Judges 6:15

The Call of Gideon · Judges 6:11–24
Read Judges 6

Translations

Modern
“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”
Traditional
And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
Literal
And he said to Him, “Please, my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in the house of my father.”
Latin
Qui respondens ait: Obsecro, mi domine, in quo liberabo Israël? ecce familia mea infima est in Manasse, et ego minimus in domo patris mei.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”

Notes

Gideon's personal and clan status was not enough to gather troops.

Like other prophets or judges, Gideon hesitated to obey. He doubted God's presence and his own ability (see study note on Judges 4:8; Exodus 3:1–4:17; Jeremiah 1:4–19).

Gideon met the angel of the Lord and became a hero. He destroyed the mixed Baal religion of his family and town. He then called his people to fight for the Lord.

Theme notes and profiles

Gideon

Events

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes LORD: Names or title used to refer to God Manasseh: Firstborn son of Joseph, blessed by Jacob

Glossary

Abiezer Abiezrite Amalek, Amalekites Armageddon Asher (Tribe) Gideon Gilead (Place) Joash Judges, Book of Midian, Midianite Numbers, Book of Ophrah (Place) Prophecy

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Communion: Gideon Doubting: Exemplified Excuses: General Scriptures Concerning Faith: Enjoined Gideon: His Excuses God: Appearances of To Gideon Humility: Gideon Judge: Gideon Religious Zeal: Gideon The Poor: Gideon the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Gideon