Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
Gideon obeys but does so at night out of fear: 'because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city.' This qualified obedience reveals Gideon's ongoing weakness—faith sufficient to obey but not yet bold enough to do so publicly. Taking ten servants suggests both the work's magnitude and Gideon's need for support/protection. The narrative balances commending obedience with exposing weakness, showing God works through flawed people. Peter's denial and later boldness (John 18:17, Acts 2:14) parallels Gideon's fearful-yet-obedient faith. God graciously accepts imperfect obedience while sanctifying His servants toward greater boldness.
Historical Context
Night operations were tactically prudent—discovery during the act would have caused immediate violent opposition. The servants' cooperation shows some within Ophrah shared Gideon's covenant faithfulness or at least loyalty to him. That ten men were needed suggests the Baal altar and Asherah pole were substantial structures, not minor household shrines. The risk was real—later, the men of the city demand Gideon's death (verse 30).
Questions for Reflection
How can we distinguish between wise prudence and faithless fear when obeying God's commands?
What does God's acceptance of Gideon's nighttime obedience teach about His patience with weak faith?
How does this account encourage believers who obey God despite fear rather than waiting for perfect courage?
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Analysis & Commentary
Gideon obeys but does so at night out of fear: 'because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city.' This qualified obedience reveals Gideon's ongoing weakness—faith sufficient to obey but not yet bold enough to do so publicly. Taking ten servants suggests both the work's magnitude and Gideon's need for support/protection. The narrative balances commending obedience with exposing weakness, showing God works through flawed people. Peter's denial and later boldness (John 18:17, Acts 2:14) parallels Gideon's fearful-yet-obedient faith. God graciously accepts imperfect obedience while sanctifying His servants toward greater boldness.