Judges 6:35

*“He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, and they also were called together to follow him; and he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they came up to meet them.”* (v.35) This verse describes the determined efforts of Gideon to gather an army in response to the threat of the Midianites in the time of the Judges, roughly between 1200–1020 BC. Gideon, who lived during an era when Israel lacked a centralized monarchy and was instead led by divinely appointed judges, steps forward in faith after receiving God’s assurance of victory. This act of summoning the tribes underscores Gideon’s growing trust in God’s promise (Judges 6:16 NASB-95) and his obedience to unite his people against foreign oppression.

In the verse, *He sent messengers throughout Manasseh* (v.35) points us to one of the Israelite tribes primarily settled on both sides of the Jordan River, with the larger portion lying northward. This geographical area was extensive and included fertile plains as well as mountainous regions. The reference to sending messengers there shows Gideon’s organized strategy to call upon the tribe from his own lineage (Gideon was often identified with Manasseh), gathering support from his kin. The verse continues with, *and they also were called together to follow him; and he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali* (v.35), reminding us that these additional tribes resided in the northern territories of Israel, near the upper regions of what we now know as the Galilee area. By summoning multiple tribes, Gideon unites a broader coalition ready to fight as a single force, reflecting a precursor to the New Testament idea of believers coming together in unity (John 17:21 NASB-95).

The final phrase, *“and they came up to meet them.”* (v.35), highlights the tribes’ willingness to respond to Gideon’s call. Despite the risks involved, they exhibit courage and trust, mirroring the faithful response God’s people are called to demonstrate throughout Scripture. Their joint participation in the imminent battle displays a communal spirit reminiscent of future endeavors in the Bible, such as the Great Commission, where God’s chosen unite for a shared purpose (Matthew 28:19-20 NASB-95). By obeying Gideon’s summons, these tribes exemplify what it means to act in faith, trusting that God’s hand is at work even in dire circumstances.

They rallied in faithful obedience, confident God would deliver them from their oppressors.