Judges, Ruth: Revised Edition (The NIV Application Commentary)

by K. Lawson Younger

Gideon’s response. Gideon’s initial response to the angel of the Lord’s call is theologically correct in its basic assertions, but it is wrong in its tone and in its awareness of the correct evaluation of the present situation. Rather than recognizing Israel’s “responsibility for the present crisis, as the narrator does in 6:1, Gideon blames God.”43 Thus, he demonstrates an ignorance of Yahweh’s covenant with Israel. The Israelites’ sins have brought these things upon them; they are the cause of their problems, not God. Moreover, Gideon’s incorrect evaluation is, no doubt, the result of the pagan situation in his village. Like many others in Israel at this time, this village has its own cult center where other gods are worshiped. Although Gideon is aware of some of the traditions of Yahweh (6:13), for all practical purposes he and his family are worshipers of Baal and Asherah! Gideon’s problems lie in his lack of knowledge of God’s word, in his perception of God’s involvement in the life of the nation, in his willingness to serve, and in his faith.