The difficulty in relating idiocies of the Gideon story to reality are numerous, but if you can understand Gideon’s personal persona versus public persona; the points that I draw out in this podcast will fill in the blanks.
Gideon truly was 2 different individuals and unfortunately his private persona leaked into his public persona in terrible ways; his pursuit of kingship, idolatrous syncretism, not knowing Yahweh and following Him as he (Gideon) chose.
My invitation to you is to read chapters 6-8 again and then read chapter 9 to see what similarities exist in Abemalek’s life and choices and how he may have been influenced by his father.
God bless you all; please let me m kw if you have questions.
The Wry Pastor
Bible References:
Genesis 41:50-52
Judges 7:24-25
Judges 6:14; 7:7; 7:9
2 Chronicles 20:20-23
1 Samuel 13:8-13a
1 Kings 12:25-33
Judges 6:30-32
Judges 10:3-5
Judges 12:14-15
IDGTC - The 2 Gideons