* Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites. (1-3) Succoth and Penuel refuse to
relieve Gideon. (4-12) Succoth and Penuel punished. (13-17) Gideon
avenges his brethren. (18-21) Gideon declines the government, but
given occasion for idolatry. (22-28) Gideon's death, Israel's
ingratitude. (29-35)... [ Continue Reading ]
1-3 Those who will not attempt or venture any thing in the cause of
God, will be the most ready to censure and quarrel with such as are of
a more zealous and enterprising spirit. And those who are the most
backward to difficult services, will be the most angry not to have the
credit of them. Gideon... [ Continue Reading ]
4-12 Gideon's men were faint, yet pursuing; fatigued with what they
had done, yet eager to do more against their enemies. It is many a
time the true Christian's case, fainting, and yet pursuing. The world
knows but little of the persevering and successful struggle the real
believer maintains with hi... [ Continue Reading ]
13-17 The active servants of the Lord meet with more dangerous
opposition from false professors than from open enemies; but they must
not care for the behaviour of those who are Israelites in name, but
Midianites in heart. They must pursue the enemies of their souls, and
of the cause of God, though... [ Continue Reading ]
18-21 The kings of Midian must be reckoned with. As they confessed
themselves guilty of murder, Gideon acted as the avenger of blood,
being the next of kin to the persons slain. Little did they think to
have heard of this so long after; but murder seldom goes unpunished in
this life. Sins long forgo... [ Continue Reading ]
22-28 Gideon refused the government the people offered him. No good
man can be pleased with any honour done to himself, which belongs only
to God. Gideon thought to keep up the remembrance of this victory by
an ephod, made of the choicest of the spoils. But probably this ephod
had, as usual, a terap... [ Continue Reading ]
29-35 As soon as Gideon was dead, who kept the people to the worship
of the God of Israel, they found themselves under no restraint; then
they went after Baalim, and showed no kindness to the family of
Gideon. No wonder if those who forget their God, forget their friends.
Yet conscious of our own in... [ Continue Reading ]