“And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds. prevailed: Heb. was strong”
For fear of the Midianites, they fled into the dens of the mountains.
“And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. sheep: or goat”
Even almost the whole country.
“And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.”
This is the end of God’s punishments, to call his to repentance, that they may seek for help of him.
“And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.”
Cross references: : 2 Kings 17:35 , 38 ; Jer. 10:2
“And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”
This came not of distrust, but of weakness of faith, which is in the most perfect: for no man in this life can have a perfect faith: yet the children of God have a true faith, whereby they be justified.
“And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?”
That is, Christ appearing in visible form. Which I have given thee.
“And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.”
So that we see how the flesh is enemy unto God’s vocation, which cannot be persuaded without signs.
“Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.”
By the power of God only, as in the sacrifice of [Elijah], 1 Kings 18:38 .
“And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: even: or, and”
That is, as the Chaldea text writeth, fed seven years.
“And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. rock: Heb. strong place in the ordered: or, in an orderly manner”
Which grew about Baal’s altar.
“And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.”
Meaning, the fat bull, which was kept to be offered unto Baal.
“And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.”
Thus we ought to justify them that are zealous of God’s cause, though all the multitude be against us.
“But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him. came: Heb. clothed gathered: Heb. called”
Num. 10:3 ; Judg. 3:27 Hebrew, clad Gideon . The family of Abiezer, whereof he was.
“And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,”
This request proceeded not of infidelity, but that he might be confirmed in his vocation.
“And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.”
Whereby he was assured that it was a miracle of God.