In
the first account (vi. 11-viii. 3) these natural motives have
completely disappeared, and others have taken their place which
are almost of an opposite character. Before anything has
happened, before the Midianites have made their yearly incursion,
Gideon, who expects nothing of the kind, is summoned by a
theophany to battle against them. When they arrive he is seized
by the Spirit and sets out against them. What is human in him
has no part in the act he is called to do; flesh and blood set
themselves against it. He is impelled by the direct impulse of
Jehovah, and here, of course, he goes forth in behalf of the
public interests of Israel, against the Midianites, not against
their princes personally. And accordingly everything possible is
done to cast the man into the shade behind the Deity. Gideon,
according to the second account a distinguished and royal man,
is in the first of a poor house and family; in the second story
he is remarkable for irrepressible energy, but here he is timid
and shrinking up to the last moment, and new miracles have
constantly to be wrought to encourage and strengthen him.
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