The story of Gideon in the Bible is often celebrated for his incredible faith and the miraculous victory God granted him. However, like many biblical heroes, Gideon wasn’t perfect. Exploring what did Gideon do wrong in the Bible reveals profound lessons about human nature and our relationship with God.
Gideon’s Missteps The Erection of an Ephod
One of Gideon’s most significant errors, and a primary answer to the question of what did Gideon do wrong in the Bible, was the creation and worship of a golden ephod. After his astounding victory over the Midianites with a mere 300 men, the Israelites, in their gratitude and awe, asked Gideon to rule over them. While Gideon initially refused, stating that the Lord would rule them, he later succumbed to their desire for a tangible leader. This led him to fashion a golden ephod, a priestly garment, from the spoils of war. The problem wasn’t the ephod itself, but what it became. It transformed from a reminder of God’s deliverance into an object of worship.
The consequences of this action were severe. The Bible states in Judges 8:27, “Gideon made an ephod from the gold and put it in his town, Ophrah. All Israel prostitution by worshiping it, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.” This highlights several critical failures:
- He allowed the people’s desire for idolatry to influence his actions.
- He created a focal point for worship that was not ordained by God.
- This ultimately led to a form of idolatry among the very people he was meant to lead in righteousness.
Another aspect to consider regarding what did Gideon do wrong in the Bible is his initial hesitation and testing of God. Before the battle, Gideon famously asked God for signs. While seeking confirmation isn’t inherently wrong, Gideon’s repeated requests and the specific nature of his tests reveal a struggle with full trust. He asked:
- For the fleece to be wet and the ground dry.
- For the fleece to be dry and the ground wet.
These were not small requests, and while God patiently indulged him, this persistent need for empirical proof suggests a lingering doubt that contradicted the faith he was called to embody. Even after God significantly reduced his army to emphasize that the victory was His, Gideon’s journey with faith remained a process.
Furthermore, Gideon’s actions concerning his family and his later life also contribute to the understanding of what did Gideon do wrong in the Bible. He had many wives and fathered 70 sons. While polygamy was practiced, the sheer number and the subsequent conflict it brought, particularly through his son Abimelech who murdered most of his brothers to seize power, cast a shadow. Gideon’s failure to establish a godly lineage and his eventual complacency after his military triumphs show a broader weakness in his leadership. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even those used mightily by God can falter and lead others astray if they aren’t vigilant in their devotion and obedience.
Understanding these missteps is crucial for a complete picture of Gideon’s life. The insights gained from examining “What Did Gideon Do Wrong In The Bible” are readily available in the Bible itself. For a deeper dive, consider the book of Judges chapters 6 through 8.