Gideon (Jerub-Baal or Jerubbesheth) (26 magg 1198 anni a. C. – 20 dic 1151 anni a. C.)

Descrizione:

Judges 6-8

Gideon, the son of Joash, was from the tribe of Manasseh. He was called to be a judge by an angel of the LORD; though he initially doubted God's goodness, eventually he was convinced to take up his task. He destroyed the altars to Baal and the Asherah poles, an act that angered the people of Israel, and garnered the name Jerub-Baal.

While amassing an army, Gideon's brothers were killed by the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Gideon captures these men, forces a confession of guilt, and then orders them to be killed, conquering the Midianties and securing peace between Israel and the Midianites for another 40 years (see also 1 Samuel 12:11).

The Israelites wanted Gideon to become their king, but he refused, saying that God alone was their king. He had 70 sons, one of whom was named Abimilech, who would later declare himself king over Israel.

Upon defeating the Midianites, Gideon took the gold jewellery and made an ephod and set it up in his hometown, Ophrah. Eventually, the Israelites worshipped the ephod, as did Gideon's household.

After Gideon's death, his good deeds were forgotten and the people turned back to worshipping Baal.

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