This lesson from Judges 8:22–9:57, titled “Failure in the Final Lap,” chronicles the tragic downfall of Gideon after a strong beginning. Though he rightly credits God for Israel’s victory and refuses kingship, Gideon soon compromises by collecting gold and making a golden ephod—an unauthorized object of worship. His actions shift worship away from God's design, leading Israel into idolatry. Over time, Gideon amasses wealth, multiple wives, and even names his son Abimelech (“my father is king”), signaling prideful ambition. After Gideon’s death, Abimelech murders his 70 brothers and declares himself king, plunging Israel into chaos. The lesson warns believers that a good start doesn’t guarantee a faithful finish—and calls for daily humility, obedience, and dependence on God's Word.
Failure in the Final Lap
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