Judges 6:34

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

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.

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

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

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

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the story of Gideon, transitioning from his initial hesitation and doubt to decisive action as a leader raised up by God.

Context

The book of Judges recounts cycles of Israelite disobedience, foreign oppression, God raising up a judge to deliver them, and subsequent periods of peace followed by renewed sin. At this point in the narrative (Judges chapter 6), the Israelites are severely oppressed by the Midianites and Amalekites, who devastate their land. Gideon is introduced as a humble farmer, threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the invaders (Judges 6:11). Despite his feelings of inadequacy and questioning God, he is called by the Angel of the LORD to deliver Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment: The phrase "the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon" is central. It signifies God's special enabling power given to individuals in the Old Testament for specific tasks, in this case, leading Israel's deliverance. It wasn't a permanent indwelling but a divine equipping for service.
  • Call to Action: Blowing the trumpet served as a traditional signal in Israel to gather the people for war or assembly (see Numbers 10:9). Gideon's action demonstrates his acceptance of God's call and his initiation of the rebellion against Midianite rule.
  • Leadership and Response: Empowered by the Spirit, Gideon steps into the role of leader. The response of his own clan, Abiezer, gathering after him, is the first sign of support and the beginning of the army he would eventually lead.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "the Spirit of the LORD came upon" is ruach Yahweh labesh et, which literally means "the Spirit of the LORD clothed" or "put on" Gideon. This vivid imagery emphasizes the dynamic and active nature of the Spirit's power covering and enabling the individual for a specific divine purpose, distinct from the concept of the indwelling Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

Reflection and Application

This verse reminds us that God often calls ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Gideon, who felt like the least in his family, from the weakest clan, was empowered by God's Spirit. His action of blowing the trumpet, though simple, was a necessary step of obedience and faith following that empowerment. It shows that when God calls and empowers, we are to respond with action, trusting that He will gather others to the cause. Our own feelings of inadequacy do not disqualify us when God's Spirit is at work within us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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