October 27, 2024
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is a familiar phrase to most American Christians. This phrase rings true for Gideon’s flawed legacy. Gideon displayed faith but was ultimately corrupted by his thirst for personal glory. After his death, the people of Israel turn away from the Lord again, and the narrator of Judges now turns to the surprising account of Gideon’s illegitimate son, Abimelech, who rules as a regional king and oppresses God’s people. Here, we see Israel’s oppression coming from one of their own rather than a pagan king. Instead of conquering the remaining wicked nations, Israel suffers from one of their own and spirals into civil war.
Judges 8:33-10:5