Gideon - Mighty Warrior

17 Pages·2012·0.94 MB·English

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Scripture is fi lled with types. That is, We can literally read this verse, Megiddo. These people at war with Israel
we see someone whose life is used delivered into the hand of “strife” for are the people whose destiny lies there.
as a “type” of something else. God seven years because of sinning against This name meaning does bear uncertainty
had done this often for object lessons. God. In a prophetic sense, is this a type though. Something that pops out to me
Many types are of Christ Jesus. We of the tribulation period? in the Hebrew is the combination of this
are told Jesus is the “second Adam”. name: “A m” (people) and “Molech”. It
 
That is a type. We are told Moses was a –––– is blended in overlapping the “M” of
type of the prophet to come, which was the name. That which I see is “People
Jesus. In the time of the judges of Israel, 2 And the hand of Midian prevailed of Molech”. The idol whose worship
there are many types to be found there. against Israel: and because of the involved burning their children in
I wanted to take a detailed look at one Midianites the children of Israel sacrifi ce to Molech, which means “king”.
of them, Gideon. His story covers three made them the dens which are in
 
chapters in the book of Judges, chapters the mountains, and caves, and ––––
6 through 8. strong holds.
No type is ever a perfect match for 4 And they encamped against them,
what it represents, but they are intended Verse 2 - Notice the response of and destroyed the increase of the
to carry many lessons, as far as they can. Israel to the oppression. This is the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and
Gideon is another of those whose type is kind of response we have when we do left no sustenance for Israel, neither
that of Christ. He demonstrates both His not have the upper-hand. A last-ditch sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
fi rst coming and very predominantly, effort for survival.
His second. Verse 4 - This battle with Israel, that
 
Gideon is not a perfect man, or –––– takes place after the seven years of
portrayed as such. He clearly shows suffering affl iction from these enemies,
his fl aws, but then so do such types as 3 And so it was, when Israel had covers all the land the Israelites were
Moses. Bearing in mind those human sown, that the Midianites came controlling. Gaza is at the southern end
fl aws, I believe the type prominently up, and the Amalekites, and the of Israel and was a Philistine city.
stands out for reliable benefi t from children of the east, even they came   Gaza means, “the strong”.
close examination. up against them; The enemies destroyed both their
I felt a verse by verse walk through produce of the fi eld as well as their
these chapters to be the easiest way to Verse 3 - We fi nd three people groups livestock. What is listed in verse four, hits
cover this, so let’s just jump in. mentioned in league in this oppression of upon most all the industries of Israel’s
Israel. The representative head of all three basic livelihood: grain, fruit, vegetables,
are the Midianites throughout chapters 6-8. meat, skins for clothing and wool for
The children of the east are not specifi cally fi ber, milk (sheep in Israelite culture, not
Judges chapter 6
named. No doubt that lack of naming is cows) and butter, power equipment for
also intentional, not just because the writer farming (oxen pulled their plows) and
1 And the children of Israel did evil didn’t know who they were. fi nally transportation (remember Mary
in the sight of the LORD: and the We have seen the Midianites, now we went to Bethlehem on the donkey/ass?).
LORD delivered them into the hand are introduced to the Amalekites.
 
of Midian seven years.   Amalek possibly means, “Dweller ––––
in a valley,” (grandson of Esau, his
Verse 1 - Midian means, “Strife”, mother was a Horite). That combination 5 For they came up with their cattle
(son of Abraham by Keturah. Midianites is signifi cant with the Horites. See my and their tents, and they came as
are not found in Israel’s history after lesson on Genesis chapter 14 for further grasshoppers for multitude; for
this account with Gideon. This is their details on these people. both they and their camels were
last battle as it were, on the faces of If Amalek means “dweller in a valley”, without number: and they entered
Scripture. The Midianites did blend with that may be signifi cant due to where into the land to destroy it.
the Ishmaelites, so as an actual race, the coming war is to take place. The
continued with them. valley that will ultimately be the valley of Verse 5 - The description of verse
five fits the lifestyle of the Midianites.     Oak - There are two types of trees this
––––
They had become a nomadic people word refers to. One form is the actual
like the Bedoins of today. Nomadic oak, the other is the terebinth tree. They
10 And I said unto you, I am the
people take their livestock with them both look alike and are emblems of
LORD your God; fear not the gods of
whereever they go and they live in strength and durability.
the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell:
tents. Some, like the Gypsies (Roma), We are told this oak was in a place
but ye have not obeyed my voice.
do live in wagons. called “Ophrah”.
Verse 10 - God lets them know the   Ophrah means, “Fawn” the deer type.
 
–––– very method that strife and suffering May I suggest we have a picture of the
had come upon them was a form of strength that is found only in weakness
6 And Israel was greatly “poetic” discipline. with the oak in Ophrah? That is what
impoverished because of the They had turned after the idols of these the grace of God is all about. That is the
Midianites; and the children of Amorites, so it was after the fashion of answer God gave when they cried to
Israel cried unto the LORD. these people they were suffering. Him. He itemized their weakness, but
  Amorite means, “A sayer”, a provided His strength.
Verse 6 - An encapsulation of Israel’s Sumerian (now modern Syria and This took place on a more specific
dire situation is summarized in the lead Canaan) commonly nomadic tribes. named location of who owned the very
name of “Midianites” - Strife. It wasn’t the Amorite whose names we property where this happened. Look at
It was the suffering that came from have seen so far, but these oppressors/ that name on the title of the land:
this strife, that the Israelites turned destroyers bear the same image of   Joash whose name means, “Given by
their faces back to Yahweh. All this nomadic tribes. Their name also bears Yah”. That gift of God’s strength, given
came upon them because of their the mark of their religion. for Israel’s weakness, is that which is
turning from Him in the first place. Just a side thought here. In the United literally, “Given by Yah”. The answer of
Now, after the seven years of suffering, States, the early settlers took over the Christ Jesus for us is given by Yah! But
the grief had peaked and turned them land of the native Indians. Israel had it goes further. We are told this Joash
back to Him. done a similar thing, only in Israel’s was of a certain tribal line. He was an
  case, they were specifically charged Abiezrite.
–––– with destroying the nations occupying   Abiezrite means, “My father is help”,
the Promised Land. Consider: Israel and is of the further tribal breakdown of
7 And it came to pass, when the destroyed a good percentage of these Manasseh.
children of Israel cried unto the nations and later turned to worshipping   Manasseh means, “Causing to
LORD because of the Midianites, the very dieties whose own people could forget”.
not deliver them. That is what I have Do we get the message yet? Grace,
Verse 7 - We should note that at the
observed happening in the United States. grace, grace all the way. Grace is given
very point of turning back (not down the
The dieties of the Indian’s couldn’t deliver by God. Grace is the help come from the
road) but right then....
their nations from the white men. Why Father. Grace is a covering of our sins so
do I see so many turning to worship those they stand “forgotten” in the judgment
 
–––– Indian deities today, who could not save seat of God.
their own people? Go figure, huh? This verse further tells us it is the son
8 That the LORD sent a prophet of this man, who is to be the savior from
unto the children of Israel, which –––– the destroyer, who is in a unique place in
said unto them, Thus saith the the land of Israel.
LORD God of Israel, I brought you 11 And there came an angel Note, it is this verse we first see the
up from Egypt, and brought you of the LORD, and sat under name of Gideon. He is busy doing
forth out of the house of bondage; an oak which was in Ophrah, something. Before we take note of what
that pertained unto Joash the it is he is doing, check out his name:
Verse 8 - God answered them, but His
Abiezrite: and his son Gideon   Gideon means, “Destroyer; Mighty
speech wasn’t all comfort. He came with
threshed wheat by the winepress, Warrior or feller (of trees)”, he is the 5th
rebuke. He reminded them of His care
to hide it from the Midianites. judge of Israel’s history.
for them in the past.
Gideon is a type of Christ Jesus.
Verse 11 - It is here we take the jump When Christ returns the second time to
 
–––– into God’s deliverance, when they have save Israel at that great battle, He will
turned to him. It is very interesting to come as the “Destroyer” and “Mighty
9 And I delivered you out of the see that God did not refuse to save them. Warrior”. Oh, won’t His enemies know
hand of the Egyptians, and out of He rebuked them, but the next thing we it! Further, he is a “feller of trees”.
the hand of all that oppressed you, see is His salvation sent. No refusal, just Gideon’s first charge will be to fell some
and drave them out from before a word of rebuke. How amazing and how trees in manifesting God’s wrath on
you, and gave you their land; wonderful! some local idolatry. The nations are also
Now you may note, “What significance compared to trees numerous times in the
Verse 9 - God reminds them of would there be in this angel sitting under scripture. At the battle of Armageddon,
answering this same cry before. an oak?” there will be some more felling of trees
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that will take place on that day. thou shalt save Israel from the hand of prophetic. It does speak of a unified,
Now take a look at what this mighty the Midianites: have not I sent thee? efficient army that would work to the
warrior is doing, “Gideon threshed glory of God in Gideon’s situation, but
wheat by the winepress”. When Christ Verse 14 - Did you catch it? Look at it also speaks of the second coming of
returns, he will be doing the same the “LORD” we find used. It is not that Christ. When Jesus returns, all those
thing. The time of the harvest will be at “Adon” form. We are told a fact, not the of His body will be caught up to him
hand and the wheat and chaff will be man Gideon’s limited understanding in “a broad place”, as the Psalms puts
separated. This threshing of the wheat at this point. The one whom Gideon is it, and immediately return as that part
will take place where the winepress of talking with IS YAHWEH who comes in of His one body for that great battle at
the wrath of God will be poured out. The the form of a man. This is like we saw Armageddon (See Psalm 18).
wine will flow “to the bridles” we are with the three visitors who appeared to
 
told. The blood of the great armies that Abraham. Personally, I believe it is the ––––
are slain will be immense. pre-incarnate Jesus Christ.
This visitor speaks with authority, 17 And he said unto him, If now I
 
–––– though Gideon doesn’t know who He have found grace in thy sight, then
is yet. See that tone denoting power shew me a sign that thou talkest
12 And the angel of the LORD and authority, “have not I sent thee?”  with me.
No doubt Gideon had some perplexity
appeared unto him, and said unto
from such a statement, but he obviously Verse 17 - Gideon is clearly beginning to
him, The LORD is with thee, thou
knew enough to recognize this was no realize who he is talking with. I believe he
mighty man of valour.
ordinary, “man on the street” he was expects he is a prophet, so asks for some
Verse 12 - If you have read this talking with. miracle to back up this incredible charge.
before, I expect you have wondered if
   
the angel wasn’t kind of making fun –––– ––––
of Gideon. After all, the actual man
was doing this in hiding. Maybe now 15 And he said unto him, Oh my 18 Depart not hence, I pray thee,
that you have seen the meaning of Lord, wherewith shall I save until I come unto thee, and bring
Gideon’s name, you will have more Israel? behold, my family is poor in forth my present, and set it before
understanding. His greeting was Manasseh, and I am the least in my thee. And he said, I will tarry until
according the the reality of his name. father’s house. thou come again.
He was not mocking nor rebuking him.
Verse 15 - Though we saw the speaker Verse 18 - In those days, gifts were given
  identified as Yahweh in verse 14, you to prophets. We saw this when Saul and
––––
will note that the identification was not his servant went to inquire of Samuel,
by Gideon himself. When we find the when looking for the lost donkeys.
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh
actual quotation, he continues to refer
my Lord, if the LORD be with us,
to Him as “Adon”. Gideon knows this
why then is all this befallen us? and  
visitor is at least some kind of nobel, or ––––
where be all his miracles which our
dignitary. He does not refuse, he meekly
fathers told us of, saying, Did not
poses the question that clearly identifies 19 And Gideon went in, and made
the LORD bring us up from Egypt?
him as a man of the kind of quality we ready a kid, and unleavened cakes
but now the LORD hath forsaken
saw in Moses, and that originally seen of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put
us, and delivered us into the hands
in Saul. The Lord sees the truly meek in a basket, and he put the broth in
of the Midianites.
as the “Mighty Warrior”. Jesus came a pot, and brought it out unto him
in meekness and He is and will be the under the oak, and presented it.
Verse 13 - Gideon doesn’t know who
ultimate “Mighty Warrior”.
this visitor is yet. He addresses him with
Verse 19 - We see the gift Gideon
the respectful title of “Adon”. It means, –––– brings to this messenger. A couple of
“Lord”. Such a title has been properly
things to note here. First, you will see
given both to men and God.
16 And the LORD said unto him, this has ALL taken place under that oak.
The next three “LORD’s” in the
Surely I will be with thee, and The call was totally delivered in that
passage is from a different word. It is the
thou shalt smite the Midianites as special place of strength. It is mentioned
proper name of God being, “Yahweh”.
one man. in this verse because God wanted to
In Gideon’s discourse, He shows his
make sure we did not forget that oak. It
remembering what God had called to
Verse 16 - Again, with the is vitally important.
remember in the rebuke He had sent via
identification being just facts, and The other thing to note, is the gift
the prophet of verses 8-10.
not quotes, we see it is Yahweh who Gideon offered. In a type of Christ,
is speaking. When Yahweh addressed consider that Jesus offered Himself
 
–––– him here, saying he would smite the a sacrificial gift to the Father as the
Midianites as one man, was Gideon lamb for our atonement. He was the
14 And the LORD looked upon him, thinking, “I am just one man”? Ah, but unleavened bread broken for us and he
and said, Go in this thy might, and these words are powerful. They are was the wave loaf we see immediately
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after the Passover that came out   of Baal that thy father hath, and cut
––––
resurrected at the Feast of Firstfruits. down the grove that is by it:
  23 And the LORD said unto him,
–––– Verse 25 - What we are seeing happens
Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou
very swiftly. The appearance under the
shalt not die.
20 And the angel of God said oak and the call to action both occur
unto him, Take the flesh and the Verse 23 - God’s compassion is clearly in the same day. Then that night, God
unleavened cakes, and lay them seen here as He quickly responds to called to Gideon again. The first action
upon this rock, and pour out the Gideon’s fear. He want’s him to be at Gideon had to take, was to deal with
broth. And he did so. peace. God has accepted him. I wonder idolatry. When Jesus returns, we see
many passages itemizing that Jesus will
though, is there also a prophetic point in
Verse 20 - The Hebrew term first be dealing with idolatry. That which
this verse? Gideon, as a type of Christ,
translated, “angel” means, “messenger, steals God’s glory must first be dealt
gives the offering, it is received of God
representative”. This messenger with. So we see Gideon’s call to follow
and what do we hear from God? “thou
wanted Gideon to see that this gift he this same pattern.
shalt not die”. Yes, Jesus most certainly
was giving was more than just the pay The idol, named Baal means, “Lord,
did die, but not ultimately for He was
for a prophet, it was a sacrifice to God. master”. The grove that is by Baal’s
resurrected from the dead.
In the prophetic sense, we see Christ altar is a Hebrew word that may shed
Jesus offered Himself and the Father   more light here.
––––
also had a part in the receiving of     Grove is literally, “Asherah”.
that sacrifice. Sometimes we have seen Asherah given
24 Then Gideon built an altar
the literal transliteration in Scripture.
there unto the LORD, and called it
 
–––– Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is Asherah is not only a bunch of trees,
it is the name of the chief female deity
yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
21 Then the angel of the LORD put in union with the idolatry of Baal.
forth the end of the staff that was Verse 24 - An altar marks a sacrifice. Gideon’s attack struck at both the “son
in his hand, and touched the flesh They have been used for other symbolic of the chief god ‘El’” and the “queen of
and the unleavened cakes; and purposes, but their functional use heaven”. One is the Antichrist, the other
there rose up fire out of the rock, is for an offering to God. This altar the goddess figure.
and consumed the flesh and the is, strangely enough, built after the Something sad to note, is that this
unleavened cakes. Then the angel of sacrifice. It doubles from functionality place of idolatry that Gideon was to
the LORD departed out of his sight. with memorial purposes. It was given strike against, is in the possession of his
the name “Jehovahshalom”. own father. From the following verses,
Verse 21 - Remember the staff   Jehovahshalom literally means, we see this was a community place of
Moses used? He smote the rock that “Yahweh peace”. It commemorates that worship, but his father owned the land
provided the water for Israel. Here we God gave peace to Gideon’s fear of death. where this was taking place. Literally,
see a staff again in conjunction with He received God’s personal promise the heavenly Father does own all the
the sacrifice. He did not smite. He he would not die. Ultimately the man land wherever idolatry is taking place.
simply touched. You will also notice a Gideon did pass away, but at that point It will be His Son, Jesus Christ who will
rock again, but this time the rock does in time, God had accepted his offering destroy the competitor’s altars and fell
not flow with water, it flows with fire! and ultimately a sacrifice is given for us the groves of idolatry.
Fire speaks of wrath, purification and to have life. Yahweh tells Gideon to use a very
sacrifice. All these are found in the We are told the location of the altar specific bullock to accomplish his task,
sacrifice Jesus paid for our sins. twice in this verse. In 24a we are told “the second bullock of seven years
it was “there”, which, if we have been old.” Allow me to hazard a speculation
–––– following the account would know its as to what the significance is. Seven is
exact location. Then, in end of 24, we see the number of perfection. God’s legal
22 And when Gideon perceived it specifically renamed. A doubling serves perfection, showing no flaws. The one
that he was an angel of the LORD, for emphasis. Remember the Ophrah is who accomplished this task was Jesus
Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for the “fawn” and the Abiezrite is “My father Christ. He is legally perfect, without
because I have seen an angel of the is help”. God’s provision of peace is found sin. Next, Jesus is the second person of
LORD face to face. where the heavenly Father provides for the Godhead. This “second” might be
our help in our weakness. another pointing finger as to who this
Verse 22 - The word translated, “GOD”  bullock really is.
 
here is for “Yahweh”. Now we see the ––––
 
dawning as Gideon combines the “Adon”  ––––
with “Yahweh”. 25 And it came to pass the same
We have seen both primary night, that the LORD said unto him, 26 And build an altar unto the
characteristics of a true man of God. We Take thy father’s young bullock, LORD thy God upon the top of this
have seen his meekness and now we see even the second bullock of seven rock, in the ordered place, and
he walks in the fear of God. years old, and throw down the altar take the second bullock, and offer a
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burnt sacrifice with the wood of the said, Gideon the son of Joash hath  
––––
grove which thou shalt cut down. done this thing.
32 Therefore on that day he called
Verse 26 - This specifically designated Verse 29 - When the men of the city
him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal
bullock was to destroy the idolatry wanted to know who was to blame
plead against him, because he hath
and be the sacrifice. Such is fulfilled in for their loss, they were clearly told
thrown down his altar.
Christ. We also see a true godly worship literally, “Mighty Warrior, the son of,
is founded upon the destruction of the given by Yah”. It is ultimately He who
Verse 32 - When you realize Baal is a
false worship. gets the credit.
true figure of “Antichrist”, maybe you
    can imagine the figure of a boxing ring:
–––– ––––
In this corner leans the severely beaten
contender Baal. In the opposing corner
27 Then Gideon took ten men of 30 Then the men of the city said
we see the mighty warrior Jesus Christ,
his servants, and did as the LORD unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that
who stands contending for the top seat
had said unto him: and so it was, he may die: because he hath cast
of honor. Jesus Christ was once severely
because he feared his father’s down the altar of Baal, and because
wounded, even to death, but He has done
household, and the men of the city, he hath cut down the grove that
what no other has ever done. He came back
that he could not do it by day, that was by it.
from the dead. Now this mighty warrior
he did it by night.
stands on the final round against His chief
Verse 30 - They were riled up, but notice
contender. I don’t know how Baal will
Verse 27 - The timing can’t be certain they didn’t mention the sacrifice of
even make it out for this final round, he
here, but combined with verse 28, I consecration to the true God. Their heart
definitely looks the beaten fighter, but this
would say it looks fairly sure, Gideon did was shown to be focused solely on their
is a battle to death folks. The rules are clear,
what he was told that very night. idolatry. The loss they faced was where
Baal is the one who has to fight this last
See Gideon, “took ten men of his their heart resided.
fight. This won’t be a pleasant sight, but let
servants”. Why ten? Consider the story
  the final round begin. DING
of Haman and his ten sons in the book of ––––
  Jerubbaal means, “let Baal contend”.
Esther. They were the devilish side, but
the number of 10 was significant of his 31 And Joash said unto all that ––––
whole household. When Jesus returns, stood against him, Will ye plead
He will come with His whole household. for Baal? will ye save him? he that 33 Then all the Midianites and the
The saints will be caught up to be with will plead for him, let him be put Amalekites and the children of the
Him in the “broad place” to return in to death whilst it is yet morning: east were gathered together, and
battle with Him. if he be a god, let him plead for went over, and pitched in the valley
Now Gideon is the man with himself, because one hath cast of Jezreel.
weaknesses that are not found in Christ. down his altar.
Jesus is not afraid, but Gideon’s action Verse 33 - This trinity of an army gathers
still indicated a form of prophecy. We Verse 31 - What happened here to together for that contention of Baal, as it
are told that Jesus will come upon His Joash? The altar was literally accredited were. The unified enemies of Israel gather
enemies as a thief in the night. as being his possession back at verse for the great battle in the valley of Jezreel.
25. As far as the actual man, Joash, I   Jezreel means, “God sows (El sows);
–––– would say he had some heart change. it is beside the valley of Megiddo, alloted
I believe something had been going to the tribe of Issachar (which means,
28 And when the men of the city on in Gideon’s household. We saw ‘Reward, recompense’”.
arose early in the morning, behold, his servants were ready to attend to The location being next to the valley of
the altar of Baal was cast down, his bidding in destroying the idolatry. Megiddo naturally draws our attention
and the grove was cut down that There doesn’t appear to be any lack to the final battle of Armageddon. The
was by it, and the second bullock of support there. I suspect Joash was name of Jezreel draws our attention to
was offered upon the altar that once involved in the Baal and Asherah the fact God is doing something here.
was built. worship, but God had been making Remember, in the book of Revelation the
ground inside his heart. When the time of the harvest has come, the results
Verse 28 - All the men of the city could do, ultimate challenge came, Joash arose of sowing. It culminates at Armageddon.
was witness the destruction and see the as a mighty man himself and stood
consecration to the true God. They had no for what he knew was really truth. He ––––
power to change the course of events. Their spoke from the same perspective of
idols had been judged and destroyed. Gideon, “You would dare speak up in 34 But the Spirit of the LORD came
behalf of Baal and Asherah!? Let such upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet;
 
–––– DIE!” This is the same position God the and Abiezer was gathered after him.
Father likewise presents.
29 And they said one to another, Look at his astonished rebuke, “will Verse 34 - When the unified army
Who hath done this thing? And ye save him?” God is supposed to be our  against Israel has gathered, the Spirit
when they enquired and asked, they Saviour. They had it totally flipped. of Yahweh comes upon the “Mighty
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Warrior” for the final battle. We see the call of the Mighty Warrior to bring first seen on the lamb. That dew of grace
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit all salvation to Israel was by the decree also speaks of water of life. That water
joined together for that final battle. of the Father. Gideon uses the term of life must first be seen in the sacrificed
When that takes place, what happens? “Elohim” here, not Yahweh. Yahweh one by an act of God.
A trumpet is blown! Not just any is Elohim and in the prophetic sense,
 
trumpet. The Hebrew used the form for The Father is both designated as ––––
the “Shofar” or ram’s horn. It designates Yahweh and Elohim.
a “religious” war in a way and it mirrors This verse poses a slight twist in 38 And it was so: for he rose up
what will happen at the return of Jesus the account. Gideon had been looking early on the morrow, and thrust
Christ. The last trump, the seventh so valiant, but suddenly proposes the the fleece together, and wringed the
trumpet in Revelation. The trumpet will following call for a sign from God. The dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of
sound and the dead in Christ will be weakness in man presented further water.
raised to ever be with the Lord. glory for God. I do not say that Gideon
The verse tells us when that trumpet was necessarily weak in faith. I really Verse 38 - The water of life that graced
is blown, “Abiezer was gathered after do not doubt Gideon believed God the lamb filled a bowl. Jesus was
him.” Remember that Abiezer means, could do it. I believe Gideon’s doubt completely filled with the Holy Spirit.
“my father is help”. Those gathered at the fell upon himself. He made the prayer He was not just partly filled. Notice
trumpet, are those who credit the Father for a sign in apparent faith. How also that the fleece released that water
for his grace. His grace is His help. few today can make such a confident of life by being wrung. Jesus said that
prayer, knowing God will answer? I all who came to Him would receive
–––– believe we are seeing humility from that water of life. It was as He was
Gideon, not faithlessness. Something “wrung out”, as it were, that His water
35 And he sent messengers like we saw of Moses with Yahweh at of grace was manifest.
throughout all Manasseh; who also the burning bush.  
––––
was gathered after him: and he sent
 
messengers unto Asher, and unto ––––
39 And Gideon said unto God, Let
Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and
not thine anger be hot against me,
they came up to meet them. 37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool
and I will speak but this once: let
in the floor; and if the dew be on the
me prove, I pray thee, but this once
Verse 35 - Remember the angels that will fleece only, and it be dry upon all
with the fleece; let it now be dry
go out at the seventh trumpet to bring the earth beside, then shall I know
only upon the fleece, and upon all
in the harvest, for the time is ripe. We that thou wilt save Israel by mine
the ground let there be dew.
are told Gideon’s “messengers” gathered hand, as thou hast said.
from all of Manasseh, which you will
Verse 39 - As I said, I don’t think
remember is the home tribe of Gideon. Verse 37 - Here is the famous request for
Gideon doubted God. We do see Gideon
Jesus will return with the hosts of a sign.
manifest the “fear of God”. This is like
heaven (His home tribe) and will gather Let me start with a comment on
what we saw of Abraham in pleading
His elect from the four winds. Those who the dew. I did a study on dew some
for Sodom and Gomorrah. This shows
are called will “come up to meet” the time back. It is definitely significant
more of Gideon’s excellent character.
host in the “broad place”. in scripture, as opposed to rain. Dew
Meekness and the fear of God. We do not
Those we are told were called to join shows God’s undeserved grace upon
see any word of rebuke for this request.
Gideon were from: man. Rain is one of those things
It again addresses the sign of the dew.
  Asher which means, “Blessed, where God withholds this blessing
happy”, because of wickedness, but dew doesn’t ––––
  Zebulun which means, “Exalted” and seem to hold that connection. Dew is
  Naphtali which means, “Wrestling”. graciously given to both the righteous 40 And God did so that night: for it
All three names do describe those to and the unrighteous. God’s grace  was dry upon the fleece only, and
be caught up to be with the Lord Jesus. is offered to both the righteous and there was dew on all the ground.
Blessed and exalted is obvious, but the unrighteous. No man earns the
what about wrestling? Wrestling are offer of grace. The Jews have a strong Verse 40 - Dew typically comes after the
those who remain faithful to Christ, and belief that dew will have a part of the night. It is the blessing that comes after
wrestle against the powers of this world, resurrection itself! That connection in the darkness.
the powers of darkness. These wrestlers thought is very significant. We think of This time the water of life, in grace,
refuse to take the mark of the beast. our looking at the resurrection of the was spread abroad. The Hebrew word
dead to be with the Lord Jesus in this for ground here is “eretz”. It is not that
 
–––– very account of Gideon. connected with “Adam” and earth, dirt.
Next consider the wool. A fleece It could also be translated as “on all the
36 And Gideon said unto God, If being the mass of wool taken from an country”. Even today, Israel is popularly
thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, animal, before being processed. Its called, “eretz Israel”. The water of life
as thou hast said, source speaks of the lamb, or goat that first had to fall on the lamb, after this
provided that fleece. the water of life was to first be offered to
Verse 36 - This verse shows the The sign was for the dew of grace to be eretz Israel.
6
Judges chapter 7 return, destroying them as he comes to unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth
the rescue of Jerusalem. No one will be in of the water with his tongue, as a
doubt who the credit of victory goes to. dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by
1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, himself; likewise every one that
 
and all the people that were with –––– boweth down upon his knees to drink.
him, rose up early, and pitched
beside the well of Harod: so that 3 Now therefore go to, proclaim Verse 5 - Gideon is instructed to sort
the host of the Midianites were on in the ears of the people, saying, by the way the people chose to drink.
the north side of them, by the hill of Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let Personally, I think bowing down upon
Moreh, in the valley. him return and depart early from one’s knees to drink, like a horse, to
mount Gilead. And there returned of be extremely difficult. I don’t know if
Verse 1 - This opposing army was a the people twenty and two thousand; you’ve noticed, but a horse sucks in his
pretty big group. When we look at the and there remained ten thousand. water and his nostrils are to the sides.
names of the places, I believe we see We humans can’t suck water like that
the impact of this massive army on the Verse 3 - With the majority leaving from because our noses would tend to go
oppressed Israelites. fear, we see how appropriate “Harod in the water. It can be done, but it is
  Harod means, “Trembling, - trembling” was for the well. Almost 68 certainly messy. Give me a cup any day!
palpitation”. The well by this name, marks percent of that army was trembling.
 
the sight where the Israelite army camped. We also gain more location ––––
  Moreh means, “Teacher or oracle”, information. The well of Harod was by
the oak tree at Shechem where Abram Mt. Gilead. 6 And the number of them that
stopped when he first entered Canaan,   Gilead means, “Rocky region, hill lapped, putting their hand to their
close to the mountains of Ebal and of testimony or mound of witness”. It mouth, were three hundred men: but
Gerizim, in the valley of Jezreel.” covers a large area east of the Jordan. all the rest of the people bowed down
The enemy hosts come from the north. You may remember the covenant Jacob upon their knees to drink water.
At Armageddon, the armies will do made with Laban, after he fled from
the same. They will actually be coming him. The pile of stones to testify of the Verse 6 - Here is the number count of
against Jerusalem and assemble for the covenant was Gilead. the test. In my books, the majority chose
war in the valley of Megiddo. Interesting to consider the place the hard way!
The location of Moreh is not really of Gilead marks a covenant of Israel Note the number. Exactly three
known. The name meaning could derive (Jacob’s name given of God), with hundred. That number is pivotal in the
significance from the mountains of Ebal Semitic relatives to not cross over for account of Samson. You find numerous
and Gerizim, since that is where the war with one another. The great enemies uses of the number three through his
blessing and the curse recitals were made of Israel today are Semitic relatives who life. God’s choice revolves on three.
when Israel entered the land under Joshua. want to cross over to annihilate them. I have always wondered why the
The whole Torah was written on an altar lappers were God’s choice. Apart from the
 
to be built on Mt. Ebal. Such could be –––– low number, which God was looking for,
the significance of “oracle” or “teacher”. what was significant about the choice of
Unfortunately, the location is too uncertain 4 And the LORD said unto Gideon, how they consumed the water? I believe
to say it is there with absolute certainty. The people are yet too many; bring the answer lies in the little detail of
them down unto the water, and I comparison to a dog, back at verse 5. The
 
–––– will try them for thee there: and it explanation gets a little intricate, but it is
shall be, that of whom I say unto too important to cut short:
2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, thee, This shall go with thee, the Remember the two spies who survived
The people that are with thee are too same shall go with thee; and of the 40 years of Israel’s wilderness
many for me to give the Midianites whomsoever I say unto thee, This wanderings? They were Joshua and
into their hands, lest Israel vaunt shall not go with thee, the same Caleb. They were the only ones to enter
themselves against me, saying, Mine shall not go. the “Promised Land”. Joshua was a
own hand hath saved me. type of Jesus Christ. His name means
Verse 4 - The remnant could misconstrue the same as Jesus, but is the Hebrew
Verse 2 - One thing certain about what the victory to themselves, so further transliteration. (Jesus being the Greek
is to take place; God knows the danger refining must take place. The method of with Germanic/English pronunciation
of man diluting the glory of God by sorting is interesting. At this verse, we see twists.) Entering the “Promised Land”
accrediting victory to himself. God wanted water is the place of trial. Gideon tried foreshadowed our entering heaven. Only
to make sure it was obvious He wrought God with water on the fleece and on the two types will do that. Jesus and who?
this salvation. Such will be the case at the ground. This time it is God who is going The answer lies in a look at Caleb.
battle of Armageddon. The enemy will to try the remnant of Israel with water. “Caleb” is the Hebrew word for “dog”.
actually begin its overthrow of Jerusalem. To the Jews, dogs are unclean animals. I
 
They will begin the process of carrying –––– mean, get real, dogs enjoy eating some of
away the Israelites. They will have many the most disgusting things! Dogs are also
soldiers still in the valley of Jezreel. They 5 So he brought down the people household pets. I’m sure many know
will literally fill the valley. Christ will unto the water: and the LORD said the old saying that dog’s are a man’s
7
best friend. Though they are unclean, unto his tent, and retained those three with Phurah his servant unto the
they are beloved and become part of the hundred men: and the host of Midian outside of the armed men that were
household, dear to the master. was beneath him in the valley. in the host.
The Hebrew for Caleb is a combination
of three letters. If you take the first letter Verse 8 - We see the place of testing Verse 11 - In the thought of the first
as a word and the last two letters as a word was on a highland, for the valley is coming of Christ, Jesus did come down
you get, “as, like” and “heart”. If you take it beneath them. The “victuals” are and “hear what they say”. That was the
the other way and take the first two letters “provisions”. They took what they rejection and crucifixion. It was to be a
as a word and the last letter as a word needed and the shofars. Why did they second coming down when He would
you get, “all, totality” and “house”. The ALL happen to have shofars? That is a come strengthened for war.
significance shows two things of precious question I couldn’t answer, but there Gideon followed the instructions of
value in the Hebrew dog. Caleb was the would normally have been some with Yahweh and went on his spying mission.
only other man to enter the Promised shofars for directing the troops, as
 
Land with the type of Jesus (Joshua). That well as calling upon God to help in the ––––
qualifying man was noted to be a man battle. We shall see a special use of
of FAITH. That is the sole reason he was these shofars shortly. 12 And the Midianites and the
accounted good before God. The man/ Amalekites and all the children of
 
woman who will enter with Jesus must –––– the east lay along in the valley like
have dealings with God in their heart - “as” grasshoppers for multitude; and their
the “heart”. Personally we must see our 9 And it came to pass the same night, camels were without number, as the
heart is unclean, like the dog, but receive that the LORD said unto him, Arise, sand by the sea side for multitude.
the right heart that comes from faith. That get thee down unto the host; for I
term “caleb” also shows - “all” the “house”, have delivered it into thine hand. Verse 12 - This devilish trinity of armies
that goes with Jesus, must have this heart awaited in this valley. We see a clear
Verse 9 - Yahweh gave the marching
transformation. Comes as unclean yet dear description that emphasizes the size of
orders to Gideon with his now
to the master. Jesus saves, making the this host. It details the army is not just
appropriately small crew. God’s plan was
unclean a faithful follower. people, but also their means of attack, the
to use the darkness of night to help in
Going back to Gideon at the trying camels, a mounted army. At the battle
the confusion He was to bring about.
place. Who did God want? The minority of Armageddon, there will be both the
who drank of water (represents life and   soldiers and their great mass of weapons.
––––
the Spirit) as Caleb. There are two ways
 
to come to God: The way of the dog or the ––––
10 But if thou fear to go down, go
way of the masses. Like I said, the way of
thou with Phurah thy servant down
the masses is a rather messy way to go. 13 And when Gideon was come,
to the host:
behold, there was a man that told
 
–––– a dream unto his fellow, and said,
Verse 10 - God knew Gideon did have
Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo,
some fear. He used this spying errand to
7 And the LORD said unto Gideon, a cake of barley bread tumbled into
increase Gideon’s faith as well as show
By the three hundred men that the host of Midian, and came unto
more of His own glory.
lapped will I save you, and deliver a tent, and smote it that it fell, and
It is significant God actually used
the Midianites into thine hand: and overturned it, that the tent lay along.
the name of Gideon’s servant. We find
let all the other people go every
servants mentioned often, but their
Verse 13 - Here is the exciting dream
man unto his place.
names are not commonly listed.
Gideon was meant to hear. We find the
  Phurah means, “Bough, branch”.
Verse 7 - We see the time of deliverance barley loaf mentioned. In reference to
The root word has a connection
approaching. The deliverance, from Christ’s first coming, this is important.
with glory, beauty as is found in the
man’s part, will revolve on the few who   Barley from “hair”, so-called from its
Hebrew word “tipharah”. An example
passed the test of coming to the water hairy ears. The important thing about
is found in the feminine form that is
to partake as the dog. With what is to barley is it was the first grain to ripen for
for foliage (prop. glory) of a tree. My
happen, note the remaining soldiers harvest in the spring. It was this grain
thought here: we are seeing a figure
didn’t have to be a well-trained army, that marked the month for the feast of
of Christ’s first coming “down”, from
just obedient in simple things. When Passover.
the height of heaven, to the valley of
Christ returns and we are caught up to The Passover was to be in the month
this world, amongst the enemy, in the
be with Him, we will immediately return of the Aviv. This month would not be
glory of the cross.
to the battle. The battle will be to the known for sure until the new month
glory of God, not our own! actually began. When the month began,
 
–––– the Israelites were to inspect the state
 
–––– of maturity of the barley grain. If it was
11 And thou shalt hear what they about ready for harvest, “in the aviv”,
8 So the people took victuals in their say; and afterward shall thine grain at full size - filling with starch but
hand, and their trumpets: and he hands be strengthened to go down not dry yet, that marked the first month
sent all the rest of Israel every man unto the host. Then went he down of the new year, the month named
8
Aviv. That barley had to be ready for put a trumpet in every man’s hand, ye the trumpets also on every side
the Passover to begin, because the first with empty pitchers, and lamps of all the camp, and say, The sword
“first-day of the week” after the Passover within the pitchers. of the LORD, and of Gideon.
was the “Feast of the Firstfruits” when
the priest would come out with barley Verse 16 - The triune devilish army got 100 Verse 18 - This trumpet blast is the
to wave as an offering to Yahweh soldiers apiece allotted to it. Remember signal for God’s great moment of the
(Leviticus 23:9-12). This feast marked, that in the Revelation, we are told that the battle. The final trumpet blast will be
prophetically, the resurrection of Christ three spirits of devils went out into all the blown and the enemy surrounded.
on the first day of the week after His world to bring up the armies to Israel? The focus of the victory in this battle
sacrifice as the lamb on the Passover. Those three companies will be met by is announced in the more literal battle
The dream of the enemies shows this three companies of the Lord. cry of, “The sword of Yahweh and of
enemy who would destroy them with The picture described enables the Mighty Warrior.”
a connection to the grain of the Feast soldiers to sneak around the enemy with
 
of the Firstfruits. It pointed directly to torches hidden. When they removed the ––––
Christ. Isn’t it interesting the enemy pitchers, the torches would flare up to
would know this barley loaf pointed light the night. 19 So Gideon, and the hundred men
directly to the Mighty Warrior? that were with him, came unto the
 
–––– outside of the camp in the beginning
–––– of the middle watch; and they had
17 And he said unto them, Look on but newly set the watch: and they
14 And his fellow answered and said, me, and do likewise: and, behold, blew the trumpets, and brake the
This is nothing else save the sword when I come to the outside of the pitchers that were in their hands.
of Gideon the son of Joash, a man camp, it shall be that, as I do, so
of Israel: for into his hand hath God shall ye do. Verse 19 - A few verses ago, we saw
Yahweh’s instruction to strike against the
delivered Midian, and all the host.
Verse 17 - The simple instruction: follow enemy that very night. Gideon and his
Verse 14 - Talk about destroying the lead of the Mighty Warrior, “Look on men launched out in the dead of night.
company morale! How glorious for God’s me, and do likewise”. I’ve heard some, This is the time the army would least
side. The resurrected Christ will be the who say the rapture has to happen years expect an all out attack. Look over the
One who overturns the armies of the before the Lord returns, declare it has scriptures and you will notice the battles
enemies that come against Israel, in the to happen that way because the saints were daytime events, if possible. Joshua
valley of Armageddon. have to be trained for war. They say it commanded the sun and the moon to
would be ridiculous to expect the newly stay still for the Israelites to finish their
 
–––– raptured saints to descend immediately assault (Joshua 10:12-13). Gideon’s
into a war untrained. How hard is it to battle, however, typifies the Lords’ second
15 And it was so, when Gideon simply follow the instructions such as coming. He will return when the enemy is
heard the telling of the dream, and Gideon gave? Let me ask you this, “How least expecting or prepared.
the interpretation thereof, that he much training and physical workout did Gideon takes one of the three army
worshipped, and returned into the it take for Samson to become so muscle- divisions with him. The “pitchers” are
host of Israel, and said, Arise; for bound?” In fact, “How much training jars. For ones that would break easily,
the LORD hath delivered into your did Saul’s army of Israeli citizens get the odds are they were pottery, clay
hand the host of Midian. before leveling their attack against jars. It was when the jars were shattered
the Ammonite army who had come to that the light burst forth. This is very
Verse 15 - In a form, Gideon heard the put out the eyes of the inhabitants of symbolic, for clay is the substance of
Gospel. When we hear the Gospel, and Jabeshgilead? (1 Samuel 11:1-11)” which man was made from. God formed
are made to understand it, what other God promised Israel that if they Adam from the earth. When Christ
response should arise in us but to bow obeyed Him, then one hundred of returns, the clay vessels of rebellious
before the Lord and worship? them would put 10,000 enemies to mankind will be shattered at that great
Look at what Gideon said to his soldiers, flight (Leviticus 26:8). No amount of battle and Christ’s light will shine forth
“delivered into your hand” not “delivered training could ever enhance a fighter in the great darkness of this world. Also
into MY hand”. If we look at an army on to accomplish such a feat. Just like this consider that at His coming, the saints
the natural level, the people might recount whole account of Gideon’s battle, the will be caught up and their clay vessels,
the battle saying, “General Lee defeated glory is ENTIRELY the Lords. Man of this mortal body, will be transformed
the enemy” or “MacArthur marched into cannot and will not be able to wield such to shine God’s light unhindered.
victory”. In this world, the proud take the martial skill. The power of the Holy
 
crown of honor. Gideon was a humble Spirit will be accomplishing all the work ––––
man. So also is Christ Jesus. through His vessels.
20 And the three companies
   
–––– –––– blew the trumpets, and brake the
pitchers, and held the lamps in their
16 And he divided the three hundred 18 When I blow with a trumpet, I left hands, and the trumpets in their
men into three companies, and he and all that are with me, then blow right hands to blow withal: and
9
they cried, The sword of the LORD, this wood. The plant is a shrub with the Midianites.
and of Gideon. serious thorns. All the structural
features of the tabernacle were built Verse 23 - In Judges 6:35, we had seen
Verse 20 - The other companies were with acacia wood. Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali listed.
watching to follow the lead of their   Zererath means, “Oppression”. It was   The tribes of Zebulun and Issachar
commander. They followed suit. the hometown of Jeroboam in Manasseh. both have relatively small land areas,
It is interesting the verse bothers to We are told the host fled to Bethshittah but both have their share of the valley
relate which hand they did what with. that was located in Zererath. The acacia of Jezreel. The other tribes listed were
I mean, what would it matter if some wood is clearly significant. Remember much larger areas that surrounded those
held the torch with the right hand and Jesus wore a crown of thorns. How two tribes. The possible reason Zebulun
the trumpet in the left? What would be significant the tabernacle of Moses was and Issachar weren’t mentioned, is
the significance that they ALL did the constructed using this kind of wood. because they were in the heart of where
same - right hand for trumpet, left hand Such speaks of the foundation of God’s the army was gathered. They didn’t need
for lamps? Such shows several things. tabernacle being laid in suffering. It also to “gather themselves together out of” to
Their cry of “The sword of the LORD, specifically speaks of the throne of God. be at the battle. They were already there.
and of Gideon” was certainly that. The very Ark of the Covenant was built It was in their backyard.
Both hands thus occupied, they weren’t of this wood. That Ark was where God’s
wielding swords themselves. The battle glory abode.
truly was Yahweh’s. Another point, This “House of the acacia” was in the  
unless the soldiers were of the tribe town of Zererath. The enemy actually ––––
of Benjamin, it was taken for granted felt they could destroy Christ with the
they were right handed. The right hand cross. They crowned Him with the crown 24 And Gideon sent messengers
was the hand of strength and battle. of thorns. They oppressed the Creator throughout all mount Ephraim,
The battle hand was occupied with the in crucifixion. That was the course they saying, Come down against
shofar, not a sword. Both hands were took in their fight against God, but such the Midianites, and take before
occupied for the glory of God. Even the was to their own destruction. them the waters unto Bethbarah
weaker hand was used for shining the Look at the term “Zererath”, as it and Jordan. Then all the men of
light in the darkness. is transliterated in the King James Ephraim gathered themselves
together, and took the waters unto
text. I want to comment on another
–––– transliteration. The Hebrew reading Bethbarah and Jordan.
actually does not have a vowel sound
Verse 24 - If you study out about
21 And they stood every man in his between the “Z” and the first “r”. “So
the final battle of Armageddon, you
place round about the camp: and what?” you may be thinking. Aha! Such
will see it doesn’t just happen in one
all the host ran, and cried, and fled. may mean more than meets the eye!
day. It is a battle that goes on for a
In pagan literature, the false god Baal
Verse 21 - Look at this, these soldiers little time. It will go all over Israel,
(who is an anti-christ, he was the son
didn’t even move! By the way, how north and south of Jerusalem. After
of the chief deity El), in his struggle for
many years of intensive training do the Jews see Christ, they will be
the throne, the prize of that struggle is
you think it took to get these soldiers converted in that day and will become
a place called Zarerath. I would submit,
ready to be able to do this? Granted, mighty warriors themselves to assist
this town name carries a meaning
learning how to blow a shofar can take in the battle. Such is similar to what
showing the struggle for the control
a little practice. we see with Gideon. He once again
of the throne of God. Armageddon is
sends messengers out to gather the
  critical in this struggle.
–––– others who were to help in this great
The army fled to two places. The
battle. They were not to help at the
other being:
22 And the three hundred blew the beginning, for the glory was to be
  Abelmeholah meaning, “Meadow of
trumpets, and the LORD set every Yahweh’s, but after the glory was
dancing,” birthplace of Elisha.
man’s sword against his fellow, clearly upon God, they were to be
  Tabbath means, “Celebrated”.
even throughout all the host: privileged to be included in the  
These two place names are happy
and the host fled to Bethshittah final battle.
sounding names. Elisha is distinctly a
in Zererath, and to the border of   Ephraim means, “Double ash-heap: I
type of Christ. From both places they
Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath. shall be double fruitful”.
fled to, they come face to face with
  Bethbarah means, “House of the
Christ. They will not escape Him and
Verse 22 - The armies turned to passage”.
they did not escape Gideon.
annihilating themselves. What a sight!   Jordan means, “Descender”.
The fleeing troops head to distinct Ephraim had his portion south of,
 
locations: –––– and bordering, Manasseh. They were
  Bethshittah means, “House of closest to the location of Bethbarah at
the acacia tree or place of the acacia”. 23 And the men of Israel gathered the Jordan, other than Gad, but they
Acacia wood is only mentioned in themselves together out of didn’t have phones, so Ephraim would
its use with the tabernacle. The Ark Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out seem the best call. It was logical they
of the Covenant, and its poles, used of all Manasseh, and pursued after would be called upon to close off that
10