Daily Devotions
Filled with the Holy Spirit
"But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon..."
Text: Judges 6:34
THE ENEMIES OF ISRAEL
Who were the enemies of Israel during this period? Who were some of the judges God raised up? Here is a short summary.
1. The king of Mesopotamia (King Cushan-Rishathaim)
The deliverer was Othniel. The land of Israel had rest for 40 years (Judges 3:7-11).
2. The king of Moab (King Eglon)
The deliverer was called Ehud who assassinated Eglon and led Israel to victory over the Moabites. The land had rest for 80 years (Judges 3:30).
3. The Philistines
The deliverer Shamgar fought against the Philistines. But the length of his rule was not recorded (Judges 3:31).
4. The Canaanites (King Jabin)
Deborah was the only lady-judge during this period. She was assisted by Barak. The land of Israel had rest for forty years (Judges 4-6).
5. Three sets of enemies arose: –
a) The Midianites
b) The Amalekites
c) The people from the East (Judges 6:3, 33; 7:12)
Against innumerable odds God raised up a judge called Gideon.
“But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon;
then he blew the trumpet, and the Abiezrites gathered behind him.
And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh,
who also gathered behind him. He also sent messengers to Asher,
Zebulun, and Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.”
Judges 6:34-35
1. “The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon”
a) This was necessary.
b) Every effective leader must be anointed first.
c) He must then be empowered.
2. Gideon’s role
a) He knew that he had to attempt to unite Israel.
b) Some tribes responded to his trumpet call to rally together.
3. Gideon’s rule as judge
Israel had some measure of peace from their enemies for about forty years (Judges 8:28).