“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?”
In this verse, we find an account from the Book of Judges where the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites due to their disobedience and turning away from God. The Lord chose Gideon to be a deliverer and instructed him to save Israel from the hand of their oppressors.
Context:Before we delve into the verse itself, it’s important to understand the context:surrounding this passage. The Book of Judges describes a time in Israel’s history when they were without a central ruler or king. Instead, God raised up individuals known as judges to deliver His people from various oppressors. In this particular period, the Midianites were causing great hardship to the Israelites, plundering their crops and livestock, and driving them to desperation.
God’s perspective:The verse begins with the phrase, “And the Lord looked upon him.” This indicates that God had His eyes fixed upon Gideon. Despite Gideon’s doubts and fears, God’s attention was fully on him. This serves as a reminder that God sees us in our struggles and is aware of our circumstances, even when we may feel overlooked or insignificant.
God’s call and empowerment:God addresses Gideon, saying, “Go in this thy might.” Although Gideon may have seen himself as weak or inadequate, God acknowledged the strength and potential that resided within him. It is essential to note that God doesn’t always choose the mightiest or most qualified individuals to accomplish His purposes. Instead, He often selects the humble and unlikely candidates, using them in extraordinary ways.
The mission:God continues, telling Gideon that he would be the instrument through which Israel would be saved from the Midianites. God’s plan was to work through Gideon to bring about deliverance and restoration to His people. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel and His willingness to intervene on their behalf, even when they had strayed from Him.
God’s assurance:To bolster Gideon’s confidence, God reminds him of His involvement by saying, “Have not I sent thee?” God assures Gideon that he is not alone in this mission. The Almighty Himself has sent Gideon to carry out this significant task. God’s presence and backing provide Gideon with the assurance that he can trust in the Lord’s guidance and provision throughout the journey.
Overall, Judges 6:14 showcases God’s sovereignty, His ability to see potential in the seemingly insignificant, and His faithfulness to deliver His people. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s call and relying on His strength rather than our own limitations.
