LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF GIDEON PART 8: Grace Learned

Jezreel Valley where Midian camped

Gideon had called for the people of Ephraim to cut off the retreat of the Midianites. They did so and captured and killed Oreb and Zeeb, two Midianite leaders. They brought their heads to Gideon, but were angry that he had not called them when he first went out to fight the Midianites.

1Then the men of Ephraim said to him, "What is this thing you have done to us, not calling us when you went to fight against Midian?" And they contended with him vigorously. (Judges 8:1, NASB)

We are not told why the men of Ephraim were so angry with Gideon or why Ephraim and Issachar, who each had territory bordering on the Jezreel Valley, were not initially called, when the other territories adjacent to Manasseh (Asher, Naphtali and Zebulun) were.

Instead of rebuking them for their pettiness, Gideon wisely consoled them. The once cynical Gideon had learned by God’s example of patience and grace towards him.

2But he said to them, "What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3"God has given the leaders of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb into your hands; and what was I able to do in comparison with you?" Then their anger toward him subsided when he said that. (Judges 8: 2-3, NASB)

It is important also for us to remember that we Christians have been graced by God, and that we must offer to others who offend us, anger us, or just plain annoy us, the same grace that we have received from God.

“7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8which He lavished on us.” (Ephesians 1:7-8, NASB)

In Part 9: the aftermath. Why was there no mercy for the leaders of Midian and the two cities that would not help Gideon?


Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission