Gideon Defeats the Midianites

Judges 7:1-7

By: Gabril Grayce Gaby Gandey

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The Israelites again did what was evil in the eyes of God. The Lord then gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Even though God allowed the Israelites to experience oppression, God still helped them. God chose Gideon to gather an army and deliver the nation of Israel from the hands of the Midianites. After gathering a large army, God told Gideon to reduce the number of his troops. The purpose of the reduction of the Israelite army was that only by the power of God might work. That way, the Israelites did not become proud of their victory. Not only that, they are aware and do not turn away from God again. All of this is evidence of God's love for the nation of Israel.

The Israelites had seen so much of God's power and miracles in their lives. They are even given by God so many miracles so that they always remember that everything that has happened in their lives is because of God's power. Yet they still do what is displeasing in the sight of God. As a result, God allowed them to experience oppression from the Midianites. The purpose of this oppression was not to destroy the nation of Israel but so that the power of God could work. Through God's power, He granted Gideon and the Israelites victory over the Midianites.

God knows every person and the human heart because we are all the result of His creation. God knows what is in the hearts of the Israelites. God knew that, with a large army, they would be proud of their victory. That is why, before they went to war, God told Gideon to reduce the number of his troops. It seemed so impossible because God only sent a few troops from the Israelites. But through this small amount, God will show his power. As it is written in the book of Exodus 14:14 "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." God wanted the Israelites to realize that without God, they were nothing so that they would not boast of their victory.

God never allows anything to happen in the lives of his people without any reason. The reason why God allowed the Israelites to suffer persecution was the result of their unfaithfulness. The Israelites worshiped idols and forgot God. God loves His people so much that even though they have offended God, God still helps them defeat the Midianites. The victory that God gave to the Israelites was not only that God's power could be shown but also so that they could maintain their loyalty to God.

PoV: The disloyalty of the Israelites seems to be inherent in us who live today. Instead of taking their experiences as our lessons, we live like them. No wonder sometimes we are allowed by God to experience trials in our lives. God is a jealous God. God does not want us to be like the Israelites who worship idols. Although on this day we do not worship idols in the form of statues, by prioritizing worldly pleasures, it is tantamount to worshiping idols. Judgment is in progress. Our every deed is accounted for. Therefore, let us live according to the provisions that God has given. And take the experience of the Israelites as our lesson so that we are careful in our every action.

The oppression of the Israelites was permitted by God so that through God's power, they could gain victory. With that victory, they can boast to the Lord so that they remain faithful and do not turn away from the Lord.

References:

Bible King James  Version