Gideon's Downfall

25They answered, “We’ll be glad to give them.” So they spread out a garment, and each of them threw a ring from his plunder onto it. 26The weight of the gold rings he asked for came to seventeen hundred shekels,^b not counting the ornaments, the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian or the chains that were on their camels’ necks. 27Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family. (Judges 8)

Thoughts: The ephod was a piece of clothing the priest used to tell God's will.  There was a Urim and Thummin that only the priest could use to basically discern a yes or no answer from God.  Gideon was always wanting to know God's will and he doubted it too much.  So he decided to make his own way of discerning God's will- his own ephod made of gold (cf. Ex. 28:6).  In the end, people started worshiping the ephod as an idol.  Anything- even good things- can turn into an idol.  The same thing happened with the snake Moses had Aaron make.  It was a good thing that people eventually worshiped and became a snare to them.  There are many good things that turn evil and sour if we start giving ourselves to them more than God.  Some worship education as their god; Some worship their work as god;  some worship their family as god; some worship their things- house, car, boat as god;  Some give more to try to get things they don't need with money they don't have to impress people they don't like (as Dave Ramsey says).  

Prayer: Lord, let me love you and only you with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. 

Giving Up Kingship

22The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”

23But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.” (Judges 8)

Thoughts: Earthly rule is necessary but fickle.  A ruler may be loved one minute and hated the next. Gideon saved the people of God in a miraculous way.  In gratitude and in an effort for more of his protection, they offered him a monarchy. 
     Gideon turned them down as Jesus did (as recorded in John 6:15, after the feeding of the five thousand).  It is a bit reminiscent of how some of George Washington's officers offered him a kingship but he turned them down. 
      After Gideon died, the Israelites forgot his sons (8:35), but they more importantly forgot the God that Gideon had called them back to worship.   Gideon's humility was amazing.  But even Gideon was a sinner.  But he was willing to value God's glory over his won honor. Gideon knew the real king is Jesus.  We should recognize that as well.  

Prayer: Lord, let me value your glory over my glory.  

Handling Grumblers and Doubters

1Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us like this? Why didn’t you call us when you went to fight Midian?” And they challenged him vigorously.

2But he answered them, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren’t the gleanings of Ephraim’s grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer? 3God gave Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianite leaders, into your hands. What was I able to do compared to you?” At this, their resentment against him subsided.

4Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it. 5He said to the men of Sukkoth, “Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

6But the officials of Sukkoth said, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?”

7Then Gideon replied, “Just for that, when the Lord has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with desert thorns and briers.” (Judges 8)

Thoughts: Gideon was a diplomat.  He knew when to be gracious and he knew when to get tough.  He was gracious to those who were willing to help.  Ephraim was the largest of the northern tribes, and he needed their help for lasting peace.  So he handled their grumbling about the timing of their call very diplomatically so that they felt needed, a part of things, and he pacified their anger. 

But he also was tough.  The difference between Ephraim and Sukkoth is that the Ephraimites wanted to fight- their question was about the timing.  The men of Sukkoth were in effect and fact allying themselves with the Midianites- afraid of their wrath.   But they should have chosen the Lord's side.  It does make a difference if you choose the Lord or not.  It makes a difference if you put faith in the Lord or faith in those who oppose Him and His ways.  

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom in handling complaints and doubts.  Help me to know when to be gracious and when to be firm.