The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”
Judges 8:22-23 NIV
In Judges 8, after Gideon’s victory over the kings of Midian, the Israelites approached him with a tempting offer. They said, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian” (Judges 8:22, NIV). It was an invitation to kingship, offered in gratitude for the deliverance he had brought them. Yet, behind this proposition lay a subtle scheme, one frequently used by the enemy: to exalt the instrument instead of the One who wields it.
This is a common trap in the aftermath of a great victory or miracle. When God works powerfully through an individual, people often seek to build monuments around that person. They shift their focus from God to the vessel He used, elevating the person rather than acknowledging the true source of deliverance. Such glory was never meant for man. However, human nature tends to idolise what is visible rather than worship the unseen hand of God.
Gideon, however, demonstrated remarkable discernment. He refused their offer and declared, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you” (Judges 8:23, NIV). Gideon understood that God alone was Israel’s ruler. He resisted the temptation to accept a position that did not belong to him, recognising that taking such authority would redirect Israel’s devotion from God to himself.
This decision stands in contrast to a later moment in Israel’s history, when the people demanded a king from the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 8:5). Although God’s desire was to be their King, they insisted on having a human leader like other nations. Their request was rooted in misplaced trust and a desire for human leadership rather than divine guidance. Gideon avoided repeating that mistake when the proposition came to him.
Beloved, this is a lesson for anyone whom God chooses to use. After God accomplishes something significant through you, the enemy often tempts you to make it about yourself. You may be tempted to accept praise that should be directed to God, to build your reputation rather than magnify His name. This is the subtle scheme: to shift attention away from the God of the miracle and place it on the person He used.
What should you do when this happens? Return all glory to God. Reaffirm His sovereignty over the matter and refuse to let the applause of men elevate you to a place that belongs to God alone. Do not allow admiration or accolades to lead you into pride or self-exaltation. Remember, you are merely a vessel—a tool in the hand of the Master. Your role is to redirect people’s hearts back to Jesus, not to yourself.
Do not become the ruler after the miracle. Guard your heart against the subtle pride that comes with recognition and success. Always remember who the true Deliverer is—God alone. Like Gideon, let your response be, “The Lord will rule over you.” In everything you do, point people back to Christ, ensuring He alone receives the glory.