“Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.”
Context:The book of Judges records a period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua. During this time, Israel was caught in a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 6 introduces us to Gideon, a judge whom God chose to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.
Gideon’s Call:Prior to verse 27, God appeared to Gideon and called him to be a mighty warrior who would deliver Israel from the Midianites. Initially, Gideon doubted his ability and asked for signs from God to confirm his calling. God graciously granted Gideon’s requests and assured him of His presence and power.
Gideon’s Obedience:In verse 27, we see Gideon taking action in obedience to God’s instructions. God commanded Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal that belonged to his father and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. These were idols worshipped by the Israelites, which God had forbidden.
Fear and Caution:The verse highlights Gideon’s fear of his father’s household and the men of the city. Gideon recognized that his actions would be met with opposition and hostility. The worship of Baal was deeply ingrained in the culture, and Gideon knew that challenging it would not be easy.
Nighttime Action:Due to his fear, Gideon carried out the task at night rather than during the day. This decision reveals Gideon’s cautiousness and his desire to avoid confrontation or any immediate retaliation. He wanted to fulfill God’s command but chose a time when he could minimize the risk.
Lessons and Applications:
- Obedience to God:Gideon’s obedience is commendable. He followed God’s instructions even though it meant challenging the practices of his own family and community. We should likewise prioritize obeying God’s commands, even if they go against societal or cultural norms.
- Fear and Courage:Gideon’s fear is relatable. Sometimes, obeying God requires us to step out of our comfort zones and face opposition. However, God promises to be with us and provide strength. Like Gideon, we should trust God’s presence and power, overcoming our fears.
- Caution and Timing:Gideon’s decision to act at night demonstrates wisdom and discernment. While we should obey God promptly, there may be times when we need to exercise caution and choose the right timing to carry out His commands.
- Removing Idols:The command to tear down the altar and Asherah pole symbolizes the need to eliminate anything that hinders our relationship with God. We should identify and remove the idols in our lives, whether they are physical objects or anything that takes priority over our devotion to God.
In summary, Judges 6:27 showcases Gideon’s obedience to God’s command, his fear of opposition, and his cautious approach in tearing down the idols of Baal. This passage teaches us the importance of obedience, courage in the face of opposition, discernment in timing, and the need to remove idols from our lives.
