The Carlisle independent., 1915-01-14

We have before us now the fourth apostasy and servitude of Israel, one which seems to have affected chiefly the four northernmost tribes (v. 35). In preparation for the call and work of Gideon, the sixth judge "the chil- dren of Israel cried unto heaven" and God sent unto them prophet who en- couraged their Tagging faith in Jeho- yah and turned them back to him (6:1-10). The now impoverished and overridden Israelites, who had enjoyed prosperity after their former deliver ance, had again done evil and must first judge their sin and obey the voice of Jehovah before they could receive a message of hope and deliverance through one of Jehovahs prophets.
 Gods Call to Gideon.
 1. Gideon in Prayer, w. 11-13. That the "angel of Jehovah was a mani festation of Jehovah is clear from careful reading of verse 13. There the first use of the word lord" is not cap italized, whereas in second in- stance it is caritalized This angel was foreshadowing O the incarna- tion in Jesus of Nazareth. He is clearly identified with Jehovah (see Judges 2:1, 2; Gen. 16:10, 13, R. VI. It was thus that Abraham saw my day" (John 8:56). "The angel of the Lord" at no time appears after Jesus came, as the revised text shows. The no- madic Midianites brought ruin to Is- rael as the bitter fruit of it's sin Then was uttered the cry for relief CPS. 130). The father of Gideon is passed by for he was a worshiper of Baal (v. 25). They who bear the vessels of the Lord, those through whom he works, must have clean hands. Gods call to Gid con came to him CD while he was alone, as he was threshing wheat in the hiding place of a winepress, for he dare not thresh in the customary open place of threshing floor. This call came to him (2) as he was faith fully performing his duty, that one nearest his hand (v. II, Ex. 3:1, 2; Luke 2:S, 9).
 II. Gideon in Doubt, w. 13-16. Gid cons thought must have been one of amazement as we'll as of doubt. His question, "Why then is all this befal- len us?" was a most natural one and one that men even now are asking when they are in great trouble. Suf. fering and misery are not all to be laid at Gods door, though he permit it, but chiefly at the door of sin CPS. 77:7-9; Isa. 49:1, p. It is possible that Gid con had not yet recognized his heav- enly visitor (cf. V. 21). The name Gideon means "Hewer" or "Treefeller" and indicates, as all eastern names do, something of his personal character or appearance. Hence the significance of V. IA. The Lord in the person of the angel looked upon him and said, seeing all of his natural qualifications, but with the emphasis upon the "T'- "Go in thy might have not sent thee?'
 Gideon Was the Agent.
 III. Gideon Assured, w. 33-35. Gid. cons first act on being assured of this heavenly communication was one of worship (vv. 17-26). His second one was to take ten picked men and over. throw the altar to Baal, thereby dem- onstrating the impotence of Baal and the futility of calling upon him for deliverance. The tribesmen at once light upon him as having performed this act and demand his death from Joash, his father, who seems to have hnon of (v. 25). These same men later become Gideon's enthusiastic followers (vv. 34, 35). Gideon thus translated theory into action and gained confidence. It was one man against the community, and to further rebuke them he erected an altar to Jehovah (v. 2S).
 w. Gideon's Caution, w. 36-4o. Spur. geon said that he never entered his pulpit to preach without trembling, and Gideon would have been more than human, even after assembling his army, had he been absolutely free from doubts. We should never place an ''if'' before any of Gods promises, and Jesus reprimanded those of his day when they demanded "sign" (won- der), but Gideon proved his heroism in part by his caution. Gideon was afraid of himself but was sure of God Once assured of Gods leading he was willing to lead 300 men against the overwhelming force of his enemies. If such demand was a weakness God dealt with it with marvellous patience and tenderness, just as he condescends to treat our weaknesses. The very life of the nation is at stake, everything de- pends upon ~ldeon's success or failure
 Caution and courage are never far apart. Caution i- the soul of courage.
 The fleece suggests figure of for lorn Israeli" the dew, the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the old dispensa- ton the dew rested upon Israel while others were dry. In this dispensation Israel is dry while the dew of God rests upon the nations.
 "When God calls lift your soul in prayer and follow in the direction it leads. As you lift your soul before God it will wax or wane. If it wanes, abandon it; if it waxes, follow it,