The Legend Of Gideon

The story of Gideon is a great example that God can use anyone for his glory. Gideon lived around the year 1160 B.C. and was also the fifth judge of Israel, right after Deborah. The name Gideon means "destroyer" or "he that breaks". He was also called Jerubbaal by others, which means "he that defends Baal". The story of Gideon in Judges six truly demonstrates God's power, strength, and righteousness. Around this time the Israelites had fallen back into sin and idolatry after the previous judge, Deborah. They then were conquered and oppressed by the Midianites for seven years before the next judge. Gideon was the youngest son of the Abiezrite Joash, an idolater. His family wasn't distinguished and Gideon was the least important of his