Recently I have been stuck on the story of Gideon, particularly the account in Judges 7 in which God defeats the innumerable Mideanites with a mere 300 men. An invaluable truth can be gleaned from this incredible story of God’s providence and faithfulness; God will receive the glory. He shares His glory with no one.
Imagine the most desperate, troublesome time in your life. This was the situation of God’s people. Certainly, this was one of the darkest times for the nation of Israel. After being led into the promised land, the people continued in a vicious cycle of turning from the true God to false gods. God would allow a foreign people to oppress the Israelites (His judgment), leading the people to cry out to God. God then rose up a deliverer to deliver the people (aka a judge), and the people would turn from God once again. Judges 21:25 does well to explain the state of Israel: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” Certainly, as the people failed to look to God as their King, this was a recipe for trouble.
Judges 6:1-6 explains that the oppression towards this portion of Israel was heavy indeed. They had made hiding places into homes, and struggled to grow their own food which was often destroyed by the innumerable enemy. The second half of chapter 6 explains the calling of Gideon. He really did not think much of himself, and was not eager to take on the task of leadership. At his request for God to “prove” himself, Gideon asked God for several signs and eventually obeyed God’s call in leading the Israelites.
The most interesting point to be considered here is when Gideon’s 32,000 is reduced to just 300. This was certainly not good odds, considering the 135,000 (see Judges 8:10) men of the enemy. Judges 7:2 indicates God’s purposes: The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many people for Me to hand the Midianites over to you, or else Israel might brag: ‘I did it myself’.” One could certainly understand Gideon being nervous about a coming battle, but God was true to His promise and faithfully delivered the Israelites. Upon hearing of a dream in the Mideanite camp concerning Israel’s success, verse 15 explains that Gideon worshiped God. It was then that Gideon led Israel to surround the camp, make some noise, and defeat the enemy. God had caused confusion in the enemy camp leading the Mideanites to turn on their own.
God had led his people to victory. A situation that seemed so impossible, became reality as God proved His faithfulness and glory. God had used the weakest man and the weakest army against incredible odds to proclaim His strength and glory. Not only was His glory before His people, but through this work in the nation of Israel God’s glory was revealed to the surrounding nations. As we are reminded of God’s glory, let us strive to be reflectors of it; fully trusting God as we live lives of obedient worship
