Gideon

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Hebrew Gidʿôn (“hewer/cutter down”), a name associated with decisive action.
Period/Era: Old Testament; Divided Kingdom (pre-monarchic era of the Judges).
Main References: Judges 6–8; brief note in Judges 9; later mention in Hebrews 11:32.
Key Connections: Tribe of Manasseh (clan of Abiezer); Joash his father; “the angel of the LORD”; Israelite tribes summoned to battle.

Who was Gideon?

Gideon was an Israelite judge raised up during Midianite oppression in the period of the Judges.
He was called while threshing wheat in a winepress and commissioned to deliver Israel.
Gideon is also identified by the alternate name Jerubbaal after opposing Baal worship.
His leadership brought military victory and a temporary period of security in Israel.

Key Events & Achievements

Call and commission (Judges 6): Received a divine summons and was directed to confront local Baal worship before mobilizing Israel.
Defeat of Midian (Judges 7): Led a reduced force of 300 men to rout Midianite armies by night, highlighting dependence on the LORD.
Pursuit and consolidation (Judges 8): Captured Midianite kings and concluded the campaign, then declined Israel’s offer of kingship.

Life Lesson & Legacy

Gideon’s account depicts the LORD’s deliverance of Israel through a reluctant leader within Israel’s covenant history.

Key Verse

"The LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”" — Judges 7:7, NIV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What was Gideon doing when he was called and commissioned to deliver Israel?

2. After concluding the campaign against Midian, what did Gideon do when Israel offered him kingship?