Gideon-"The Smallest" in His Father's House

Gideon, a  stalwart young man of the tribe of Manasseh, lived during the turbulent time in Israel's history. For seven years, God's people had suffered under the Midianite oppression. However, the time had now come for Jehovah  to deliver his people. Hence, and angel appeared to Gideon and said:  "Jehovah is with you. you valiant, mighty one." Gideon was modesty, so he did not bask in the glory of this unexpected compliment. Instead, he respectfully said to the angel:  "Excuse me, my lord, but if  Jehovah is with us, then why has all this come upon us?"  The angel clarified matters and told Gideon:  "You will certain save Israel out of  Midian's palm."  How did Gideon respond?  Instead of hungrily seizing the assignment as an opportunity to make himself a national hero, Gideon replied:  "Excuse me, Jehovah. With what shall I save Israel?  Look! My thousand  is the least in Manasseh, and I am the smallest in my father's house." What modesty! -Judges 6:11-15. 

Before sending Gideon into battle, Jehovah tested him. How?  Gideon was told to demolish his father's altar to Baal and to cut down the sacred pole that stood alongside it.  This assignment would take courage, but Gideon also showed modesty and discretion in the way he carried it out.  Instead of making a public spectacle of himself, Gideon worked under cover of night when he would most likely pass unnoticed. Furthermore, Gideon approached his assignment with due caution. He took along ten servants-perhaps so that some could stand guard while the rest helped him to destroy  the altar and the sacred pole.  In any event, with Jehovah's blessing. Gideon carried out his assignment, and in time he was used by God to liberate Israel from the Midianites. -Judges 6:25-27.

Next time: Displaying Modesty and Discretion

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000