Judges 6:19-40

[MEST] Judges
Study Guide > Judges 6:19-40
So, the angel of the Lord has just dropped the bombshell that Gideon is a “mighty warrior” and that “the Lord is with you”. How does Gideon respond? > “Who, me?!”...”Wait!”...” I need a sign that it’s you really talking to me... I’ll get an offering. Please don’t leave! Will you wait?”
How could the angel have responded?
[Read Judges 6:19-40]
Even though food is scarce, in v19 Gideon uses a load of flour (22 pounds!) to make the bread to offer to the angel. What could this tell us about Gideon?
“Pour the broth out on the ground. Put the bread and the meat on that rock over there!” How might Gideon feel about this reaction to his offering?
In v21 the angel completely cremates the offering. How might this make Gideon feel?
In v22 Gideon exclaims “I have seen God face to face!” Why is this a big deal?

In v25 the Lord tells Gideon to take an axe to his father’s alter. Does this section of the story remind you of another event in the Isrealite’s history? And how is that important?

This was Gideon’s dad’s livelihood, his life. How could Gideon have reacted to such a command?

Here we see Gideon being invited to become a partner with God. How might Gideon feel about this?

This invitation, this “calling” comes with 2 heads. FRIENDSHIP and FUNCTION. How does this show itself in Gideon’s calling? And can you think of other examples in the bible?

In our Christian lives we need to have these 2 elements in equal balance. If you become too friendship-centred, then you LOVE to sing worship songs and read your bible, but you have no intention or desire to “dirty” your hands with evangelism or mission, and ultimately become irrelevant. On the other hand, if you become too functional-centred, then you throw yourselves at everything 100 miles an hour working for God, but you’ll soon burn out because you’re not being sustained from the word, prayer, and worship.

God can speak in different ways. Sometimes he commands [ie > the voice from the burning bush or Paul being ordered to go to Macedonia]. At other times God allows His servants to offer “suggestions”. Like in Gideon’s story. Can you think of any other examples of when God takes suggestions from people?
This winepress episode also included negotiation. God wants Gideon to destroy the baal alter, but Gideon wants to wait until it gets dark. This isn’t a monologue > God speaking and commanding and Gideon rushing to obey. Instead, it’s an ongoing conversation.
In v27 we see Gideon go to this baal temple with 10 men. Why take others along? Why not go alone?
In v29, how did the mob come to the conclusion that Gideon was guilty?

[Activity > Mob/Joash/Gideon = points of view]

Why might Joash have had a change of heart?

In v31 Joash asks the mob, “are you going to plead baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him?” What is Joash’s question actually asking? And what is meant by, “If baal really is a god, then he can defend himself when someone breaks down his alter”?
“Jerub baal” was given to Gideon as a curse, but seemed to have a different effect. Explain...

What is the progression of Gideon’s calling? How is this progression meaningful to us?

So, the fleece thing... why did Gideon need more signs?

So, fear was keeping Gideon in the winepress and now despite the numerous conversations with God, visitations from an angel, signs and wonders, a heart-changed father AND 32’000 men ready to follow him into battle! > Gideon is STILL afraid.
Take some time to think about what you’re afraid of.
What’s holding you back?