Judges 6:34

KJV

But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} came {H3847} upon Gideon {H1439}, and he blew {H8628} a trumpet {H7782}; and Abiezer {H44} was gathered {H2199} after {H310} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the Spirit of ADONAI covered Gid'on. He sounded the call on the shofar, and Avi'ezer rallied behind him.

Berean Standard Bible

So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him.

American Standard Version

But the Spirit of Jehovah came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together after him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:34 marks a dramatic turning point in the narrative of Gideon, illustrating God's transformative empowerment of a hesitant individual for a monumental task. Following a period of doubt and testing, the Spirit of the LORD decisively "comes upon" Gideon, imbuing him with divine strength and authority. This spiritual enablement immediately propels Gideon into action, as he blows a trumpet—a traditional call to war—signaling his acceptance of God's commission and initiating the mobilization of Israel against their Midianite oppressors, beginning with the immediate rallying of his own clan, Abiezer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:34 is a pivotal moment in the Gideon narrative, following a series of divine encounters and tests that underscore Gideon's initial reluctance and God's persistent assurance. Prior to this verse, the Angel of the LORD had called Gideon to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, despite Gideon's humble origins and self-perceived inadequacy ([Judges 6:11-16](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-16 - Gideon's Calling")). Gideon had sought confirmation through a sacrificial offering ([Judges 6:17-21](/judges/6-17 "Judges 6:17-21 - Gideon's Offering")), built an altar to Yahweh Shalom ([Judges 6:24](/judges/6-24 "Judges 6:24 - Yahweh Shalom")), and, crucially, obeyed God's command to tear down his father's altar to Baal and Asherah pole, building an altar to the LORD in their place ([Judges 6:25-27](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-27 - Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar")). This act of faith, though initially done under the cover of night due to fear, demonstrated a nascent obedience. The Midianites and Amalekites had then gathered for battle in the Valley of Jezreel ([Judges 6:33](/judges/6-33 "Judges 6:33 - Midianites Gather")), setting the stage for Gideon's divinely empowered response. This verse thus transitions Gideon from a figure of hesitant faith to one of decisive, Spirit-led action, initiating the military phase of his judgeship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 12th-11th centuries BC) was characterized by a decentralized Israelite society, frequent cycles of apostasy, foreign oppression, and divine deliverance through charismatic leaders. The Midianites, often allied with the Amalekites and "people of the East," were nomadic raiders who, for seven years, had severely oppressed Israel, devastating their crops and livestock, driving them to hide in caves and strongholds ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian")). This oppression was so severe that it threatened Israel's very subsistence. In this context, the blowing of a trumpet (specifically a *shofar* or ram's horn) was a well-understood signal in ancient Israel. It served various purposes, including assembling the congregation, announcing new moons and festivals, and, most relevant here, sounding an alarm for war or summoning troops ([Numbers 10:9](/numbers/10-9 "Numbers 10:9 - Use of Trumpets in War")). Gideon's action was a public declaration of defiance against the oppressors and a call for his kinsmen to rally for battle, relying on the traditional tribal structures for initial support.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes within the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. Firstly, **Divine Empowerment** is paramount; the phrase "the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon" signifies God's direct, supernatural enabling of an individual for a specific, extraordinary task of leadership and deliverance. This was not a permanent indwelling but a dynamic, active covering for service, distinct from the New Testament concept of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Secondly, **Obedience and Faith-Initiated Action** are highlighted; Gideon's blowing of the trumpet is his first public act of leadership, demonstrating his acceptance of God's call and his willingness to step out in faith despite his previous doubts. This act of obedience, though seemingly simple, was crucial for mobilizing the people. Thirdly, the theme of **God's Initiative in Deliverance** is reinforced; it is God who chooses, calls, empowers, and orchestrates the deliverance, using human agents like Gideon. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Leadership and Response**, showing the initial rallying of Gideon's own clan, Abiezer, as the foundational step in forming the army that God would use to defeat the Midianites, foreshadowing the larger gathering of tribes ([Judges 6:35](/judges/6-35 "Judges 6:35 - Gideon Summons Tribes")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach'_):** This term refers to the "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In the context of "the Spirit of the LORD," it denotes the active, dynamic, and empowering presence of God. When the *ruach Yahweh* "came upon" or "clothed" an individual in the Old Testament, it signified a special, temporary endowment of divine power, wisdom, or courage for a specific task, such as prophecy, craftsmanship, or, as here, military leadership. It was God's enabling force, distinct from a permanent indwelling.
* **Came upon (Hebrew, _labesh'_):** The Hebrew verb `labesh` literally means "to clothe" or "to put on." This vivid imagery suggests that the Spirit of the LORD enveloped Gideon, covering him entirely, much like a garment. It emphasizes the dynamic and active nature of the Spirit's power, which fully equipped Gideon, transforming him from a fearful farmer into a divinely authorized leader. This is a powerful metaphor for being fully invested with divine authority and capability.
* **Trumpet (Hebrew, _shofar'_):** The *shofar* was a ram's horn, used for various purposes in ancient Israel. Its sound was distinctive and universally understood. In this context, its blowing served as a traditional military signal, a call to arms, or an alarm. Gideon's act of blowing the *shofar* was not merely a practical communication method but a symbolic declaration of war, a public affirmation of his divine commission, and a rallying cry for the tribes of Israel to unite against their oppressors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon":** This clause marks the decisive moment of divine empowerment. It signifies God's direct intervention, endowing Gideon with supernatural strength, courage, and authority necessary for the daunting task ahead. This is the divine catalyst that transforms Gideon from a hesitant, fearful individual into a capable leader. The imagery of the Spirit "clothing" Gideon emphasizes a complete and active empowerment.
* **"and he blew a trumpet":** This is Gideon's immediate, tangible response to the Spirit's empowerment. The blowing of the *shofar* is an act of obedience and faith, signifying his acceptance of God's call and his initiation of the rebellion. It is a public, unmistakable declaration, moving from private doubt to public action, and serving as the traditional signal to gather the people for war.
* **"and Abiezer was gathered after him":** This clause describes the immediate, positive response to Gideon's call. Abiezer was Gideon's own clan within the tribe of Manasseh ([Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - Gideon's Clan")). Their immediate rallying signifies the first fruit of Gideon's Spirit-empowered leadership, demonstrating that God was indeed working through him and beginning to gather the necessary forces for deliverance. This initial support from his own kin provided the foundational base for the larger army.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Empowerment** is evident in the phrase "the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon," which is a theological concept presented as a narrative event, directly attributing Gideon's subsequent actions to God's supernatural enabling. The verb `labesh` ("clothed") functions as a vivid **Metaphor**, portraying the Spirit as a garment that envelops and equips Gideon, emphasizing the totality of the divine endowment. The act of "blowing a trumpet" serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only a practical call to arms but also a public declaration of war, a rallying cry, and a sign of Gideon's newfound authority and commitment. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Narrative Progression**, marking a clear shift from Gideon's earlier hesitation and testing to his active, Spirit-led leadership, setting the stage for the subsequent military campaigns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:34 is a profound illustration of God's sovereign choice and empowerment of individuals for specific redemptive purposes. The concept of the "Spirit of the LORD coming upon" someone is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, signifying a special, temporary endowment of divine ability for leadership, prophecy, or craftsmanship, as seen in figures like Othniel ([Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Othniel Empowered by the Spirit")), Samson ([Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Samson Empowered")), and Saul ([1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "Saul Empowered")). This empowerment was always for a specific task related to God's covenant purposes for Israel, demonstrating that human ability alone is insufficient for divine tasks. It highlights God's initiative in raising up deliverers and equipping them supernaturally, often selecting those who seem least qualified, thereby ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone. This Old Testament pattern foreshadows the New Testament outpouring of the Holy Spirit, albeit with a crucial difference in permanence and indwelling.

* [Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Othniel Empowered by the Spirit")
* [1 Samuel 11:6](/1_samuel/11-6 "The Spirit of God Rushes Upon Saul")
* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is Upon Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's story, culminating in this moment of divine empowerment, offers profound lessons for believers today. Often, like Gideon, we feel inadequate, small, or ill-equipped for the challenges and callings God places before us. We may rationalize our fears with perceived weaknesses or humble origins, just as Gideon did. However, this verse powerfully reminds us that God's empowering Spirit is not limited by our perceived deficiencies but rather thrives in our weakness, demonstrating His strength through us. When the Spirit of the LORD "comes upon" us—in the New Covenant sense of indwelling and empowering—our task is to respond in faith and obedience, just as Gideon blew the trumpet. Our "trumpet blast" might be a step of service, a word of witness, an act of justice, or a commitment to a difficult task. It is in this active, obedient response that God validates His call and begins to gather others to His purpose. Our feelings of inadequacy are not disqualifiers but rather prerequisites for God to display His glory through our surrendered lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or calling do you feel inadequate, much like Gideon?**
* **How does the concept of the Spirit "coming upon" Gideon encourage you to trust in God's empowerment for your own tasks?**
* **What "trumpet" might God be calling you to blow—what specific act of obedience is He prompting you to take?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit's enabling power in your daily life and service?**

### FAQ

**What does "the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon" mean in the Old Testament context?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, the phrase "the Spirit of the LORD came upon" (or "clothed," or "rushed upon") an individual signifies a special, temporary endowment of divine power, wisdom, or courage for a specific task. This was not a permanent indwelling of the Spirit, as experienced by New Testament believers, but rather a dynamic, active covering that enabled prophets, judges, and kings to accomplish God's will. For Gideon, it meant he was supernaturally equipped for military leadership and the deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression, transforming him from a fearful farmer into a decisive leader.

**Why was blowing a trumpet significant in this context?**

Answer: The blowing of a trumpet, specifically a *shofar* (ram's horn), was a multi-purpose signal in ancient Israelite culture. In this context, it primarily served as a call to arms or a rallying cry for war. Gideon's act of blowing the trumpet was his public declaration of war against the Midianites and a summons for the tribes of Israel to gather and fight. It was an act of obedience to God's call and a demonstration of his newfound, Spirit-empowered leadership, initiating the military phase of the deliverance.

**Who was Abiezer, and why was their gathering significant?**

Answer: Abiezer was Gideon's own clan, a subdivision of the tribe of Manasseh ([Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - Gideon's Clan")). Their immediate gathering after Gideon blew the trumpet was highly significant because it represented the first tangible response to his call. It demonstrated that God was indeed working through Gideon, securing the initial, crucial support from his own kin. This initial rallying of Abiezer provided the foundational base for the larger army that would eventually be assembled from other tribes, signaling the beginning of Israel's unified resistance against their oppressors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:34, with its depiction of the Spirit of the LORD empowering Gideon for deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Gideon was temporarily clothed with the Spirit for a specific, limited deliverance, Jesus is the one upon whom the Spirit descended and remained permanently ([John 1:32](/john/1-32 "John 1:32 - The Spirit Descends on Jesus")), without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - God Gives the Spirit Without Limit")). Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer, not merely from physical oppression but from the bondage of sin and death itself ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Gideon's blowing of the trumpet to gather an army foreshadows Christ's ultimate call to His followers, not with a physical trumpet but through the proclamation of the gospel, gathering a spiritual army for the Kingdom of God ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Furthermore, the temporary empowerment of the Spirit in the Old Testament gives way to the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in all believers after Christ's ascension, as promised by Jesus ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) and poured out at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). Through Christ, we are not merely empowered for specific tasks but are indwelt by the Spirit, enabling us to live lives of righteousness and participate in God's ongoing redemptive work in the world ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, Gideon's empowerment points to the greater, permanent, and transformative empowerment available to all who are in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 3:27

And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.

Judges 3:10

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

2 Chronicles 24:20

And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.

1 Chronicles 12:18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

Romans 13:14

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Psalms 51:11

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.