Then Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, Naphtali (Judges 6:35 ). The clarion call by an anointed man detonated an explosive coming together under God, that would bring deliverance. It is the call of the Spirit through His chosen, anointed ones, that rallies to kingdom service.

Convincing proof of God's time to deliver by the hand of Gideon was given by the testimony of the fleece (Judges 6:36-40 ).

When Gideon blew the trumpet a great many gathered after him, commending themselves, but the sifting process was to bring forth what the Lord commended (Judges 7:1-8 ). The sifting continued until there were 300 men. The victory was the Lord's and no flesh would glory in His presence.

Study the details of God's great victory. See the preparation: Assurance given (Judges 7:9 ), a dream given and overheard (Judges 7:10-15 ) and the battle strategy (Judges 7:16-18 ). See the peculiar warfare (Judges 7:19-20 ). See the great victory (Judges 7:21-25 ).

God's choosing gave Him unhindered glory.

Ephraim's offense combated (Judges 8:1-3 ). Neutrality and refusal of supplies by Succoth and Penuel contended (Judges 8:4-9 ). Gideon captures Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:10-12 ). Succoth and Penuel are punished (Judges 8:13-17 ). The deaths of Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:18-21 ).

Gideon refused kingship (Judges 8:22-23 ). Determined the Lord would rule over Israel. So we should disciple to the Lord, Christ Jesus, never to ourselves. Like Barnabas, our burden should be that believers should remain faithful to the Lord with all their hearts. (Acts 11:23 )

Sadly, Gideon courted disaster by a gold ephod in the city (Judges 8:27 ) which became a centre of idolatrous worship. It became a snare to Gideon and to His family (Judges 8:24-27 ). Nevertheless this courageous man was used to bring rest to the land for 40 years (Judges 8:28 ).

With the death of Gideon, confusion again reigned in Israel. Gideon refused the kingship. His son by a concubine (Judges 8:31 ) lusted after it, and willingly did any evil necessary to gain power.

Abimelech's terrible treachery is told in Judges 9:16. One of the only two survivors of Gideon's seventy sons speaks a true parable in Judges 9:7-21, showing that only a worthless bramble would have acted like Abimelech. Fire was to be the reward of those who made him king - fire was to be the end of Abimelech (Judges 9:20 ). Abimelech's death is recorded after only three years reign. The time was short but turbulous (Judges 9:22- 57 ). He was not God's man.

Galatians 6:7"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (KJV)

Negative fleshly service will bring corruption. Positive godly sowing to the Spirit will bring spiritual life.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. When the enemy encamps against the people of God would you respond positively to the rallying call of an anointed leader? (Judges 6:34-36 ).
2. Do you think the fleece test was to know positively that this was God's time to deliver by his hand? (Judges 6:36-40 ).
3. What lesson for your life do you draw from Gideon's sifting process? (Judges 7:1-8 ).
4. Has the Lord given you a commission and fear holds you back? (Judges 7:9-10 ). Can you expect the Lord to do the unexpected in dealing with fear? (Judges 7:10-15 ).
5. Can the Lord give you specific but unusual battle strategy for successful spiritual warfare? (Judges 7:16-25 ).
6. Do you agree with the way Gideon handled Ephraim's offended pride? (Judges 8:1-3 ). Do leaders today face the same type of problem?
7. What could be named as "Succoth" and "Penual" conduct in the Church today? (Judges 8:4-17 ).
8. Why did Gideon refuse kingship (Judges 8:22-23 ). What can Church leaders learn from this?
9. What kind of snares can be set by well-intentioned leaders today? (Judges 8:27-31 ).
10. What kind of people willingly finance one who planned to murder the brother to fulfill his lust for power? (Judges 9:1-6; James 3:14,16 ).
11. How accurate was the prophetic parable of the only and youngest son of Gideon who escaped the slaughter? (Judges 9:7-15, 50-57 ).