ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

 Pulelulu ‘Okatopa 27, 2021

the Lord will rule over you

ko Sihova pē ‘e pule kiate kimoutolu

Fakamaau 8 (Judges 8)

(v. 22-23) Pea lea ‘a e kakai ‘Isileli kia Kitione, Pule koe kiate kimautolu, ‘a koe, mo ho foha, mo e foha ‘o ho foha; he kuo ke huhu‘i kimautolu mei he nima ‘o Mitiani.

Pea lea ‘a Kitione kiate kinautolu, ‘E ‘ikai te u pule kiate kimoutolu ‘e au, pea ‘e ‘ikai pule ‘a hoku foha kiate kimoutolu: ko Sihova pē ‘e pule kiate kimoutolu.

(v. 22-23) Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Following the deliverance from the oppression of Midian, Gideon had to deal with internal troubles. The people of Ephraim objected that he had not called them to his help. The men of Succoth and Penuel had refused help in an hour of crisis. Gideon's method with Ephraim was conciliatory and that with the men of Succoth and Penuel was severe.

The last things we read about Gideon are full of interest: one is characterized by great nobility, the other is a revelation of weakness which issued in trouble. When the people virtually desired to make him king, he refused and in his refusal manifested his disinterestedness and his recognition that God was sufficient as King. On the other hand, his making of an ephod suggests that he took to himself some of the functions of the priesthood. While this was probably done out of a sense of the religious failure of the people, the effect produced was evil and resulted in deterioration of the character of Gideon himself.

David Guzik :: Study Guide for Judges 8

The desire for a human king over Israel started early in the nation’s history. Hundreds of years later (in the days of Samuel the prophet and judge), God gave Israel the king they asked for.

“They found relief in the judges who were raised up of God, and began to hanker after some ruler, visible, and of their own number. They thought that, by securing this, they would preserve themselves from the recurrence of these troubles.” (Morgan)

This was a good response from Gideon. He understood that it was not his place to take the throne over Israel, and that the Lord God was king over Israel.

“That is the true attitude of all those whom God raised up to lead and deliver His people. Their leadership must ever stop short of sovereignty. Their business is never that of superseding the Divine rule; but of interpreting it, and of leading the people to recognition of it, and submission to it. This is true, not only of kings, but also of priests, prophets, and preachers.” (Morgan)

Gideon definitely gave the right answer when he said he didn’t want to be a king; yet in the rest of the chapter he acted like one. His words were humble but his actions were not. It is easier to talk about humility and service to God than it is to actually live it.