“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.”– Judges 6:15 (KJV)
“But Lord, Gideon replied, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family.”– Judges 6:15 (NLT)
“Gideon said to him, ‘But sir, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.'”– Judges 6:15 (MSG)
What Does Judges 6:15 Mean?
This verse takes place in the ancient setting of Israel when the nation found itself oppressed by the Midianites. God has called Gideon to be a leader, a judge, and a deliverer for His people. The concerns expressed by Gideon showcase feelings of inadequacy that many of us can relate to. Gideon questions how he could possibly save his people, pointing to his family background and his personal standing within that family. It’s not just about his skills or bravery, but about his perceived lack of power and influence. In his eyes, he is unworthy and inadequate to the task set before him.
We can see that through Gideon’s response, he feels overwhelmed by the task given to him by God. Often, we may feel that we are not good enough for the jobs that God calls us to. Just like Gideon, we might think that our backgrounds, resources, or reputations make us unfit. This verse teaches us that God often calls those who feel unfit or unworthy to fulfill His purposes. It reminds us that we shouldn’t underestimate what we can do because of how we see ourselves.
Judges 6:15 Explanation and Commentary
Gideon’s response to God’s call is filled with despair and doubt. He feels trapped by his circumstances and believes he is incapable of carrying out the divine mission before him. This feeling is all too common for us as we face challenges in our lives. We might struggle to see ourselves as capable or worthy of the calling we have been given, be it in our jobs, our families, or our spiritual lives. Gideon’s response captures a moment of honesty that many of us experience when we receive a calling from God. We might feel as if our situation renders us incapable of making a change.
What we often fail to notice is that it is precisely those feelings of inadequacy that God can work with. He takes our weaknesses and transforms them into strengths. God’s purpose can shine brightly despite our limitations. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t strive for personal growth or improvement. It rather means that God can use our humble beginnings for extraordinary purposes. For instance, throughout the Bible, we see God choosing individuals from unexpected backgrounds, including Moses, David, and even the disciples who were fishermen.
When we find ourselves in a place of doubt like Gideon, we should remember that God does not look for perfection or strength; He simply seeks our willingness to follow Him. There’s a sense of comfort to be found in knowing that even when we feel like we are the least among our people, God sees our hearts and our potential. This perspective can change how we approach challenges in our everyday lives.
Context of Judges 6:15
The larger narrative surrounding Judges 6 involves the Israelites straying from God and facing oppression as a result. God chooses Gideon to lead the Israelites against the Midianites, and His strategy is not to choose a warrior from the elite ranks but to call someone local, someone from a humble background. Gideon’s story speaks volumes about how God equips us for our mission, despite our reservations.
This part of Judges provides context for understanding how God intervenes in dire situations through seemingly ordinary individuals. The people of Israel were in dire need of leadership and protection. God saw that need, and in His plan, He reached out to Gideon, who at the moment could not see himself as a leader. This context teaches us that even in our most challenging moments, God is already orchestrating plans for our deliverance, often in ways we do not expect.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Judges 6:15
Gideon’s concerns can be broken down into two main points. The first is his family lineage. He refers to his family as the “poorest in Manasseh,” indicating a social status that would cast doubt on his authority as a leader. In many cultures, family background can play a significant role in one’s perceived worth. Gideon worries that his low status could affect his ability to lead others effectively.
The second aspect is his position within his family. Gideon calls himself “the least,” which emphasizes not only how he sees himself but also how society views him. In a world that places value on power and status, Gideon feels that he lacks both, which creates barriers for him to follow through with God’s plan. This duality of feeling unworthy is a powerful part of the human experience.
By breaking these parts down, we can see how they connect to our own lives. We, too, may feel overwhelmed by our circumstances and question our abilities to make a difference. Gideon’s story encourages us to challenge these thoughts. Our pasts or current social statuses do not dictate our future or our ability to fulfill God’s calling in our lives.
Lessons to Learn From Judges 6:15
There are several lessons we can learn from Gideon’s moment of uncertainty. The first lesson revolves around the idea that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. We may find ourselves in situations that make us feel inadequate. Gideon felt ill-equipped, but God saw past those inadequacies and chose him for a vital role. This indicates that our weaknesses can become strengths in God’s hands.
The second lesson relates to the importance of responding faithfully to God’s call, despite the doubts we may harbor. When we feel the urge to shy away from what God is asking us to do, it is crucial to remember that God equipped Gideon and will equip us too. Gideon’s eventual success serves as a reminder that obedience and faith are powerful tools in God’s hands.
Lastly, we learn that being honest about our feelings is essential. Gideon openly expressed his doubts and fears, and God did not scold him for it. Instead, He reassured Gideon of His presence and His power, which should encourage us to come to God with our fears. In prayer, we can be raw and honest, just as Gideon was. This openness allows God to work more effectively in our hearts and minds.
Final Thoughts
Judges 6:15 provides us with a profound look into the struggle with self-worth and the understanding of God’s call. We may feel like Gideon at times, questioning our ability to make an impact, but God’s grace enables us to step beyond our limitations. Just as He chose Gideon, He chooses us as well, regardless of our doubts or backgrounds. Instead of focusing on our perceived weaknesses, let us embrace the strengths that God provides. Knowing that He sees our potential is a wonderful source of encouragement as we navigate our spiritual journeys and life challenges.
For those eager to explore biblical lessons further, I encourage each of you to check out various passages including Joshua 10:19 or Acts 14:24. Each of these verses brings its own unique lesson that can guide us in our faith and journey through life.