What happensPermalink
The people disobey, but when they repent, God first sends a prophet to condemn them instead of a judge to save them. Then God calls Gideon, who is reluctant at first, but destroys the local altar of Baal and builds one to God. Gideon tests God by asking for miracles.
Why it mattersPermalink
Gideon’s reluctance recalls Moses; as with Moses, God promises Gideon He will support him. But Gideon continues to lack faith: he destroys the altar at night in secret, he calls other tribes to help fight Midian, and he asks God to prove Himself by miracles.
Key versePermalink
But the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him.