Having offended the Lord yet again, and been reduced to misery under the thumb of Midian, the Israelites once more call out to God to deliver them. First, He sends a prophet, unnamed, who points out to them their fault in worshipping a false god. He then sends an angel to Gideon, the "most insignificant" son from the poorest family in Manasseh, directing Gideon to "go with the strength you have and save Israel." Gideon questions the Lord, Who offers a sign to confirm His message. When Gideon realizes that it is truly God with Whom he is conversing, he is afraid. But the Lord comforts him:
Peace be to you! Do not fear! You shall not die!
These words find their echo repeatedly in the Gospels, as we shall see. At God's direction, Gideon blows his horn, summoning soldiers to join the battle to rescue the Israelites. The Lord guides Gideon to choose only 300 men to take on the many thousands of the enemy. Gideon's horn signals the start of the chaos within the enemy's camp that leads to the Israelites' triumph. After their victory, the Israelites plead with Gideon that he and his descendants might rule over them. But Gideon demurs, telling them, "The Lord must rule over you." After Gideon dies, however, the Israelites "abandon themselves to the Baals."
How is it that God is so patient and merciful--to the Israelites and to me? How often, and how predictably, do I turn away from Him? And yet time and again He has pity on me and rescues me.
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