“But the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.”
Context:The book of Judges is a historical account of Israel’s tumultuous period after Joshua’s death. During this time, Israel faced cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 6:16 occurs in the story of Gideon, one of Israel’s judges, who was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites.
Gideon’s Reluctance:Prior to verse 16, Gideon expressed doubts about God’s presence and ability to deliver Israel. He questioned why they were experiencing oppression if God was with them. Gideon hesitated to accept his calling as a deliverer, feeling inadequate and from the weakest clan. In verse 15, Gideon asked God for a sign to confirm His presence.
God’s Assurance:In response to Gideon’s doubts and request for a sign, the Lord assured him, saying, “Surely I will be with thee.” God promised His presence and assured Gideon that He would empower him to defeat the Midianites. Gideon would not face the battle alone but would have God by his side. This reassurance was meant to instil confidence in Gideon and to demonstrate that victory would come through God’s strength, not Gideon’s own abilities.
Conquering the Midianites:God further assures Gideon that he would be able to “smite the Midianites as one man.” This means that Gideon, with God’s help, would have the power to defeat the Midianites with ease, as if they were a single individual. God’s promise of victory emphasised that Gideon could rely on God’s strength rather than his own limited resources.
Application:Judges 6:16 teaches us several valuable lessons:
- God’s Presence:Just as God promised to be with Gideon, He assures believers today of His presence in their lives. God does not abandon His people but remains with them in every situation.
- God’s Power:Gideon’s story reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we feel inadequate, God can empower us to accomplish great things according to His purposes.
- Trusting God:Gideon’s doubts and questions are relatable, but he ultimately chose to trust God and accept His calling. We can learn from Gideon’s example and put our trust in God, even when facing challenging circumstances.
- God’s Faithfulness:The story of Gideon demonstrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Despite Gideon’s initial doubts, God remained faithful and enabled him to triumph over the Midianites. God is faithful to His promises, and we can rely on Him in every situation.
In summary, Judges 6:16 highlights God’s assurance of His presence and empowerment to Gideon. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness, His ability to work through our weaknesses, and the importance of trusting Him.
