Gideon: Part 3

The final chapter in Gideon's career is told in Judges 7-8. First is the familiar story of the Israelites using a ruse to convince the Midianite army that they were outnumbered. In the confusion of night, they begin to slaughter one another before the Israelites finish them off. Because of his military leadership, Gideon is offered kingship of Israel, which he wisely turns down with the words, "I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you. (Judges 8:23)."  However, this military and spiritual victory of Gideon is unfortunately followed by the events related at the end of Chapter 8. Gideon prepares and sets up an object of pagan worship right at the spot where his father's sacred pole had stood. The lesson appears to be the one that Paul constantly harps on: You must endure to the end.

 Gideon: Victory and Defeat (2012) (20" x 16")

acrylic and collage on hardboard