Judges 6:13 – “‘Pardon me, my lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘but 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.’”
Extended Explanation
In Judges 6:13, Gideon responds to the angel of the Lord with honest doubt and confusion. He questions the message that God is with Israel, pointing out the suffering and oppression they are experiencing under the Midianites. Gideon recalls the stories of God’s mighty works—how God delivered Israel from Egypt with miracles and power. But in his current reality, Gideon feels abandoned, seeing no evidence of those same wonders. This verse captures the deep disconnect between what Gideon knows about God’s past actions and what he is experiencing in the present. It’s a raw expression of doubt, fear, and frustration, showing that Gideon, like many of us, struggles to reconcile faith with painful circumstances.
Historical Context
This conversation takes place during a time when Israel was suffering greatly under Midianite oppression. The Midianites’ constant raids had left the Israelites impoverished and desperate, hiding in caves and struggling to survive. Despite the miraculous history of God’s intervention in their past, such as the Exodus, the present reality seemed bleak. The Israelites were living in fear, and God’s deliverance felt like a distant memory. Gideon’s response reflects the mindset of a nation that had lost hope and felt forsaken, even though their troubles were largely a result of their disobedience and turning away from God.
Theological Implications
Gideon’s question, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened?” touches on a common theological struggle: understanding God’s presence in times of suffering. This verse challenges the belief that God’s presence means a trouble-free life. Theologically, it teaches that God’s presence doesn’t always mean immediate deliverance from hardship. Instead, God often uses difficult circumstances to draw His people back to Him, to teach them, or to set the stage for a greater purpose. Gideon’s doubt reminds us that it’s okay to bring our honest questions and struggles before God, as He is big enough to handle them.
Literary Analysis
This verse is filled with tension and emotion. Gideon’s response is respectful yet filled with frustration and disbelief. The use of rhetorical questions—“Where are all his wonders?”—emphasizes his deep sense of abandonment. The contrast between the miraculous past and the painful present is stark, highlighting the gap between expectation and reality. This narrative technique draws readers into Gideon’s internal conflict, making his struggle relatable and real. The dialogue serves as a turning point that reveals Gideon’s doubts while setting up God’s assurance and call in the verses that follow.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 77:9-11: “Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.’” This psalm echoes the same struggle of questioning God’s presence in hard times.
- Exodus 14:11-12: The Israelites question Moses at the Red Sea, asking if God brought them out to die in the desert, similar to Gideon’s doubt in God’s current involvement.
- Habakkuk 1:2-3: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save?” Like Gideon, Habakkuk expresses frustration over perceived divine silence.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Judges 6:13 is a reminder that it’s normal to question and wrestle with faith during tough times. It’s easy to feel abandoned when life’s circumstances don’t match up with the stories of God’s faithfulness we’ve heard or experienced in the past. This verse encourages believers to be honest with God about their doubts, trusting that He hears and understands. It also serves as a call to look beyond our current struggles and remember that God’s presence is not defined by our immediate circumstances but by His unchanging nature.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Even in Gideon’s doubt and frustration, God does not rebuke him. Instead, God listens and responds, showing His patience and understanding. This interaction reflects a loving God who is willing to meet His people in their doubts and provide reassurance. God’s love is not diminished by our questions; rather, it invites us to seek Him even when we don’t fully understand His ways. This verse shows that God’s love is not about shielding us from every hardship but about walking with us through them, offering hope and purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Gideon’s cry of “Where are all his wonders?” connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. In times when God’s presence felt distant, Jesus came to reveal God’s love and power in a personal way. Just as Gideon longed for evidence of God’s involvement, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate proof that God is with us. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus reassures His followers, saying, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus is the answer to our deepest questions of “Where is God?” showing that God is always present, even in the hardest times.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt like Gideon, questioning where God is in the midst of your struggles? How did you handle those feelings?
- How can remembering God’s past faithfulness help you navigate current doubts and fears?
- What does this verse teach us about bringing our honest questions to God?
- How does understanding God’s patience and love help you in moments of frustration or confusion about His presence?
- In what ways does Jesus’ promise to be with us always give you comfort and confidence, even when life feels overwhelming?