Gideon Part 3 - Good Start – Bad Finish. (Judges 8: 1-35)

In todays episode we look at all of Judges Chapter 8 and follow Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, after his initial victory. 

As Gideon and his men chase the remaining enemy forces, he requests food from the people of Succoth and Penuel, but they refuse, fearing Midianite retaliation. Gideon promises to return and punish them for their refusal.

After capturing Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon executes them, avenging his brothers’ deaths. The Israelites then ask Gideon to rule over them, but he declines, stating that the Lord alone should reign. However, hypocritically he makes an ephod from the gold collected from the defeated Midianites, which becomes an object of idolatry.

Because of this following Gideon’s death, Israel quickly returns to worshiping Baal, forgetting the deliverance God provided through Gideon. The chapter highlights themes of leadership, the dangers of idolatry, and Israel’s cycle of faithfulness and rebellion.