Going against the unwary: (Judges 8.5-12)

While chasing the kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon gets into an argument with the men of Succoth and Penuel, who do not believe him and refuse to give bread to the 300. Outraged, Gideon threatens to punish them on the way back. Zebah and Zalmunna have 15,000 men left and Gideon only has 300.

Nevertheless, Gideon manages to smite the army and capture the kings, and the rest of the army flees. It is interesting to note the reason why Gideon is able to smite those men: “And he attacked the army while the camp felt secure.”

Surely, God Himself caused the enemies to be unwary of dangers and feel secure. There is no use in being in an army and well trained. There is no use in being part of the majority or amongst 15,000 men. If they are unwary, they will be run over. All the more reason not to be terrified by the size of our problems, the number of enemies, or the power of those who persecute us.

If God is with us, He Himself is able to create a situation that will immobilise the forces that come against us. Once again, what stands out is God’s greatness and how we can be sure of our victory when He is in the battle for us.

Gideon and the 300, however, were alert. We should be too, which is why God tells us to keep watch. The lesson here is very clear: life is war. The unwary lose.

Continued tomorrow…

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