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Gideon

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âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was a judge of Israel who led the Israelite forces against the Midianites and dismantled the altars of Baal dedicated by his father's household.

What is the meaning of Gideon in the Bible?

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was a judge of Israel who led the Israelite forces against the Midianites and dismantled the altars of Baal dedicated by his father's household.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Gideon's narrative provides insight into the political and religious tensions of the Judges period, illustrating how leadership was often contingent upon perceived divine favor and how local cultic practices were challenged by emerging Yahwistic reforms.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Gideon reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Gideon in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Gideon clarify?

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

"Gideon." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gideon/
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