Unless the Lord build’s the house, the labourers labour in vain. If it’s not God’s way there’s no way! The famous story of the Lord’s preparation of Gideon and Israel’s mighty deliverance from the Midianites is today’s reading.
Judges 7: Gideon's Three Hundred Men
1 Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
2 The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'
3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'" Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.
4 And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' shall not go."
5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink."
6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water.
7 And the LORD said to Gideon, "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home."
8 So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.
9 That same night the LORD said to him, "Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand.
10 But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant.
11 And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp." Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp.
12 And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the East lay along the valley like locusts in abundance, and their camels were without number, as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance.
13 When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, "Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat."
14 And his comrade answered, "This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp."
15 As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, "Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand."
16 And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars.
17 And he said to them, "Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do.
18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.'"
Gideon Defeats Midian
19 So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands.
20 Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!"
21 Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran. They cried out and fled.
22 When they blew the 300 trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath.
23 And the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian.
24 Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them, as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan." So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.
25 And they captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. Then they pursued Midian, and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan.
Judges 8: Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
1 Then the men of Ephraim said to him, "What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?" And they accused him fiercely.
2 And he said to them, "What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer?
3 God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?" Then their anger against him subsided when he said this.
4 And Gideon came to the Jordan and crossed over, he and the 300 men who were with him, exhausted yet pursuing.
5 So he said to the men of Succoth, "Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian."
6 And the officials of Succoth said, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?"
7 So Gideon said, "Well then, when the LORD has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will flail your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers."
8 And from there he went up to Penuel, and spoke to them in the same way, and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered.
9 And he said to the men of Penuel, "When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower."
10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army, about 15,000 men, all who were left of all the army of the people of the East, for there had fallen 120,000 men who drew the sword.
11 And Gideon went up by the way of the tent dwellers east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the army, for the army felt secure.
12 And Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and he threw all the army into a panic.
13 Then Gideon the son of Joash returned from the battle by the ascent of Heres.
14 And he captured a young man of Succoth and questioned him. And he wrote down for him the officials and elders of Succoth, seventy-seven men.
15 And he came to the men of Succoth and said, "Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, 'Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your men who are exhausted?'"
16 And he took the elders of the city, and he took thorns of the wilderness and briers and with them taught the men of Succoth a lesson.
17 And he broke down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.
18 Then he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, "Where are the men whom you killed at Tabor?" They answered, "As you are, so were they. Every one of them resembled the son of a king."
19 And he said, "They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you."
20 So he said to Jether his firstborn, "Rise and kill them!" But the young man did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a young man.
21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, "Rise yourself and fall upon us, for as the man is, so is his strength." And Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.
Gideon's Ephod
22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, "Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian."
23 Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you."
24 And Gideon said to them, "Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil." (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
25 And they answered, "We will willingly give them." And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil.
26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian, and besides the collars that were around the necks of their camels.
27 And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.
28 So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel, and they raised their heads no more. And the land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon.
The Death of Gideon
29 Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and lived in his own house.
30 Now Gideon had seventy sons, his own offspring, for he had many wives.
31 And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he called his name Abimelech.
32 And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, at Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
33 As soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the Baals and made Baal-berith their god.
34 And the people of Israel did not remember the LORD their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side,
35 and they did not show steadfast love to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) in return for all the good that he had done to Israel.
Things to think about…
1. The original men who were afraid and trembling were told to go home in Jdgs 7:3. But we see the Lord telling Gideon that if he is afraid that he should go down to the Midianites quietly and hear what they are saying to be encouraged, vs 10. Just because we are not so bound up with fear that we tremble and fail to act doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have a healthy fear of the calling, or the risks associated with the task. Some nerves are healthy to have. This does not mean that we don’t trust the Lord, but it does mean that without the Lord, the venture is pointless. Here is where we exercise faith, not fatalism, by trusting in the Spirit and not the flesh. Only after hearing the dream and fear among the Midianite camp does he feel strengthened to go, Jdgs 7:13-15. Perhaps you have had the Lord’s will confirmed in the past yet are fearful if this is still the case. It is not a sin to continue to want confirmation and to seek clarity of His will. The sin is not being obedient once it is confirmed.
2. Gideon attacks at the beginning of the “middle watch”, Jdgs 7:19. This would have been at 10pm. It says Midian had just set the watch so the watchmen were still settling into their night watch duties. The men of Midian would have been relaxing, drinking and maybe getting ready for bed. They certainly would not have been prepared for war.
3. Gideon’s defeat of the Midianites in Jdgs 7:19-25 allows the Lord to get the glory by using 300 men to defeat over 120, 000 Midianites. We may often think the battle is too great, and with the arm of flesh, it certainly is. But in reality, Christ has defeated our greatest enemy, sin. All other enemies will fall in the light of this truth. A light for Christ and the trumpet of truth are all that are required to see any Midianites flee and fall in our lives.
4. The men of Succoth and Penuel were hard-headed and hard hearted for not supporting Gideon who would ultimately have been a blessing to these towns, Jdgs 8:5-9. They paid a heavy price for their uncharitableness, Jdgs 8:14-17. Christ pours His grace upon His people so they may be ‘willing volunteers in the day of His power’. Let’s keep showing grace and support to those who our labouring to further the kingdom of God.
5. The 2 Midianite kings, while they were defeated still inflicted Gideon with the pain of warfare. His brothers were killed by these 2 kings, Jdgs 8:18, 19. Sometimes we can lose close family in spiritual battles. We are told in a family of 5, 2 will be against 3, father against son and son against father, Luke 12:52, 53. Sadly, I know this to be the case in my own family. I keep praying for my parents.
6. Gideon’s son Jether could not kill the 2 captured Midianite kings because he was afraid, being a young man, Jdgs 8:20. We should never put inexperienced people in leadership, especially young men who lack discernment or self-control. They will shame themselves and others. They need to be taught the art of spiritual warfare and be faithful in the smaller things before they are granted greater responsibility.
7. After a great victory Gideon was asked to be king. He says that neither he nor his son will rule over them but “the Lord will rule over you” Jdgs 8:23. The Lord is our deliverer and Saviour. Let’s not trust in the heart or strength of any man.
8. Even good men stumble. Gideon makes an ephod that Israel would worship as an idol/image, Jdgs 8:27. Godly accountability begins with the church leadership. Pray for the church leadership to remain responsible in their call and to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in conscience and obedience.
9. Gideon’s good leadership was not remembered or honoured, Judg 8:33-35. It is even more tragic when godly church leaders are not encouraged or respected in their roles. Encourage those in leadership this week. They are there serving you in their service to Christ.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Continuing through the Sermon on the Mount. Wednesday night 6:30pm.
Young adult Life group - a meat lovers lunch this Sunday week after church!
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Pastor Ric. Goes in for a heart op to adjust AF on his heart on Friday.
2. 30th June Special meeting re financial position and direction of the church.
3. Keep praying for Anna and the Playgroup, pray for more families to be reached.
4. The ongoing conflict in Israel and Ukraine.
5. Church finances to cover all expenses. Budget presently not being met.
6. Pray for Kids@Church, Life groups. Young Adults.
7. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Wednesday afternoons, 5:30pm in the church cafe. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
8. Pray about the possibility and planning of a Farmers Market at Chuwar Baptist Church on Saturdays. Anastasia taking the lead on this. Pray for us as we plan
9. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
10. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Wonderful open Life group last night at church. Pray for an online outreach as that continues to grow as the studies go live every Wednesday.
2. Great meeting on Sunday with new comers – give thanks
3. Tad’s health getting better all the time.
4. Glenys is looking well and receiving good treatment as she recovers from her stroke.
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Playgroup 9:30-11am on Friday.
2. Dr Rose Blackwood speaking on the “Culture of abortion in the Australian medical industry” Sunday 23rd June.
3. Special Members (all congregation) meeting 30th June after the service. Lunch afterwards
4. Young Adults after church on Sunday week – Meat Mayhem lunch!”.
5. Working bee Saturday morning 13th July. Please contact Che for a list jobs and requirements.
6. Wednesday evening prayer at church 5:30-6:30pm
7. Life Groups Wednesday 6:30pm at church.
8. Kids@Church every Sunday.
9. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
10. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for June...
Q. 21. In what condition did God make Adam and Eve? A. He made them holy and happy.
Bible References – Gen.1:26-28; Ps.8:4-8.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
