HOME > What Does the Biblical Name Gideon Mean?
Introduction
The name Gideon is a popular biblical name that has been used for centuries. It is a name that has been given to many boys over the years, and it has a rich history and meaning behind it. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of the name Gideon as it appears in the Old Testament. We will also look at the story of Gideon and how he became a hero among the Israelites.
What Does the Name Gideon Mean?
The name Gideon is of Hebrew origin and means 'hewer' or 'feller'. It comes from the Hebrew word 'gada', which means 'to cut down' or 'to fell'. The name Gideon is first mentioned in the Old Testament in the book of Judges. Gideon was a judge and a military leader of the Israelites who lived during a time when the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites.
The Story of Gideon
The story of Gideon is found in the book of Judges, chapters 6-8. According to the story, the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites, who would come and destroy their crops and livestock. The Israelites cried out to God for help, and God sent an angel to Gideon, who was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites.
Gideon's Doubts
When the angel appeared to Gideon, he greeted him by saying, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.' Gideon, however, was skeptical and replied, 'But sir, if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.'
Gideon's Call to Action
The angel then told Gideon that he had been chosen by God to save the Israelites from the Midianites. Gideon was hesitant and asked for a sign to prove that it was really God who was speaking to him. The angel then performed a miracle, causing fire to come out of a rock and consume the meat and bread that Gideon had prepared for him.
Gideon's Army
Gideon then gathered an army of 32,000 men to fight against the Midianites. However, God told Gideon that his army was too large and that he needed to reduce it. God instructed Gideon to tell any man who was afraid to go home, and 22,000 men left. Gideon was left with only 10,000 men.
Gideon's Victory
God then instructed Gideon to take his remaining men to the river and observe how they drank water. Those who drank by putting their faces in the water were sent home, and those who drank by cupping their hands and lapping like a dog were kept. Gideon was left with only 300 men. With this small army, Gideon was able to defeat the Midianites and save the Israelites.
Conclusion
The name Gideon has a rich history and meaning behind it. It is a name that has been given to many boys over the years, and it is a name that has been associated with strength, courage, and faith. The story of Gideon is a powerful reminder of how God can use even the smallest and weakest among us to accomplish great things. It is a story of faith, courage, and victory, and it is a story that has inspired countless people over the centuries.
