Gideon's Folly

'Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town.  All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.' Judges 8:27

God did great things through Gideon.  He routed an oppressive army in a miraculous way.  He turned the tables on those who mocked him.  He was a national hero - lauded from one corner of the nation to the other

People desperately wanted to install him as their king, but Gideon refused, saying 'The Lord will rule over you.'  The only thing he asked for was a small portion (ear-rings) from the plunder taken from the vanquished Midianites.  But it was this small tribute, this small acknowledgment of Gideon;s status that was made into an ephod.  The ephod became a symbol of Gideon's strength and power.  It became an idol that was a snare to Gideon and a focus of Israel's worship.

How easy it seemed whole-hearted devotion to God could be subverted by a seemingly inconsequential thing.

Prayer

Lord, there are many paths by which pride and idolatry can enter a leader's life.  Guard me I pray from Gideon's folly.

Comments

[BarrieH]

Can I join with you in saying "Amen" to your prayer? Success & Failure are Master Words. The Lord only requires of the leader obedience & trust. Nehemiah 1:11 & 2:20A

[The Artist]

Great blog Stu and great comment Barrie H.