Sunday: God Selects Gideon’s Army: Judges 7:1-8
God is able to work mightily through a small number of dedicated people. Spiritual alertness and dedication, not great numbers, are of primary importance to God. Our ultimate resource and strength to meet all of life’s challenges can be found in God alone. Pride in “our” accomplishment inevitably becomes a hindrance to receiving fully God’s power and help. (Zechariah 4:6; Revelations 3:4-5; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 8:13)
Monday: Gideon Defeats the Midianites: Judges 7:9-25
God encouraged Gideon in order to alleviate his fear and strengthen his faith. Believers, committed to God’s will and faithfully serving him, will at times need God’s encouragement. When those times come, we should pray that God will inspire us through His Spirit with faith, hope and courage. (2 Corinthians 1:4-11; Philippians 4:6-7)
Tuesday: Zebah & Zalmunna: Judges 8:1-21
By refusing to help Gideon’s army, the Israelites of Succoth and Peniel were allying themselves with Israel’s enemy, a decision for which they were punished. Likewise, New Testament believers are required to take a definite stand for Christ and righteousness; otherwise, they are viewed in reality as being against Him. (Judges 8:6; Matthew 12:30)
Wednesday: Gideon’s Ephod: Judges 8:22-27
Gideon probably made the ephod with good intentions, as a memorial to Israel’s success in the work of God. The ephod was unauthorized by God and became an object of veneration, glorifying Gideon and Israel’s achievement. To exalt and glorify churches, institutions or human leaders who possess special charisma will result in spiritual corruption and death. (Exodus 28:6)
Thursday: Gideon’s Death: Judges 8:28-35
No sooner had Gideon died than Israel turned aside to worship of idols. How quickly the Israelites forgot Gideon’s heroic national exploits, even to the point of mistreating his descendants and forgetting God’s deliverance! But are we much better at remembering the blessings we have received from the Lord? (Psalms 78:7; Isaiah 65:11)
Friday: Abimelech’s Rise to Power: Judges 9:1-21
Gideon’s concubine in Shechem gave birth to Abimelech, who later killed seventy of his brothers. God commands that no one be appointed as an overseer of God’s people who cannot manage himself or his family well. (1 Timothy 3:1-5)
Saturday: Abimelech’s Demise: Judges 9:22-57
God used demonic spirits to punish Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem for the murder of Gideon’s sons. The evil spirit caused strife and distrust. (1 Samuel 16:14, 23)