Judges 8, part 2: the judicial wisdom of Gideon

Although Gideon’s actions seem impulsive and erratic, carefully comparing them to God’s law reveals that they are thoroughly moderated by spiritual wisdom. He responds to every challenge appropriately: to the Ephraimates with patience and love; to Sukot and Penuel with zeal and justice; to the kings of Midian as an avenger of blood. Rather than being driven by his emotions to enact cruel personal vengeance, he is driven by the Spirit to enforce justice as demanded by Torah.