Judges 6:14

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?

Judges 6:14 (KJV)

Context

The Book of Judges describes a time when Israel had no king, and the people often turned away from God. Because of their disobedience, the Midianites oppressed them, destroying crops and livestock and driving the people into hiding. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the enemy when the Lord appeared to him. The Lord’s call came not in a time of peace, but in the middle of fear and hardship. This pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance runs through the whole book, and Gideon is raised up as a judge to rescue Israel.

Meaning

The verse opens with the Lord looking upon Gideon. This look is not casual; it is full of attention and favor. God saw Gideon’s fear and weakness, yet He called him a mighty warrior. When God says, “Go in this thy might,” He is not speaking of Gideon’s natural strength. The might is what God has already given him, both physically and mentally, for the task ahead. The command to save Israel from the Midianites is not a suggestion; it is a divine commission. The question, “Have not I sent thee?” reminds Gideon that his authority comes from God alone. The mission is certain because the One who sends is faithful. God’s look and word together give Gideon everything he needs to obey.

Biblical connections

God often chooses unlikely people to do His work. Gideon himself protested that his family was poor and he was the least in his father’s house (Judges 6:15). Yet God’s choice does not depend on human qualifications. This pattern continues in the New Testament, where God uses the weak and humble to shame the strong. The call of Gideon shows that divine calling always comes with divine enablement. God does not look for ability first; He gives ability to those He calls.

Application

When God calls, He also equips. We may feel weak, afraid, or overlooked, but God’s look changes everything. His word to Gideon is also for us: go in the strength He provides, not in our own. Obedience to God’s call brings deliverance, both for ourselves and for others. We are not alone, because the One who sends us goes with us. Trust that His call carries His power.

Reflection

God’s call transforms human weakness into strength. He sees potential where we see failure. The same God who looked upon Gideon looks upon us with kindness and purpose. Trust His call, rely on His strength, and step forward in faith.