A Judge and More
The account of Gideon ended with him as a judge. This judge became something more.
As we’ve seen from American history, a political career can begin with success in war. Several of our American presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant, began political careers because they led victorious armies in great wars.
Gideon’s career as a politician began after the victory against the Midianites and their allies.
In verse 22 of chapter eight, the people are so impressed with Gideon’s victory they tell him,
“Then the Israelites said to Gideon, ‘Rule over us, you as well as your sons and grandsons, for you delivered us from the power of Midian” (Judges 8:22, HCSB).
They wanted him to establish a monarchy, a hereditary one at that. This was an example of sin in the lives of the people. God was supposed to be their king. God had led them through Moses and Aaron and the judges and then the people of Israel wanted to become like the other nations and have a human king.
Fortunately, Gideon got the point and told them no; that, in fact, God was supposed to be their ruler.
Next Week: A strange request
Mark Riser - Apologist 