We live in a world of words. That became particularly obvious – and essential – when the effects of the pandemic emerged, confronting us with the need for information and instructions. Problematically, there were many elements of media ‘news’ that were actually opinions, ‘spin’ and conjecture. But they all had the power to impact our thinking and actions. Words are not only external, but internal – we talk to ourselves!

That was also Gideon’s situation. His ‘world’ was not only shaped by outward events – those oppressive Midianite invaders – but what he was saying to himself as a consequence. The conversation that ensued when God appeared to him as the “angel of the Lord” brought those words to the surface.

The location of that conversation was not a promising one! “Threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites” (Judges 6:11) portrayed a ‘message’ within Gideon’s mind of oppression and desperation. But as that conversation developed it became clear that Gideon’s poor spiritual state not only arose from the Midianite raiders and God’s perceived absence. “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (6:15) was his response to God’s declaration of him being a “mighty warrior” and commissioned to “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand” (6:12, 14). The promise, “The Lord is with you … Am I not sending you?” failed to displace the effect of existing ‘words’ within Gideon.

His ‘world’ was not only shaped by outward events – those oppressive Midianite invaders – but what he was saying to himself as a consequence.

(Our internal words can also be helpful – the psalmist recognised the spiritual benefit of speaking to himself as he focused on the hope and blessings he found in knowing God (see for example Psalm 42:5, Psalm 103:1-5).)

Gideon’s Response

The response of Gideon to God’s words revealed a perspective that directed his life – something that affects us all. So, God declared his truth, aiming to correct this warped view arising from what Gideon had absorbed. It was not disputed that Gideon’s clan was the smallest and that he was the youngest. But in the background was a further factor regarding the tribe of Manasseh itself. At the time of the first census, it was the smallest of the twelve (Numbers 1:34) although by the second one its ‘league’ position had improved (see Numbers 26:34). But what also needed to be taken into account was that the tribe had divided into two halves with only half of its number actually entering and possessing their allotted portion of the Promised Land. The other half had opted to remain on the east side of the Jordan River boundary, attracted by its fertile grazing land suitable for their livestock. This had also been the option of two entire tribes - Reuben and Gad (Numbers 32). Moses had sanctioned this settlement; but being part of a tribal group that only partially entered into God’s purposes would have constituted a spiritual ‘weight’. Summing up how Gideon viewed himself arising from the ‘messages’ around and within him was his reply: “How can I save Israel?” (verse 15).

So, God declared his truth, aiming to correct this warped view arising from what Gideon had absorbed.

Gideon’s Request

God’s response to Gideon’s question was to speak to him again: “I will be with you…” (6:16). This was a repeat of his opening declaration: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (6:12). But to this second reassurance was added “… and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive” (6:16). However, God did not stop with those words. They were backed up by his willingness to wait for Gideon to prepare and present an offering. This offering was integral to “a sign that it is really you talking to me” (6:17) that Gideon requested – this first ‘sign’ is not as well-known as his second one!

When considering, in human terms, that Gideon was being directed to carry out a mission seemingly doomed to failure and death, such a need for confirmation might be viewed as well founded! God touched Gideon’s offering with the tip of his staff, causing fire to flare from the rock on which it was placed and consume it. This brought Gideon to realise that he had most certainly seen and spoken with God. The response from God allayed Gideon’s unspoken fear of being struck down: “But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die’” (6:23).

Reassurance

However, Gideon still needed reassurance from God and what he had spoken over his life. This was evident by the fleece-scenario following that conversation with him. But noticeably, this was subsequent to Gideon’s clear obedience in tearing down his father’s altar to Baal, building instead an altar to the Lord. He then experienced the “Spirit of the Lord” coming upon him as he summoned men to arms from his own and surrounding tribes (6:25-27; 34-35).

God’s patience in talking to Gideon - and responding to that request – underlined the importance that was placed on words: in this case, words being spoken to release and equip Gideon. Jesus said, “Then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). What word of truth is God speaking into your life?

Reflection

• Why can talking within ourselves make such an impact?
• What was the importance of God repeating his words of reassurance, and how can that apply to us?
• What was the significance of God declaring “Peace” over Gideon, and how is that relevant to us?

For the other studies in this series, click here.