"Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel."
This verse comes at the end of the story of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. To understand its significance, let’s explore the context and key themes of this passage.
In the book of Judges, the Israelites experienced a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the death of Joshua and the elders who outlived him, the people of Israel turned away from God, worshiped idols, and suffered under the oppression of neighboring nations. When the Israelites cried out for help, God raised up judges to deliver them.
Gideon was one of those judges chosen by God to rescue the Israelites from the Midianites. Gideon’s story begins in Judges 6, where he is called by God to lead Israel in battle against the Midianite oppressors. Initially hesitant, Gideon seeks signs from God to confirm His calling. God graciously provides those signs, and Gideon eventually gathers an army of 32,000 men to fight against the Midianites.
However, God reduces Gideon’s army to a mere 300 men to demonstrate His power and to ensure that the Israelites would not attribute their victory to their own strength. With this small force, Gideon leads a surprise attack on the Midianite camp, causing confusion and defeating their enemy. God granted a great victory to Gideon and the Israelites through this unconventional battle strategy.
After this triumph, the people of Israel offer Gideon the position of ruler or king, but he wisely declines, affirming that only God should rule over them. Gideon’s response reflects his faithfulness and humility.
Judges 8:35: this verse highlights the ingratitude of the Israelites. Despite Gideon’s successful leadership and the deliverance God had brought through him, the people did not show kindness to Gideon or his house. They failed to appreciate and acknowledge the goodness that Gideon had demonstrated to Israel and God’s faithfulness in delivering them.
This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the human tendency to forget or neglect the kindness and deliverance we receive. It exposes the Israelites’ ungratefulness towards Gideon, who had selflessly served as a judge and warrior on their behalf. Moreover, it speaks to the broader theme found throughout the book of Judges-the cycle of disobedience and forgetfulness that led the Israelites to repeat their mistakes.
As we reflect on Judges 8:35, we can apply its message to our own lives. It reminds us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and to remember and acknowledge the goodness, kindness, and deliverance we receive from God and others. It also prompts us to be mindful of how we treat those who have shown us kindness, ensuring that we demonstrate gratitude and appreciation for their actions.
Ultimately, Judges 8:35 serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of gratitude and recognizing the goodness and faithfulness of God and those He uses to bless and deliver us.
