June 11: Gideon (Judges 6:11-18)

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Read or summarize the Standard Lesson Commentary (SLC) Lesson Background to understand the first 10 verses of Judges 6, which are not included in the printed passage.

Have your group read Judges 6:11-13 and discuss the following questions.

1. Why was Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress, a confined area excavated from rock?
2. How do you suppose Gideon felt about this stranger’s greeting?

Note: Consult the SLC note on verse 11a regarding the identity of “the angel of the Lord.” It certainly appears at this point that Gideon assumes this to be a typical human being.

3. How would you characterize Gideon’s response to the stranger?
4. What aspect of Israel’s spiritual life and condition did Gideon overlook?

Have your group read Judges 6:14-18 and discuss the following questions.

5. What reassurances does the Lord give Gideon?
6. How do you see fear affecting Gideon’s responses to the stranger? Do you see some evidence of faith as well?
7. How can you relate to possessing a mixture of fear and faith?
8. Where do we draw the line between being fearful and being realistic?
9. When, if ever, is it appropriate for Christians today to ask God for a confirming sign?

Note: Consider reading the SLC commentary on verse 18 to review the rest of Gideon’s amazing story.

To encourage personal application:

Consider dividing into groups of three or four persons for this time of sharing and prayer.

1. Read Judges 6:13 again. If you’re honest, how prone are you to having a similar perspective during hard times?
2. Read Judges 6:15 again. In what way, or in what arena, do you feel inadequate, weak, or “the least”?
3. Pray for each other according to what was shared.

Read the following to your class as a blessing and commission:

• The Lord . . . said, “Go in the strength you have . . .” (Judges 6:14)
• The Lord answered, “I will be with you . . .” (Judges 6:16)