Gideon Breaks the Altar and the Ashera

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1. "Then Shall I Bring Upon the Nations a Clear Language"

   Rabbi Yaakov Medan

   Why did God choose Avraham? The midrash offers two explanations. The story of the furnace parallels the story of Chanania, Mishael and Azaria, and the story about destroying the idols is taken from Gideon. The two parallels points to a broader connection between Avraham and these characters, and about the sin of Nimrod and The Generation of Disunity (Dor Hapalaga).

2. Gideon's Challenge

   Rabbi Michael Hattin

   Gideon's attempt to evade the mission given to him by the angel of God is reminiscent of Moshe's conduct at the Sneh. Gideon's unexpected appointment as leader of the people of Israel is not extended by God unconditionally.  He will first have to prove his fitness for the noble task by demonstrating fortitude and faith, by publicly proclaiming his opposition to the corrupt values and corrosive belief system then current among his own people. While Gideon successfully completes the task, he shows himself to have been insidiously infected by the penchant of Ba'al's adherents for seeking signs before proceeding to battle the enemy.