Judges 8, part 1: the pastoral wisdom of Gideon

When Gideon’s success against Midian provokes Ephraim to contend jealously against him, he does not respond with rebuke, but with tenderness. Yet when the Israelite cities of Sukkot and Penuel contend against him, he has no mercy, instead promising to destroy them. Though the contrast seems jarring, his responses demonstrate his wisdom, insight, and righteousness, informed by the humility, subtlety, and holiness of the Spirit that is upon him.