Judges 8 -- Remaining As Watchful After The Victory As Before The Battle

"The war may be over, but the dangers haven't vanished," is how my commentary described what happened in this chapter.  "Let us be as watchful after the victory as before the battle.  That was the counsel Gideon needed after he'd routed the Midianites, because his problems still weren't over.  He discovered some land mines that were ready to explode."

"A soft answer for his critics -- Ephraim was insulted because he didn't call them to the battle ... Ephraim was on hand to help in the mopping up operations, and that's what really counted," my commentary said.  "When the men of Ephraim should have been thanking Gideon for delivering the nation, they were criticizing him and adding to his burdens ... Gideon proved that he could control not only an army, but also his temper and tongue."

"A stern warning for the skeptics -- Gideon's army crossed over the Jordan to Succoth in Gad, hoping to find some nourishment, but the men of Succoth wouldn't help their brothers ... While others were risking their lives, the people of Gad were doing nothing ... Gideon received the same response from the men of Peniel.  He warned both cities that he would return and discipline them."

Gideon captured the fleeing kings then returned to Succoth and Peniel and made good on his promises.  "Succoth and Peniel were rebelling against God's chosen leader and assisting the enemy at the same time.  Theirs was the sin of hardness of heart toward their brethren and treason against the God of heaven... leaders must have discernment or they will make wrong decisions as they deal with different situations.  Personal insults are one thing, but rebellion against the Lord and His people is quite something else."

The people wanted Gideon to be their king, but Gideon reminded them that God was their king ... He would not take the place of Jehovah God.  "He refused the kingship, but wanted the priesthood," I'd read in another commentary.  So he asked the people for gold from the spoils of war, and with it he fashioned an ephod probably like that which the high priest wore.  "The people played the harlot with it, meaning that they stopped giving their true devotion to the Lord and used the ephod for an idol."

"Gideon started out as a servant, but now he was an important celebrity.  The result was decline for him, his family, and his nation."

Father, help me to be as watchful after the victory as before the battle.  Guide me in all that I do.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford