“But the Spirit of Adonai covered Gid‘on. He sounded the call on the shofar, and Avi‘ezer rallied behind him. He sent messengers throughout all M’nasheh, and they too rallied behind him. He also sent messengers to Asher, Z’vulun and Naftali; and they came up to join them.”-Judges 6:34-35
After the Holy Spirit fully covered Gideon, we’re told he sounded the call on the shofar.
Again, understand that it was a shofar he blew and NOT a trumpet.
In this sense, the Complete Jewish Bible beats out all the other English translations in terms of accuracy.
In those days, the blowing of the shofar was the official call to battle.
Through this one act, Gideon demonstrated his authority and that he was the man who would lead Israel into battle.
It appears the people responded positively.
We’re told Avi’ezer joined Gideon.
This makes sense because Avi’ezer hailed from Gideon’s clan.
Next, a group of MALACHIM or messengers were sent out to the other tribes.
As a result, we’re told Manessah also answered the call to war.
This also makes sense because Avi’ezer’s clan belonged to Manessah.
Do you see how easy it is to grasp all of this once we understand the social structure of the tribes?
It isn’t so cryptic and puzzling now, is it?
Onward.
Next, we’re told that Asher, Naphtali and Zevelun jumped on the bandwagon.
Asher’s appearance here is a surprisingly fresh surprise.
Why do I say that?
Because if you recall, Asher was called on to help Barak battle against King Yavin of Hatzor.
And Asher refused.
Apparently, Asher preferred the comfort of staying at home instead of going into battle.
Well, that was a big mistake because Devorah, Israel’s judge at this time, condemned Asher’s behavior in her now immortalized Song of Devorah.
So it seems the Tribe of Asher had learned its lesson over the past 40 years and this time decided to answer the call to join her Hebrew brothers to fight a common enemy.
Which leads me to today’s takeaway.
When the call from God to fight a battle for His Kingdom comes, how will you respond?
Will you answer the call to battle?
Or will you let the comforts of this world pull you away and become indifferent?
The call to “war” may come in a variety of different forms.
It may come in the form of having to sacrifice your time to help a friend in need.
It may come in the form of having to make a financial sacrifice to donate to a worthy cause.
Or it may be a literal call to battle as was the case here with Gideon.
You’ll know when a call from the Lord has come.
And more often than not, it’ll probably come at an “inconvenient” time.
Either way, I ask you again.
How will you respond?
Because your response will determine your reputation and how you’ll be viewed in God’s Kingdom years later.
As it was with Asher.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“Another of the talmidim said to him,
‘Sir, first let me go and bury my father.’
But Yeshua replied, ‘Follow me, and
let the dead bury their own dead.‘”
-Matthew 8:21
“Yeshua, looking at him,
felt love for him and said to him,
‘You’re missing one thing.
Go, sell whatever you own,
give to the poor,
and you will have riches in heaven.
Then come, follow me!’
Shocked by this word,
he went away sad;
because he was a wealthy man.
Yeshua looked around and
said to his talmidim,
‘How hard it is going to be
for people with wealth to
enter the Kingdom of God!‘”
-Mark 10:21-23
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