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GIDEON (VIII)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27
Judges 8:1-21

Romans 12:1-8

 

“A soft answer turneth away wrath:

but grievous words stir up anger.”

 

GIDEON (VIII)
 
The accounts of the previous judges end with the deliverance of Israel from the enemy’s oppression, but not in Gideon’s case. In Judges chapter 8, we do not only have details of the route of the Midianites, but we also have details of life after victory. We have in it the challenges Gideon encountered and the decisions he made, both wise and unwise.
 
“And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus…” (Judg 8:1). Judges 8:1 reveals God’s wisdom and knowledge of man. God had said that they would “…vaunt themselves against me…” (Judg 7:2), and here was Ephraim doing exactly that against Gideon. Ephraim had been called in the course of the battle and had offered reinforcements (Judg 7:24-25). They intercepted the fleeing Midianites and slew two princes. Having done their part, they confronted Gideon, puffed up and proud. They chided “with him sharply” (Judg 8:1) for overlooking them and not calling them to help at the beginning of the battle. They thought themselves to be the true strength of Israel as was evident from Gideon’s statement that appeased their anger: “…what was I able to do in comparison of you…” (Judg 8:3). They did not see the hand of God in all that had taken place, and felt insulted that smaller tribes went to war without them.
 
“Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that” (Judg 8:3). Gideon in his response to the Ephraimites used great wisdom. He did not recount to them his call or commission from God. He also did not recount to them the night visit or the clarion call of the 300 men against the Midianites. Instead, he appeased them by reminding them of what God had enabled them to do even as they were discontented after accomplishing it. When he referred to his contribution, he presented it as insignificant in comparison to theirs. Gideon thus, by wisdom and a soft answer, averted the potential of a civil war after a great victory that freed them from the oppression of the Midianites.
 
THOUGHT: Hard arguments are often best faced with soft words.

PRAYER: O Father, help me in my responses that I do not promote anger.

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