Gideon

Gideon is a Hebrew name from the Bible and means ‘he who cuts down’. The Hebrew “Gid’on” is also said to mean ‘mighty warrior, destroyer’. Like most Biblical characters, Gideon’s name is apropos for his particular story in the Bible (Judges 6-8). Gideon is one of the Major Judges (like Deborah and Samson) in the Book of Judges – he lived during a period of Israeli history when the people were decentralized and neglecting their God. As punishment, God brings about an onslaught of foreign oppression and so the Israelites repent and beg to be saved. Enter the Judges. This was pre-monarchy, and the judges were more representative of a president rather than a king. It was the job of the judge to lead and command the military and government in times of crisis. Gideon is the Judge selected to deliver the Israelis from the oppressive power of the Midianites and at first, Gideon resists this appointment fearing himself too weak and wimpy. But with all of God’s signs, assurances, instructions and help, Gideon does as he is told. The first order of business has to do with Gideon destroying (or ‘cutting down’) an alter to Baal, a pagan storm god, which greatly upsets the residents of his hometown. Next, Gideon assembles 300 men who surround the enemy camp. All the men do is reveal their fire-torches and blow their trumpets on queue and the Midianites flee in fear. Gideon’s men never even have to show their swords. Quite the mighty victory, indeed. Gideon has been a name used among Jewish people, but the Puritans also adopted Gideon at the time of the 16th century Protestant Reformation.