At the officers’ training school near Mitzpe Ramon stands a huge sign bearing the words: “Look to me and do as I do” (Judges 7:17). Under this motto of Gideon, IDF officers swear allegiance to the army and to the State of Israel.
And indeed, Gideon still exerts enormous influence and inspiration on the Zionist project and the battles of our time:
- 1913 – The underground organization N.I.L.I. was originally called the “Gideonites”
- 1938 – The night commandos were called the “Gideon Force”
- 1948 – The Golani Battalion was called the “Gideon Battalion”
- 1990 – The undercover police unit is called the “Gideonim Unit”
- 2025 – The operation in Gaza was named “Gideon’s Chariots”
Even in his own lifetime, the people saw Gideon as a great judge. He was the only one his contemporaries wanted to make king (Judges 8:22). Gideon is a fascinating figure who undergoes a profound transformation to become a warrior and a role model down to the present day. He also goes through a mental process that...
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