The Bible Column - God's Peace to Gideon in Time of Trial (Part 1)

“…and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.” Judges 6:11b “Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom:…” Judges 6:24
In the context of these verses, a man by the name of Gideon is brought into center focus in the Lord’s plan to spare Israel from the impoverishment of the Midianites. The Bible tells us that, “the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.” The reason that the hand of the Lord moved against Israel was because, “…the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord…” (v1) and “…ye have not obeyed my voice.” (v10) Dear reading friends, it pays to obey the Lord in our lives.
The impoverishment of the children of Israel by the Midianites was indeed great. When the Israelites would plant for their food, the Midianites “…destroyed the increase of the earth…and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.” The Bible tells us that the Midianites, “…came as grasshoppers for multitude;…” to destroy Israel.
As the children of Israel cried in despair unto the Lord, God called Gideon to deliver them from the Midianites. Several items of detail given in this passage help us to know that this calling of God was not easy for Gideon. He asked the Lord for a sign of God’s leading and Gideon thought that he may die in the process of doing God’s will. I would encourage you to read for yourself this interesting passage of scripture to learn all of the details of Gideon’s concern. In coming to Judges 6:23, the Lord gave Gideon peace in his heart that the Lord would be with him and protect him in this work of valor. As a result, Gideon built an altar of worship and called it Jehovah-shalom…the Lord our peace.
Today in our lives, the Lord wants to give us peace as well! As Gideon of old knew, only in the Lord can true peace be found. More next week, the Lord willing.