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Today’s reading from Judges 8–9 gives us plenty of reasons why not to put our “heroes” on pedestals. 

Last night at dinner, we had a lighthearted discussion: “Who’s your favorite judge?” My daughter chose Samson. I told her I couldn’t pick him—it wasn't until his death that he did the one thing good in his life and that seemed to be born more out of vengeance than it did obedience. After yesterday’s reading (Judges 6–7), I said I might choose Gideon. He started off foolish but eventually obeyed God and was used mightily. But this morning, I take that back.

Gideon initially appeared to be a wise and humble—even diplomatic—leader. When the tribe of Ephraim confronted him for not inviting them to the first battle against Midian, Gideon defused the tension by highlighting Ephraim’s key role in the greater victory when they helped subdue the 120,000 Midianites. His diplomatic answer calmed their frustration and showed real leadership.

SIDENOTE: In chapter 7, the Midianite army was described metaphorically as “like locusts in abundance” and their camels “without number” (7:12). But chapter 8:10 reveals the actual number—120,000. That means no one, outside of the one true God, could take credit for the initial victory—no way 300 men accomplished that.

Then Gideon really seemed like a worthy judge when, in 8:23, he refused to be crowned king,

“I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”

That’s the humility we’ve longed to see from Israel! But remember Judges is a rollercoaster of spiritual highs and lows. Just a few verses later, Gideon makes an ephod out of the gold he collected as a reward—about 43 pounds—and places it in his hometown. We’re not told exactly why he made it, but the situation strongly echoes the golden calf incident. Sadly, it leads Israel into yet another spiritual downward spiral,

“Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family” (8:27).

By the end of the chapter, we learn that Gideon had many wives who bore him 70 sons, along with a concubine in Shechem who bore him another son. So, while he refused the title of “king,” he lived as if he were one—amassing power, wealth, and women in contradiction to God’s instructions in Deuteronomy 17:17,

“And [the king] shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.”

It turns out Gideon didn’t end well. Though he began by surrendering to God’s leadership, he took one step forward and two steps back. His spiritual compromises paved the way for tragedy. His son, Abimelech, by the concubine from Shechem went on to murder all but one of Gideon’s legitimate sons. Within three years, a curse pronounced by the lone surviving son, Jotham, was fulfilled—ironically delivered from Mount Gerizim, the “mountain of blessing.” Judgment fell on both Abimelech and those who had enabled his rise—the leaders at Shechem.

Takeaway: Be cautious about placing your human heroes—like Samson, Gideon, or any biblical figure—on a pedestal. Their stories are meant to point us to God, not replace Him. Even the most celebrated leaders in Scripture stumble. There is only one who is faithful, unchanging, and worthy of your full trust. Exalt God alone. He will never disappoint you.