Judges 6:34

“But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, etc.] Not the spirit of prophecy, as Maimonides f141, who calls this spirit the first degree of prophecy, but a spirit of fortitude and courage, as the Targum; the Spirit of God filled him, or, as in the Hebrew text, “clothed” f142 him with zeal, strength, and might, moved and animated him to engage with this great body of people come into the land, to ravage and waste it, and to attempt the deliverance of Israel from their bondage: and he blew a trumpet; as an alarm of war, and as a token to as many as heard to resort to him, and join with him in the common cause against the enemy: and Abiezer was gathered after him; the Abiezrites, one of the…”

“the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon--Called in this sudden emergency into the public service of his country, he was supernaturally endowed with wisdom and energy commensurate with the magnitude of the danger and the difficulties of his position. His summons to war was enthusiastically obeyed by all the neighboring tribes. On the eve of a perilous enterprise, he sought to fortify his mind with a fresh assurance of a divine call to the responsible office. The miracle of the fleece was a very remarkable one--especially, considering the copious dews that fall in his country. The divine patience and condescension were wonderfully manifested in reversing the form of the miracle. Gideon himself…”

“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon - See the margin. The word contains a striking thought. It is different from that used in the case of Othniel Judges 3:10, Jephthah Judges 11:29, and Samson Judges 13:25; Judges 14:6, Judges 14:19. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The spirit came - Inspiring him with extraordinary wisdom, and courage, and zeal to vindicate God's honour, and his country's liberty. The Hebrew is, The Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon; clothed him as a robe, to put honour upon him; clothed him as a coat of mail to put a defence upon him. Those are well clad that are thus clothed. Abiezer - That is, the Abiezrites, his kindred, and their servants, and others; who finding no harm coming to him for destroying Baal, but rather a blessing from God, in giving him strength and courage for so great an attempt, changed their minds, and followed him as the person by whose hands God would deliver them. Judges 6:35”

“the Spirit: Jdg 3:10, Jdg 13:25, Jdg 14:19, Jdg 15:14; Sa1 10:6, Sa1 11:6, Sa1 16:14; Ch1 12:18; Ch2 24:20; Psa 51:11; Co1 12:8-11 came upon: Heb. clothed, Rom 13:14; Gal 3:27 blew: Jdg 3:27; Num 10:3 Abiezer: Jdg 6:11, Jdg 8:2; Jos 17:2 was gathered: Heb. was called Judges 6:35”