Gidon's Testing of Hashem/2

Gidon's Testing of Hashem

Exegetical Approaches

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Self doubt

Gidon did not doubt Hashem's abilities but whether he and/or the nation were worthy of Hashem's salvation.

Sources:R. Saadia Gaon, Abarbanel, Malbim

Lack of Faith

Gidon did not have full belief in Hashem, and therefore repeatedly asked for signs that Hashem would indeed bring salvation.

Sources:perhaps Ralbag

Was Gidon a prophet – According to Ralbag, Gidon himself did not have prophetic status and all the verses in which he appears to converse with Hashem really refer to his speaking with Hashem's messenger instead.¹ Ralbag claims that if Gidon was at a level to receive full prophecies, there is no way that he would need to ask for signs.

Intervening Events

Although Gidon initially trusted in the words of the angel, intervening events led him to question the promise of salvation.

Sources:Prof. Y. Elitzur

¹ Thus when the verses says "וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ י"י" or "וַיֹּאמֶר גִּדְעוֹן אֶל הָאֱלֹהִים", the word "Hashem/ Elokim" refer to a prophet, who is called after the One who sent him (שלוחו של אדם כמותו).