April 2

Judges 8-9 (biblegateway.com)

The Danger of Forgetting God

Judges 8-9 continues the story of Gideon and his legacy, revealing both triumphs and failures. While Gideon successfully led Israel to victory over the Midianites, his later actions—creating an ephod that led to idolatry—foreshadowed Israel’s continued spiritual decline. The consequences of disobedience become even more evident in the rise of his son, Abimelech, who seizes power through violence and deceit. These chapters highlight the dangers of misplaced ambition, idolatry, and forgetting God’s leadership. They remind us that while God may use flawed individuals for His purposes, lasting spiritual faithfulness is crucial for both leaders and nations.

Judges 8 begins with the Ephraimites confronting Gideon about not calling them earlier to join the battle (v. 1). Gideon responds with diplomacy, downplaying his own role and praising Ephraim’s contribution in capturing the Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb. This response diffuses their anger (v. 2-3). As Gideon and his 300 men continue their pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, they arrive at Succoth and then Peniel and ask for food, but both towns refuse to help, fearing Midianite retaliation (v. 4-9). Gideon warns them that once he captures the Midianite kings, he will return to punish them for their lack of support. Despite exhaustion, Gideon and his men press on and successfully defeat the remaining Midianite army of 15,000 men at Karkor (v. 10-12). He captures Zebah and Zalmunna, ensuring a complete victory over Midian.

After his victory, Gideon returns to Succoth and Peniel and carries out his earlier warnings. He disciplines the leaders of Succoth with thorns and briers and destroys the tower of Peniel, killing the men of the city (v. 13-17). Gideon then turns to Zebah and Zalmunna and learns that they had previously killed his brothers. He orders his young son to execute them, but when the boy hesitates, Gideon kills them himself (v. 18-21).

Following his triumph, the Israelites ask Gideon to become their king, but he refuses, saying, “The Lord shall rule over you” (v. 22-23). However, despite rejecting kingship, Gideon acts like a king in practice. He requests gold from the plunder, collecting 1,700 shekels (about 43 pounds) of gold, and makes an ephod, an ornate priestly garment, which the Israelites begin to worship as an idol (v. 24-27). This becomes a snare to Gideon and his family, leading Israel into idolatry once again. The chapter concludes with a period of peace lasting 40 years, but after Gideon’s death, Israel quickly returns to idol worship and fails to show gratitude to Gideon’s family for delivering them from Midian (v. 28-35).

Gideon’s story in Judges 8 reveals the dangers of spiritual complacency after victory. Even after accomplishing a great military triumph, Gideon’s spiritual leadership falters. While he verbally acknowledges that God is Israel’s true ruler (v. 23), he inadvertently leads the people into idolatry with the ephod (v. 27). This serves as a warning that past faithfulness does not guarantee continued obedience. Even the most faithful believers must guard against spiritual complacency and pride.

Gideon started as a humble servant of God, relying on His strength. However, after his victory, he began to act like a king, gathering wealth, taking many wives (v. 30), and creating an object of worship. Success and power often expose hidden weaknesses. This reminds us that victories should lead to greater humility and dependence on God, not self-exaltation. Gideon’s shift from humility to self-exaltation warns us of the dangers of success when it leads to self-reliance instead of greater dependence on God. Like Gideon, we may start our spiritual journey in humility and dependence on God, but success can lead to pride and compromise. We must remain steadfast in seeking God even after times of triumph. Are we still seeking God, or have we become complacent after past victories?

The ephod Gideon created was not meant to be an idol, but it became one (v. 27). This reveals how even good things—when placed above God—can lead to idolatry. Whether it is wealth, status, or religious traditions, anything that distracts us from true worship of God can become a spiritual stumbling block. Gideon’s ephod reminds us that even well-intentioned actions can become spiritual stumbling blocks. Are there things in our lives—our careers, possessions, or even ministry work—that have taken priority over God? We must ensure that our focus remains on true worship.

Additionally, Gideon’s contrasting responses to conflict, with humility toward Ephraim (v. 1-3) but vengeance against Succoth and Peniel (v. 14-17), illustrate the importance of handling opposition with wisdom and grace. Gideon’s early diplomacy with Ephraim defused tension, but his later vengeful actions against Succoth and Peniel show how unchecked anger and pride can lead to destructive decisions. This teaches that godly leadership must remain focused on justice, not personal vengeance. When we face opposition, we should respond with wisdom and patience, not pride and revenge. Are we responding to challenges with humility, or are we letting pride dictate our actions?

Finally, Israel’s quick return to idolatry after Gideon’s death (v. 33-35) highlights the need for long-term faithfulness. Our devotion to God should not be based on temporary circumstances but on a lasting commitment to walk in obedience. We must cultivate a faith that endures beyond a single season of victory or leadership. Let Gideon’s story be a warning: success should not lead us away from God but should deepen our dependence on Him. Are we pursuing lasting faithfulness, or are we only seeking God in times of need?

Judges 8 is a cautionary tale about the dangers of success, misplaced priorities, and the ever-present threat of idolatry. Gideon’s early humility and reliance on God contrast sharply with his later actions, showing how power and victory can lead to spiritual compromise. This chapter teaches us that faithfulness must continue beyond our victories and that true success is measured not just by what we accomplish, but by our ongoing devotion to God. Like Gideon, we must be careful that our greatest triumphs do not become the very things that lead us away from the Lord.

Judges 9 shifts focus from Gideon to his son Abimelech, who seizes power over Israel through manipulation, murder, and tyranny. Unlike the previous judges whom God raised up, Abimelech is a self-appointed ruler who desires power for himself rather than leading as God’s chosen servant.

After Gideon’s death, Israel quickly returns to idolatry, worshiping the Baals and forgetting the deliverance God had given them. Seeing an opportunity, Abimelech, one of Gideon’s many sons, but the son of a concubine, goes to his mother’s family in Shechem and convinces them to support his claim to rule over Israel rather than Gideon’s seventy other sons (v. 1-3). With the financial backing of Shechem’s leaders, he hires mercenaries and murders his seventy brothers, eliminating any rivals for power (v. 4-5). Only Jotham, the youngest son, escapes.

After Abimelech is declared king, Jotham stands on Mount Gerizim and delivers a parable (v. 7-15). He compares Abimelech’s rule to a thornbush, unfruitful and destructive, warning that the people of Shechem will suffer for choosing him as their leader (v. 16-21). He then flees, and his words foreshadow the chaos that will soon unfold.

Abimelech rules for three years, but God sends a spirit of division between him and Shechem, leading to betrayal and rebellion (v. 22-24). Gaal, a new leader in Shechem, challenges Abimelech’s rule, and Shechem turns against their former king (v. 25-29). When Abimelech learns of this, he attacks Shechem, completely destroying the city and sowing it with salt as a symbol of its total ruin (v. 30-45). The remaining Shechemites take refuge in the temple of Baal-Berith, but Abimelech sets it on fire, burning them alive (v. 46-49).

However, Abimelech’s own downfall soon follows. As he attacks Thebez, another rebellious city, the people take refuge in a tower. As he prepares to burn it down, a woman drops a millstone on his head, fatally wounding him (v. 50-53). Knowing he is dying, Abimelech orders his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword so that no one can say he was killed by a woman (v. 54). His death fulfills Jotham’s prophecy, and Abimelech and those who supported him are destroyed by their own evil (v. 56-57).

Abimelech’s story highlights God’s justice against unrighteous rulers. Though Abimelech seizes power through manipulation and violence, his downfall is inevitable. The same people who made him king turn against him, and in the end, he is destroyed by his own ambition. This fulfills the biblical principle that “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Additionally, God can use anyone to accomplish His will. Although Abimelech was an evil ruler, God sovereignly used the conflict between him and Shechem to bring about judgment. Likewise, the woman who killed Abimelech was not a warrior, yet God used her to bring justice. This reminds us that God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Are we open to being used by Him, even when we feel unqualified?

Finally, we are to be aware of the dangers of selfish ambition. Unlike Gideon, who initially refused to be king, Abimelech desires power for himself and uses deceit and murder to obtain it. This reflects the warning in James 3:16: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” Abimelech’s story shows that ambition without godliness leads to destruction. We must examine our own hearts and ask whether our ambitions align with God’s will or if they are driven by pride and selfishness. Are we seeking to serve God, or are we pursuing personal gain at any cost?

Judges 9 is a powerful example of the destructive nature of selfish ambition, ungodly leadership, and God’s inevitable justice. Abimelech’s story warns us about the dangers of seeking power for personal gain and trusting in human strength rather than God. It also reassures us that God sees injustice and will bring about His righteous judgment in His perfect time.

In conclusion, the accounts of Gideon and Abimelech serve as a sobering reminder that success without faithfulness leads to destruction. Gideon, though once a hero of faith, led Israel into idolatry, and Abimelech, consumed by selfish ambition, plunged the nation into chaos. These chapters warn us about the dangers of pride, compromise, and seeking power apart from God. Are there areas in your life where success or ambition has distracted you from fully trusting and obeying God? Just as Israel’s peace was short-lived when they turned from God, our lives are most secure when we remain dependent on Him. May we strive not just for victories in life, but for faithfulness that endures beyond our own generation.