Bible Reading: Judges Chapter 8
Judges Chapter 7 records Gideon’s victory, and Chapter 8 records Gideon’s victory. fail. Gideon’s victory depended on God’s victory, and he was just a vessel used by God. Gideon's failure was that he forgot that it was God who saved the Israelites, but he thought it was his own ability.
First of all, we see that Gideon’s treatment of others shows his ambition to be king. Verses 1-21
The scriptures describe Gideon’s treatment of different classes of people. Behind Gideon’s treatment of others was his ambition to be king.
One, the Ephraimites.
Toward the end of the war, the Ephraimites entered the war. They had a big quarrel with Gideon, but the reason was actually for the spoils of war.
Gideon turned away their anger with his gentle tongue. Gideon's main consideration was that his military strength was no match for the Ephraimites, so he gave in.
Second, the Succothites and the Penielites.
Gideon chased the two Midianite kings and asked the people of these two cities for help, but they were wise to protect themselves and did not offer help. Gideon then promised to punish the two kings after they were captured.
The judges before Gideon played the role of saviors. Gideon began to show not only the role of saviors, but also the role of bullying his own compatriots, and even killed himself. compatriots.
Gideon began to rob God of the glory, thinking that it was his own ability that saved the Israelites. Severe punishment was given to those who despised his power.
Third, the two kings of Midian.
The scripture shows that the Midianites killed Gideon’s brothers. Gideon’s brothers looked like princes, which shows that the image of Gideon is that of a king.
Gideon ordered his sons to kill the two kings of Midian. This was private revenge, revenge for his brothers, and for the glory of the family.
Secondly, we see that Gideon’s way of dealing with things shows his ambition to be king. Verses 22-28
The Israelites expected Gideon to be their king, but Gideon rejected their request, pointing out that only the Lord was their king.
But what Gideon did next was to show his ambition to become a king. He asked the people to give him the golden earrings that were the spoils of war. Gideon made the ephod with golden earrings and set them up in his city to consolidate his position as king.
Just like the worship of the golden calf in the history of Israel later, in order to consolidate the status and rule of the king, it caused the people to fall into the sin of idolatry.
Finally, we see Gideon’s marriage style, showing his ambition to be king. Verses 29-35
Gideon had many wives and gave birth to seventy sons. This was a kingly life.
Another concubine bore him a son, whom he named Abimelech. The name means "my father is king". Although Gideon expressed his refusal to be the king of Israel, he still wanted to be the king in his heart.
Conclusion
What kind of theology you have will determine your way of life.
Gideon had the ambition to be king, so it was fully revealed in his treatment of people, affairs and marriage.
We also all have the ambition to be kings. We naturally do not want to be controlled by others, but we want to control others. Not wanting to serve others, but wanting to be served by others.
Jesus Christ was originally a king, but when he got off the throne, he did not want to be served by others, but to serve others. Those who want to be kings must be willing to be servants of everyone like Jesus. This is the true image of a king—a slave king.