Character Study Of Gideon Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF GIDEON – JUDGE WHO DEFEATED THE MIDIANITES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:. Judges 6:14

"And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?" –

Supporting Texts:

Judges 6:11-40, Judges 7:1-25, Judges 8:1-35, Hebrews 11:32-34, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Proverbs 3:5-6

INTRODUCTION:

Gideon was one of the judges raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression. During his time, the Midianites had devastated Israel, stealing their harvests and leaving them in poverty. Gideon was an unlikely hero—fearful and hesitant—yet God chose him to lead Israel to victory with only 300 men against a vast Midianite army.

His story is a powerful example of how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Gideon’s journey from fear to faith teaches us that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

1. GIDEON’S CALL AND HIS DOUBTS

God called Gideon to deliver Israel, but he struggled with fear and doubt.

a) Israel was under Midianite oppression (Judges 6:1-6)

The Israelites were hiding in caves and starving due to the enemy’s raids.

b) Gideon was threshing wheat in secret (Judges 6:11)

He feared the Midianites and was trying to protect his food.

c) The Angel of the Lord called him a "mighty man of valour" (Judges 6:12)

Though Gideon saw himself as weak, God saw his potential.

d) Gideon questioned God’s presence and power (Judges 6:13)

He asked why God had allowed Israel’s suffering.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also doubted his calling when God sent him to deliver Israel (Exodus 3:11-12)

2. GIDEON RECEIVES A SIGN AND BUILDS AN ALTAR

To strengthen Gideon’s faith, God gave him signs.

a) Gideon asked for a sign to confirm God’s call (Judges 6:17-18)

He brought an offering, and the Angel of the Lord consumed it with fire.

b) He built an altar to worship God (Judges 6:24)

This showed his growing faith and commitment.

c) God commanded him to tear down his father’s idol (Judges 6:25-26)

Before leading Israel, he had to remove idolatry from his own household.

d) Gideon obeyed but did it at night out of fear (Judges 6:27)

His obedience was still mixed with timidity.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham built altars as a sign of his covenant with God (Genesis 12:7-8)

3. GIDEON TESTS GOD WITH THE FLEECE

Gideon asked for further confirmation before acting.

a) He laid out a fleece and asked for a wet fleece with dry ground (Judges 6:36-38)

He wanted assurance that God would truly save Israel through him.

b) He asked for the opposite sign—dry fleece with wet ground (Judges 6:39-40)

Despite previous signs, he still struggled with doubt.

c) God was patient with Gideon’s weak faith (Judges 6:40)

God did not rebuke him but confirmed His will.

d) This highlights the struggle between faith and fear (Hebrews 11:6)

Gideon’s faith was growing but not yet strong.

e) Biblical Example: Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection and asked for proof (John 20:24-29)

4. GIDEON’S ARMY IS REDUCED TO 300 MEN

God showed His power by using a small army to defeat a large enemy.

a) Gideon gathered 32,000 men to fight (Judges 7:2)

God said it was too many, lest Israel take credit for the victory.

b) 22,000 men left because they were afraid (Judges 7:3)

Fear disqualified them from the battle.

c) God reduced the army to 300 men (Judges 7:6-7)

Only those who lapped water from their hands were chosen.

d) God wanted Israel to know that victory comes from Him, not human strength (Judges 7:2)

This demonstrated divine power.

e) Biblical Example: David defeated Goliath with just a sling and five stones (1 Samuel 17:40-50)

5. THE VICTORY OVER THE MIDIANITES

God delivered Israel through an unusual battle strategy.

a) Gideon overheard a dream confirming Midian’s defeat (Judges 7:13-15)

This strengthened his faith before the battle.

b) The 300 men used trumpets, torches, and clay pots (Judges 7:16-20)

Instead of weapons, they followed God’s strategy.

c) The Midianites panicked and killed each other (Judges 7:22)

God caused confusion in the enemy’s camp.

d) Israel pursued and destroyed the remaining Midianite forces (Judges 8:4-12)

Gideon’s leadership led to complete victory.

e) Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat’s army won by praising God instead of fighting (2 Chronicles 20:21-23)

6. STRENGTHS OF GIDEON

Despite his doubts, Gideon had remarkable strengths.

a) He was obedient to God’s calling (Judges 6:27)

b) He demonstrated courage in battle (Judges 7:19-22)

c) He sought divine confirmation before acting (Judges 6:36-40)

d) He relied on God’s strength, not human numbers (Judges 7:2-7)

e) He led Israel to peace for 40 years (Judges 8:28)

7. WEAKNESSES OF GIDEON

Gideon’s story also reveals his flaws.

a) He struggled with fear and self-doubt (Judges 6:15)

b) He was slow to trust God completely (Judges 6:17)