### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gidʻôwn**, represented by `{{H1439}}`, means **feller (i.e. warrior)** and refers to Gideon, an Israelite. It appears **39 times** across **37 unique verses** in the Bible. The name designates a pivotal figure in the book of Judges, chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Gidʻôwn** is introduced as the son of Joash the Abiezrite, found threshing wheat in secret to hide it from the Midianites [[Judges 6:11]]. When called by an angel of the LORD, Gideon expresses doubt, questioning why God had forsaken Israel [[Judges 6:13]]. After receiving a sign, he builds an altar to the LORD, naming it Jehovah-shalom [[Judges 6:24]]. Known also as Jerubbaal [[Judges 7:1]], he leads Israel into battle, but only after God reduces his army to just three hundred men, to ensure that Israel would not **vaunt** `{{H6286}}` that their "own hand hath saved" them [[Judges 7:2]]. The victory is secured through divine strategy, with the battle cry, "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon" [[Judges 7:20]]. After the victory, he refuses to rule over Israel, declaring that "the LORD shall rule over you" [[Judges 8:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Gideon's story and legacy:
* `{{H3378}}` **Yᵉrubbaʻal** (Baal will contend): This is an alternate name given to Gideon, directly linking his identity to his struggle against the worship of Baal [[Judges 7:1]]. After his death, the house of Israel showed no kindness to the house of **Jerubbaal**, namely, Gideon [[Judges 8:35]].
* `{{H646}}` **ʼêphôwd** (ephod): Gideon made an **ephod** from the spoils of war, which tragically became a **snare** `{{H4170}}` for him, his family, and all of Israel, who "went thither a whoring after it" [[Judges 8:27]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (altar): A key act of Gideon's early faith was to build an **altar** to the LORD in Ophrah, which he named Jehovah-shalom [[Judges 6:24]].
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal, a Phoenician deity): Gideon’s story is set against the backdrop of Israel's idolatry. Immediately after Gideon's death, Israel "turned again, and went a whoring after **Baalim**" [[Judges 8:33]].
### Theological Significance
The account of `{{H1439}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating key divine principles.
* **God's Power in Weakness:** The LORD intentionally reduced Gideon's army to a small band of 300 men so that the victory over Midian could only be attributed to God's power, not human strength. This prevented Israel from boasting that their "own hand hath saved" them [[Judges 7:2]].
* **The Complexity of Faith and Leadership:** While Gideon demonstrated faith by obeying God's call and leading Israel to victory, he also showed human frailty. His creation of the **ephod** `{{H646}}` led to widespread idolatry and became a **snare** `{{H4170}}` to his own **house** `{{H1004}}` [[Judges 8:27]].
* **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Rule:** When the men of Israel asked Gideon to **rule** `{{H4910}}` over them, he correctly deferred to God's authority, stating, "the LORD shall rule over you" [[Judges 8:23]]. This moment highlights the core principle of theocracy in Israel.
* **The Cycle of Apostasy:** Gideon's life and death underscore Israel's recurring pattern of turning from God. As soon as **Gideon** was dead, the children of Israel "turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim" [[Judges 8:33]], forgetting the deliverance God had provided through him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1439}}` **Gidʻôwn** is more than just the name of a historical figure; it represents the story of a **warrior** called from a place of fear and obscurity to become God's instrument of salvation. His narrative is a powerful demonstration of how God can use an unlikely individual to achieve miraculous results. However, his story also serves as a somber reminder of human weakness and the ease with which even a great leader’s legacy can be tarnished, underscoring the necessity of complete and sustained faithfulness to the LORD.
TRV