Judges 6:34

*So the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him.* (v.34) During the time of the Judges, around the 12th century BC, Israel found itself in continual cycles of disobedience and deliverance. Gideon came from the tribe of Manasseh, which occupied territory west of the Jordan River. He lived in Ophrah, a region under threat from the Midianites. When Scripture states that *the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon,* it means God’s presence empowered him, giving him courage and authority to take action on behalf of His people. Gideon’s first bold act was to *blow a trumpet,* signaling a rally point for his family clan, the Abiezrites, who responded to his call. citeturn0file4

It is significant that the verse highlights both the divine empowerment Gideon received and the immediate gathering of his fellow tribesmen. The Abiezrites, descending from Abiezer within Manasseh, formed the core of Gideon’s initial followers. Their swift response underscores how God often works through human servants willing to obey, despite fear or seemingly insurmountable odds. Rather than ignoring Gideon’s summons, these men recognized God’s Spirit at work and joined him against the Midianite oppression.

This passage also foreshadows how God’s Spirit comes upon individuals throughout Scripture to accomplish His purposes, culminating in the New Testament’s promise of the Holy Spirit upon all who follow Christ (Acts 2:17). By mentioning “the Abiezrites were called together,” Judges 6:34 demonstrates that whenever God empowers someone, He can also stir the hearts of a community to unify in pursuit of His plan.

Gideon’s decisive moment in Judges 6:34 shows how powerful divine empowerment can bring hope and leadership in times of distress.