Scripture Text: Judges 7:1-9:57
Memory Verse: “And the Lord said to Gideon, ‘The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, “My own hand has saved me.”’” Judges 7:2
Introduction:
In order that victory against Midian might be clearly divine, the Lord first reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 to ten thousand by sending the fearful and fainthearted home, as the law commanded. The army was still reduced further by testing the soldiers at the river. Those who lapped water like a dog and quickly moved on were kept in the army. These numbered three hundred men. The thought of his diminished army rekindled Gideon’s fears. God was asking him to face an army of 135,000 with a force of 300. After dividing into three companies of one hundred each, they marched to the fringe of the camp of the Midianites, and then at the appointed signal they all blew the trumpets, broke the earthenware pitchers so that the light of lamps would be visible, and cried. “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” In confusion and panic, the Midianites began attacking one another, then fled. After the conquest of the Midianites, Israel enjoyed quietness for forty years.
No sooner had Gideon died than Israel turned aside to worship of the Baals. Abimelech, a son of Gideon, was not a judge of Israel but a usurper—one who sought to rule Israel without proper authority. To eliminate any threats to his rule, he murdered all his brothers except Jotham, the youngest. He persuaded the people of the that area to recognize him as king, since he was the son of Gideon and all the other sons had been killed with the exception of Jotham. Jotham from the top of Mount Gerizim announced that the men of Shechem and Abimelech would become embroiled in civil war and destroy each other. This is exactly what happened. Three years later God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem. Abimelech met his downfall.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- God is able to work mightily through a small number of dedicated people who are empowered by His Spirit. What is the reason for this? (Judges 7:1-8; Zechariah 4:6; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 8:13; Revelations 3:4-5)
- What help does God have for believers who are committed to His will when they become fearful and discouraged? (Judges 7:9-25; 2 Corinthians 1:4-11; Philippians 4:6- 7)
- When one decides not to support God’s work, what in fact are they choosing? (Judges 8:6; Matthew 12:30)
- How does God look at us when we exalt and glorify churches, institutions, or human achievement? (Judges 8:22-27; Exodus 28:6; Luke 14:11; Isaiah 14:12-15; Matthew 23:12; James 4:6-10; 1 Peter 5:5-6)
Applying the Word
Discuss the failure of Israel to remember their blessings from the time of leaving Egypt through the time of the judges. Are we much better at remembering the blessings we have received from the Lord? (Psalms 78:7; Isaiah 65:11)