential reaction, God’s sovereignty guided this judge toward spiritual renewal for Israel. In the end, Gideon’s faithful—though cautious—action paves the way for a miraculous deliverance for God’s people.