“And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”
Context:The book of Judges is a historical account of the period of Israel’s history between the conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy under Saul. During this time, Israel experienced a recurring cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The story of Gideon, one of the judges God raised up to rescue Israel from their oppressors.
Explanation:In this verse, Gideon is speaking to an angel of the Lord who appeared to him. Gideon expresses his doubts and questions about the current situation of Israel. Let’s break down his statements:
- “Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?”: Gideon starts by acknowledging God’s presence, but he questions why the nation of Israel is experiencing such hardships and oppression if God is truly with them. He is perplexed by the apparent contradiction between God’s promised presence and their current circumstances.
- “Where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?”: Gideon refers to the stories passed down from their ancestors about the miraculous acts of God, particularly the deliverance from Egypt. He wonders why they are not experiencing similar manifestations of God’s power in their present situation.
- “But now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”: Gideon expresses a sense of abandonment by God and believes that God has allowed the Midianites to overpower and oppress Israel. He sees their suffering as evidence that God has turned away from them.
Lessons:
- Doubt and questions are natural:Gideon’s response reveals his doubts and questions about God’s presence and faithfulness. It is normal for believers to wrestle with doubts or uncertainties during challenging times. It is essential to bring these doubts to God in prayer and seek His guidance.
- Remembering God’s past faithfulness:Gideon’s reference to the miracles God performed in the past serves as a reminder that God is capable of delivering His people. When facing difficulties, we can find strength and hope by remembering how God has been faithful to us and others throughout history.
- God’s timing and purposes:While Gideon feels forsaken, it is crucial to note that God often works in mysterious ways and according to His timing. Sometimes, God allows challenges and struggles to refine our character, teach us dependence on Him, or accomplish His greater purposes. Trusting in God’s sovereignty is vital even when we don’t fully understand His plans.
Application:When we encounter difficult circumstances or feel overwhelmed, we can follow Gideon’s example by honestly expressing our doubts and questions to God. We should seek His guidance, remember His faithfulness in the past, and trust in His timing and purposes. God is always present, even in the midst of trials, and He remains faithful to His promises.
