Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, "Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast saved us out of the hand of Midian."
And Gideon said unto them, "I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you."
And Gideon said unto them, "I would desire and request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his spoil."
And they answered, "We will willingly give them."
And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his spoil. And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside the crescents, and the pendants, and the purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks. And Gideon made an idol thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went after it there: and it became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
THE MEANING OF THE STORY
153. After the death of Joshua, the Hebrews had a hard time from their many enemies. Just as our forefathers were constantly in danger from the Indians, so the Hebrew settlers were often attacked and their goods taken from them. But in their case it was worse, because their enemies often came against them in great armies and conquered them. Israel had no king or governor, but from time to time some hero rose up to deliver them. These men were called "judges," because in addition to leading the people in war they decided matters of dispute. Their stories are told in the Book of Judges. Gideon was one of these military heroes.
154 (§45A). The Midianites were a wandering people of the desert. They wandered on the borders of Edom and Moab. Find these places on the map, southeast of Canaan. As they raised no crops themselves they delighted to attack the agricultural people after the crops were harvested and steal all the result of the year's work. That is the meaning of the fear of the Hebrews that is described. Where did the Hebrews hide? How many were there of the enemy?
155 (§45B). Notice that Gideon was afraid to thresh his wheat in the open place, so he was beating out a few sheaves in the hollow where they pressed the grapes. What did the angel say to him when he saw his powerful frame and how vigorously he was beating his wheat? Tell the conversation, showing how the angel encouraged Gideon. He was a brave man, but like everyone else he had lost heart. What sign was given to Gideon? It was such a solemn thing to be called by God to deliver the people that Gideon was afraid, but God encouraged him. What did Gideon build there? What did that mean?
156 (§45C). What further sign was given to Gideon to make him sure that the Lord was with him?