GIDEON:  A JUDGE AND A MIGHTY MAN OF VALOR

 

The Praise by Gideon

Judges 6:22-24

Lesson #6

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.     We saw the boldness of Gideon in our last lesson.  He bravely asked the angel of the Lord for a sign to confirm the truthfulness of his commission as a judge.

 

B.      The angel gave him the sign (Jud. 6:21)

 

Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes…

 

C.     It is difficult for us to really grasp the overwhelming nature of this event to a human being, in this case, a man named Gideon.

1.       When the visitor first appeared, there may have been fear and shock.

2.       When he was told the purpose of the angel’s visit, Gideon may have experienced concern and more fear.

3.       The nature of the sign given to Gideon may have surprised him.

4.       There may have been satisfaction, joy, concern, and fear now knowing the messenger was real and his message was truthful.

 

D.     But, another fear also gripped the mind of Gideon.  We learn about it in this section of our study.  We have titled this section:  “The Praise by Gideon,” Judges 6:22-24.

 

I.                    A RESPONSE OF ALARM (Judges 6:22)

 

A.     The Sight (Jgs. 6:22a)

 

And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord…

 

1.       The angel appeared unto Gideon as a man.  But, Gideon witness a miracle at his hands.  Too, the man appeared to have miraculously departed from Gideon’s presence.

2.       These things enabled Gideon to see something clearly. 

a.       He perceived this was “an angel of the Lord.”

b.      Perceived:

1)      Strong (7200):  to see, literally or figuratively

2)      BDB:  to see, to perceive, to distinguish, to discern

3.       It was as if a light bulb went off in the mind of Gideon.  He knew beyond a doubt that he had seen the angel of the Lord.

 

B.      The Shout (Jud. 6:22b)

 

…Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God!...

 

1.       The word “alas” is a telling word.

a.       Strong (162):  a primitive word expressing pain exclamatorily, “Oh.”

b.      BDB:  alas, oh, ah

2.       Clarke:  “This is an elliptical sentence, a natural expression of the distressed state of Gideon’s mind: as if he had said, Have mercy on me, O Lord God! else I shall die…” (e-sword).

 

C.     The Source (Jud. 6:22c)

 

…for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face.

 

1.       It was the prevailing idea among both the heathen and the people of God that if a man looked upon God he would die.

a.       In the hymn of Callimachus:  “The laws of Saturn enact, that if any man see any of the immortal gods, unless that god himself shall choose it, he shall pay dearly for that sight” (as quoted by Clarke, e-sword).

b.      Exodus 33:20

 

And he said, Thou canst not see my face:  for there shall be no man see me, and live.

 

c.       Paul tells us that God dwells in “the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see…” (1 Tim. 6:16).

2.       When Gideon perceived that he had seen an angel of the Lord, he understood that he had looked upon God (See Jud. 13:21-22).

 

But the angel of the Lord did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife.  Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the Lord.  And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.

 

3.       It was this understanding that cause him to cry out unto God for mercy.

4.       LESSON:  It is difficult for us to comprehend a God who is so holy, so majestic, and so powerful that man is not permitted to look upon him.  And, if he does, there is the threat of death against him. 

 

II.                 A REASSURANCE FROM THE LORD (Judges 6:23)

 

A.     The Summons (Jud. 6:23a)

1.       The call for peace

 

And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee…

 

a.       Gideon’s heart was in a state of agitation and worry.

b.      When God spoke to him, He first called for Gideon to receive peace.

1)      Peace

a)      Strong (7965):  safe, well, happy

b)      BDB:  peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment

2)      This was just the opposite of what Gideon was feeling.  It is interesting how the body can positively react to reassuring words.  (Ex., the principal calls a child into the office.  The child is concerned.  The principal begins the discussion with these words:  “You are not in any kind of trouble.”)

c.       LESSON:  God does not want the hearts of His people to be upset and in torment.  He longs for His people to have peace and calm (See John 14:27).

 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

2.       The command not to fear

 

…fear not…

 

a.       Apparently, God understands that men can control their emotions. 

b.      He told Gideon not to fear.

c.       Peace with no fear would restore equilibrium to Gideon’s mind.  He would be able to act with reasonableness and certainty.

d.      LESSON:  Man is in charge of his emotions.  We are not able to excuse ourselves by saying:  “I could not help it.”  We are able to help it. 

 

B.      The Security (Jud. 6:23b)

 

…thou shalt not die.

 

1.       God is the being who has control over life and death.

2.       If He tells a person he will not die, he can rest assured that he will not die.

3.       Remember, when God speaks, He cannot lie (Tit. 1:2).

 

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

 

III.              THE REVERENCE DISPLAYED BY GIDEON (Judges 6:24).

 

A.     The Structure (Jud. 6:24a)

 

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord…

 

1.       Altars could serve three purposes:  a place a sacrifice, a place of memorial, or as a witness (See Josh. 22:24-28).

a.       This was an altar that was built as a memorial.

b.      We do not read that Gideon sacrificed anything upon this altar.

2.       The erection of the altar indicated the gratitude and reverence that Gideon had for the Almighty God.

 

B.      The Significance (Jud. 6:24b)

 

…and called it Jehovah-shalom…

 

1.       Altars were often dedicated in order to remember particular events.

a.       Abraham (Gen. 22:14)

b.      Jacob (Gen. 33:20)

c.       Moses (Exo. 17:15).

2.       The words “Jehovah-shalom” mean:  “the Lord is peace” or “the Lord is my peace.”

3.       The altar commemorates the peace that Gideon was given when he was fearful of his life after seeing the angel of the Lord.

 

C.     The Site (Jud. 6:24c)

 

…unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

1.       When the author of Judges wrote the book, the altar was still in existence.

2.       All who saw it would be reminded that God is a God of peace.

a.       Romans 15:33

 

Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen.

 

b.      His peace can “keep” our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7).

 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.     God had chosen Gideon to deliver His people from the Midianites.

 

B.      Gideon was called and convinced that God had a mission for him to complete.

 

C.     It would not be long before God would begin to use Gideon.  Listen to the opening words of Judges 6:25:  “And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him…”