Judges 6:33-35

The mobilizing of four tribes in fear 6:33-35

Some time later Israel’s enemies from the East again crossed the Jordan and massed their forces in the Valley of Jezreel near Gideon’s home (Judges 6:33). They numbered 135,000, or 135 units, depending on the meaning of eleph here (Judges 8:10). "Thousand" seems preferable (cf. Judges 7:12). This foray appears to have been the Midianites’ annual invasion.

Gideon wished to reconfirm the Lord’s promise to be with him and to lead him in victory against the enemy. Perhaps considerable time had elapsed between Gideon’s call (Judges 6:11-32) and this new threat of attack. The Spirit of the Lord came upon (lit. clothed) Gideon in a special way strengthening and defending him for his great task (Judges 6:34; cf. Genesis 28:20; Isaiah 59:17). He then sent out a call for men from several of the other tribes to join him and his family to fight the Midianites (Judges 6:34-35).

"When the ’spirit of the LORD’ first appears in Judges 3:10, it possesses Othniel, the first judge; and deliverance follows immediately. Here, however, when the spirit possesses Gideon, and despite the auspicious sign that several tribes fall into place when Gideon sounds the trumpet (Judges 6:34-35), Gideon hesitates (Judges 6:36-40). Apparently, the spirit is not effective apart from human participation . . ." [Note: McCann, pp. 65-66. Cf. 11:29-40; 13:1-25.]