Judges 8:22-35

Today's Passage: Judges 8:22-35

Verses 22-23: The people request that Gideon essentially act and rule as king. Gideon says that only God will rule over them. This, in theory, is good and right.
Verses 24-28: But, Gideon begins to do something that is so common for all of us: to say one thing but do another. He gathered people’s jewels and created an Ephod.
- “The original ephod was an ornate ceremonial garment worn by the high priest (Exodus 28; 39). It was made of choice materials ornamented with gold and onyx stones. According to the Mosaic law, there was to be only one ephod in Israel, and it was to have a “breastpiece of judgment” (Ex. 28:15–30). The ephod was used to inquire of God (cf. 1 Sam. 14:3; 23:9; 30:7). By setting up another ephod in his own city, Gideon may have been making it his own to use, at his own whim. Ultimately, it became a snare to Gideon and his family…” (ESV Study Bible)
Verses 29-35: We are introduced to Abimelech, one of the most troubling people in the book of Judges who we will study more tomorrow.

Questions for reflection:

Would you say God is the true ruler of your life? What do you need to give him in humble submission to his leadership?
How are you making sure that your heart is pure in what you say in relation to what you do? Who is speaking into your life to help make sure you are not deceiving yourself?

Written By: Graham Withers

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