A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Gideon

Readers can cheat. They can jump to the back of the book to get that sweet ending. ” Who done it?” is solved. With the Book of Judges, however, while the last line sums up most everything, the reader would be cheated. The journey through Judges is as rewarding as the ending. 

The tale of Gideon- planted in the middle of the text- is a must read. Gideon is the cruel tease of the “man who would [not] be king.” He, for all accounts, should have made a great king. Gideon’s uniqueness and qualifications were the fact he was not very unique. Gideon was a composite of some of the Hebrew Bible’s greatest leaders. If Lou Bega was a Rabbi, he would have exclaimed about Gideon that “he’s a little bit of Abraham, a little bit of Jacob, a little bit of Joseph, a little bit of Moses, and a little bit of Joshua.”

During a period of Midian oppression, Gideon encounters an angel who tells him that he is to be a “mighty hero.” Gideon, in return, notes to the notion that the Israelites were delivered from Egypt only to be deserted and subjected to oppression from the Midianites. Judges 6:13. Gideon appreciated the Lord’s connection to his forefathers. The Lord charges Gideon to “save Israel.” Judge 6:14.

In delivering his people, Gideon is directed by the Master to take on idolatry. He is instructed to destroy an altar to the god Baal and to make one for the Lord. He does so and creates a commotion within the city. 

In the midst of the controversy, Gideon’s father Joash tells the men in the city that Baal, their god, rather than them, should exact punishment. [note: this story beautifully analagous to the non-Torah Midrashic tale of Abraham and his father Terah’s idol shop]

Gideon goes on to have military success. With Gideon’s success, the men of Israel request that he “rule over us,-you, your son, and your grandson.” Gideon declines and indicates that the Lord shall rule over you. Judges 8:23.

In sum, Gideon’s Ten Commandments’ moment was his devotion to the Lord. He took on idolatry and appreciated the fact that the Lord was the true ruler of Israel. He does so when he declined the men’s request that he be annointed king. Had the Master of Universe be in accord with it, Gideon most likely would have accepted. 

Be well!!

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