The land had rest for forty years and then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. Again... Seems like they will never learn. Will we? Will we quit following after other gods so that we might have rest in the land?
So, they've forgotten the LORD again and they are in trouble again. They end up living in caves and strongholds in the mountains as the Midianites and Amalekites as well as others from the east come against them, destroying their harvests. And of course, God who loves His children of Israel sends to them another prophet to remind them to remember and reverence the God who delivered the God who delivered them from Egypt.
But, it seems they paid no heed to the prophet. (Surprise anyone?) The LORD calls to Gideon to be their deliverer. Gideon is the least of the least. According to Gideon, his clan is the weakest in Manasseh and he is the least in his family. The first act of this weak man commissioned by God to deliver the Israelites is to destroy the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole. The Israelites are a little upset about their god being torn down. They are angry enough to want to kill Gideon, but they get over it. And... as the Midianites and Amalekites gather to come across them, Gideon blows his trumpter and gathers an army to come up against the destroyers.
As Gideon calls up the army, it is important, I think, to note that the first and foremost destroyer has already been broken down. That happened when the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole were destroyed. There is no minimizing how dangerous false gods can be to our welfare and the abundant life that God would have us live. As we turn away from the one who gives us life, we turn to those things that steal the abundant life God has given us. There is no life in false gods! If their were Gideon would not have been able to tear down the altar of Baal.
It does not matter how lowly we think we are, God calls whom He will call to be His prophet. He calls whom He will call to remind the people of who it is who saves them. He calls whom He will call to lead His children to freedom.
Forty years of rest as they remember the LORD and then seven in the hands of Midian, hiding out in fear, as they worship a false god. In whose hand will you place your trust? Your life? As for me and my house we will worship the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
So, they've forgotten the LORD again and they are in trouble again. They end up living in caves and strongholds in the mountains as the Midianites and Amalekites as well as others from the east come against them, destroying their harvests. And of course, God who loves His children of Israel sends to them another prophet to remind them to remember and reverence the God who delivered the God who delivered them from Egypt.
But, it seems they paid no heed to the prophet. (Surprise anyone?) The LORD calls to Gideon to be their deliverer. Gideon is the least of the least. According to Gideon, his clan is the weakest in Manasseh and he is the least in his family. The first act of this weak man commissioned by God to deliver the Israelites is to destroy the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole. The Israelites are a little upset about their god being torn down. They are angry enough to want to kill Gideon, but they get over it. And... as the Midianites and Amalekites gather to come across them, Gideon blows his trumpter and gathers an army to come up against the destroyers.
As Gideon calls up the army, it is important, I think, to note that the first and foremost destroyer has already been broken down. That happened when the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole were destroyed. There is no minimizing how dangerous false gods can be to our welfare and the abundant life that God would have us live. As we turn away from the one who gives us life, we turn to those things that steal the abundant life God has given us. There is no life in false gods! If their were Gideon would not have been able to tear down the altar of Baal.
It does not matter how lowly we think we are, God calls whom He will call to be His prophet. He calls whom He will call to remind the people of who it is who saves them. He calls whom He will call to lead His children to freedom.
Forty years of rest as they remember the LORD and then seven in the hands of Midian, hiding out in fear, as they worship a false god. In whose hand will you place your trust? Your life? As for me and my house we will worship the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
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