How about a house in “Eerwah Vale?”
• It means “valley of the death adders” Ouch!
• “Let’s be as watchful after victory as before the battle”
Gideon’s response to the Lord’s call:
• First fear, then faith, then confidence, then ?????
Overview of Chapter 8
• Protest of the Ephraimites – vv 1-3
• Pursuit of the Kings of Midian – vv 4-12
• Disciplining defiant Jews – vv 13-17
• Death of the Midianite kings – vv 18-21
• Gideon’s “retirement” – vv 22-28
Each event challenges Gideon; his response varies
Pride: Foundation for Failure – 8:1-28
A soft answer – vv 1-3
• The complaints are a mild surprise
• Ephraim was a large tribe; very proud
 Anger may be over distribution of spoils
 Gideon’s response: like Proverbs 15:1
A stern warning – vv 4-17
• Two groups at Succoth and Penuel, refuse to help
• Gideon eventually defeats the Midianites
 He returns to the two cities vengefully
 Discipline was against rebellion, not pride
A serious question – vv 18-21
• Gideon had captured the two kings of Midian
• The sentence of death reflected Gideon’s loss
 His first order: have his son kill the kings
 His final action: he did the job himself!
Two puzzling replies – vv 22 -28
• Reply #1 – The people make a request of Gideon
 The people want a king; Gideon says no
• Reply #2 – Gideon makes a request of the people
 His “retirement plan” reflects his ego
What caused Gideon’s spiritual decline?
Pride. Before the battle with Midian he was humble
His success grew his ego. He went from authoritative
on behalf of God to grasping on behalf of himself
“Let’s be as watchful after victory as before the battle”