The Judges: Gideon

Judges: Gideon by Jennifer Tolbert

In the stories of the judges, and later in the kings, we see the importance of leadership. With strong, godly leaders, the Israelites please God and prosper. We also see how weak and worldly leaders lead the people away from God and the consequences of those actions. 

In Judges, we see the results of strong, but flawed people leading the Israelites. Like Moses, Gideon was hesitant to lead as God called him, but in faith did defeat the enemies of God and His people. 

Key Themes: 

• God chose Israel to bring salvation to the World. 
• Integrity is standing for what is right, even if it means standing alone. 
• God wants us to have faith in Him. 

Memory Verse

Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Songs

Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E.
He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands
​Hear, O Israel
​Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
I'm in the Lord's Army
My God is so Big
The Judges Song
​The Battle Belongs to the Lord
The Judges Song

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Gideon's Fleece
Introduce this story by telling/reminding the children about Gideon's backstory and how he asked God for a sign to make sure he was doing the right thing. If possible, show the children a lamb's fleece. 

2. Gideon’s 300 Challenge – Obstacle Course

• Activity: Set up an obstacle course representing the battle. This can demonstrate the idea of the small number of people God used in Gideon’s army.
• Materials: Cones, hula hoops, ropes, or any safe obstacle course materials.
• Instructions: Have children complete the obstacle course one at a time or in teams. Remind them that even though Gideon had only 300 men, God made them victorious. This can help them understand that with God's help, even small efforts can lead to big results.

3. Craft: “Gideon’s Horn”

• Activity: Create a craft where children make a horn (or trumpet) to represent the signal given to Gideon’s army.
• Materials: Paper, scissors, glue, markers, or crayons.
• Instructions: Guide children in making a simple trumpet out of paper, coloring and decorating it as they like. Allow the children to take part in acting out the story by blowing their horn when you get to that part. 

Story: ​In this story, Gideon is called by God to lead the Israelites. But, Gideon is hesitant at first. He wants to make sure that God was actually giving him this message. He makes a deal with God using a lamb's fleece. Both times, God showed Gideon that he was calling Gideon and promised him success. Leadership requires faith and courage, but as we see over and over again, the Israelite people are only as faithful as their leaders. 

SHOW the power point Gideon's Battle with the Midianites or read Judges 7:1-25.
EMPHASIZE that:

• God needs faithful leaders! 
• God wants us to have faith. 
• God wants us to stand up for what is right. 

Visual Aids

Video: Gideon by God's Story

Video: Gideon and His 300 Men by Saddleback Kids

Video: The Call of Gideon by My First Bible

Video: Gideon and the 300 Men by My First Bible

God is...

Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc. ​

Activities

Gideon's Torch Craft by Trueway Kids

Gideon's Torch Suncatcher by Crafting the Word of God

Gideon’s Army Banner Activity: Let children create a banner or poster representing Gideon’s army. This is a craft that helps them reflect on how Gideon’s army was small, yet God used them to win the battle.
Materials: Poster board or shield, markers, crayons, fabric scraps (to symbolize the army’s gear), stickers, and glue.
Instructions: Have the children draw or glue fabric pieces to make a banner or shield representing God’s victory through Gideon’s small army. As they do this, remind them how God used the little things to accomplish great things.