Gideon Part III- The Compromised Leader

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the chosen people. 00:00:04 Speaker 2: The Lord is beside you, and before you, Gideon's. 00:00:06 Speaker 3: Out of jewsh Nobody in the right mind would send me rescue anyone. If you were the Lord, you'd know that somewhat of a professional coward may be true. Sword of Gideon is to be greatly feared. There are rumors that his God speaks to him. What do you think, he says, they're afraid of me. No, they're afraid of me. A rise, A rise, Man of Israel. 00:00:36 Speaker 1: The men awoke and came to him. Gideon was beaming with encouragement. He was a new man, invigorated for the battle ahead. 00:00:45 Speaker 3: The Lord has given us. Mideon, be brave, be strong, for God has already given us victory. 00:00:54 Speaker 1: Then, as if the trumpets of the angels armies were descending from heaven, all three hundred men blew their trumpets. The collective sounds shook the earth. Then they threw their glass yards into the valley below, and the crashing was terrifying, and the trumpets were deafening. The mediankites couldn't see how many men were above them. They guessed it was hundreds of thousands, judging by the sound. Then all at once, the men began. 00:01:23 Speaker 3: To shout for the Lord, pad for Gideon. 00:01:26 Speaker 1: The men cheered and lifted their swords high in the air. Gideon drew his sword and ran in front. They charged the camp and overwhelmed the remaining Medianites. Gideon stood atop a hill, gazing down at the broken enemy below. His sword hung at his side, its edge red with blood. He watched as the Medianites fled in every direction, dumbling over each other like an scurrying from a flame. A strange warmth unfurled in his chest. It was not the warmth of peace or gratitude. It was something sharper, something far more dangerous. 00:02:15 Speaker 3: For the Lord and for Gideon. 00:02:18 Speaker 1: His brow lifted as the words echoed in his mind. His lips curled into a slow, thoughtful smile. 00:02:27 Speaker 3: And for Gideon. 00:02:28 Speaker 1: He tasted it, savored it. The weight of it was satisfying in his mouth, like honey on the tongue. He rolled his shoulders back, standing taller than he had before. His steps grew bolder. His stride was no longer that of a man afraid to be seen, but of a man who wanted to be seen. He twirled his sword in his hand, testing its weight with the ease of a seasoned warrior. 00:02:55 Speaker 3: For the Lord and for Guineon. 00:02:58 Speaker 1: The soldiers below heard him, and their voices rose to meet his. For the Lord and for Gideon, the child filled him with something more than courage. It was power. He felt it in his chest, warm and swelling. No longer the runt of the bitter, no longer the weakling hiding in a wine press, no longer the man desperate for a sign from God. He was Gideon, the Sword of Israel, and his enemies fled at the sound of his name. The next day, Gideon mounted a stolen Medianite cowl, its hoofs clattering against the rocky earth as he rode at the head of his army. His three hundred men followed close behind, their tortures still flickering from the Knight's attack. Ahead of them. The vast Medianite force was scattered across the countryside, running for refuge, But there would be no refuge. Every trial of Israel had heard of Gideon's victory. They knew the name of the man who had driven the Medianites from their lands. They too had suffered under Medianite rule, their grains stolen their livestock, plundered, their homes burned. So when the survivors of Median sought refuge in the surrounding cities, they were met not with mercy but with blades. Every city, every tribe, every man with a grudge against the invaders, struck them down. As they fled. Word of Gideon spread like wildfire. He was no longer just the youngest son of Joash, no longer the least of the tribe of Manassa. He was Gideon the conqueror, Gideon the Judge, Gideon the terror of Median. But something shifted in him. The purity of the victory faded, replaced by something darker. His gaze grew harder, his hand quicker. Violence, the joy of deliverance twisted into the satisfaction of dominance. Every strike of his sword, every scream of a Medianized soldier, every enemy prince that knelt before him, it all fed something inside him that he had not known. Was there the anger of a boy mocked by his brothers, the rage of a man who had once been powerless No more. They set up camp that night, Their tents circled around a larger war tent of the center inside Gideon stood at a round table, His generals and advisers gathered around him. Maps and markers were spread across the table, inked lines tracing paths of pursuit. Gideon dragged his finger across one of the maps, his eyes sharp with purpose. 00:05:54 Speaker 3: Zebra and Zilumma are all that remain, the last two princes of Midian Ascouts say they've taken refuge in Kharkar. They have fifteen thousand men left no more. 00:06:06 Speaker 1: His right hand man, Poorah, folded his arms, tilting his head with mild doubt. 00:06:12 Speaker 3: It's a long march, Gideon. We'll need more. 00:06:16 Speaker 1: Food than water. Gideon's fingers stopped on the map, pressing down on a mark representing the city of Sakketh. 00:06:23 Speaker 3: Sukkeeth lies on our path to Kharkor. We'll take what we need from there. 00:06:27 Speaker 1: They are rumors, They say Suketh and Panuos still have loyalty. 00:06:30 Speaker 3: To the Medianites. If we march there, we risk being ambushed. Am I not Gideon, the destroyer of Midianites. Every city in Israel has risen to my call. Sukkeath will do the same. We are children of Israel, are we not? They will aid us. 00:06:53 Speaker 1: The men around him nodded, though Poura's eyes lingered on him. A moment longer, the flap of the tent burst open, and two older men stormed in, faces red with fury. 00:07:06 Speaker 3: You glory hawk, you snake. Who do you think you are? 00:07:11 Speaker 1: Gideon's hands shot to his sword, his generals doing the same, steel flashing in the firelight. 00:07:17 Speaker 3: Who are you to barge into my tent? Name yourselves? We are the elders of Ephraim. You much toward without us. You robbed us of the glory of battle. 00:07:29 Speaker 1: Their voices rose with every word. Their pride had been wounded, and now they sought restitution. 00:07:37 Speaker 3: My brothers, have you not shared in the glory? Was it not your men who captured Oreb and Zeve, the princess of Midian? Did God not give them into your hands? 00:07:52 Speaker 1: The two elders hesitated. They glanced at each other, their anger softening. 00:07:57 Speaker 3: You accomplished far more than I Here I am still chasing two Midianite princes, while you have already slain to glory is yours, brothers. You have shown all Israel what it means to be mighty men of God. 00:08:15 Speaker 1: Their chests swelled with pride, nodding in agreement, their grievances forgotten. They left the tent with their heads high. Gideon smiled to himself, shaking his head. Too easy, he thought, the man who once begged for signs from God had learned how to control men without divine intervention. Words had become his new weapon. Poorah watched him from the corner of the room, his face unreadable. 00:08:43 Speaker 3: You handled them well, Gideon. 00:08:45 Speaker 1: Said nothing at first, only glanced down at the maps on the table. His eyes lingered on Kharkour, then shifted to succth. 00:08:54 Speaker 3: They forget who I am. I am Gideon, the destroyer of Minionites. They will learn to remember. 00:09:02 Speaker 1: His voice had changed. It carried an edge, now as sharp as his sword. It was no longer for the Lord and for Gideon. Soon it would simply be for Gideon. The sun bore down mercilessly on the valley, its light dancing on the surface of the Jordan River. The water rushed forward with a steady roar, its current unyielding, relentless. Gideon stood at the river's edge, his eyes locked on the blue shimmer of water. It was beautiful, yes, but it was also strong, stronger than it had any right to be. He glanced back at his men. Their faces were lined with exhaustion, their clothes stained with sweat and blood. The march had been long, their rations depleted, and their bodies worn. Thin shoulders sagged under the weight of armor and weapons. Some men leaned on their spears just to stay upright. Hunger gnawed at them. But Gideon had seen that look before in his own reflection. The slouched posture, the downcast eyes, the quiet thoughts of surrender. He hated it. Then he hated it. 00:10:20 Speaker 3: Now forward crossed the river. 00:10:23 Speaker 1: The men lifted their packs and waded into the water, their breath hissing through their teeth as the cold gripped them. Swords and shields were hoisted overhead as they tread carefully, legs trembling against the current. Gideon watched them fight the water, a quiet pride swelling in his chest. One soldier slipped his foot, catching on a stone. The current pulled him under. Another tried to help, but lost his footing too. Both were swept away, their panic gasped, swallowed by the roar of the river. Gideon's eyes followed them and till they vanished down stream. He didn't flinch. 00:11:03 Speaker 3: Gideon, shouldn't we help them keep moving? 00:11:07 Speaker 1: His men pressed on their eyes, darting from the water below to the man ahead of them. Gideon was not the same man who hid in a wine press. They reached the city of Saccoth in the later hours of the afternoon. The jagged stone walls rose high above them, blocking the sun's harsh glare. There was only one gait, a narrow passage framed by thick wooden beams. It was the kind of place that made a man feel watched the moment he entered. The soldiers kept their weapons close. The men of Saccoth were Israelites, but they did not feel like kin. Suspicious eyes watched them from every window. They had expected the gates to swing open and welcome. Instead, the people looked at them as if they were no better than the Medianites they chased. Gideon and Purah approached the city square, where the elders of Sukkoth were seated at a long wooden table. Their robes were clean, their bellies full, and their faces sour with suspicion. One of them spat in Gideon's direction. 00:12:13 Speaker 2: Gideon's son of joe Ash, why are you here, my brothers, peace be with you. 00:12:22 Speaker 3: Our war against the Midianites is nearly one. Zeba and Zaluma, the last of the enemy princes, flee before us. They've taken refuge in Corcore, and we aim to be there by tomorrow. What does that have to do with us? 00:12:38 Speaker 1: Gideon's smile twitched but remained. 00:12:41 Speaker 3: My men are exhausted. We've marched and fought for days. Now I ask only for bread and water. Supply us and we'll be on our way. 00:12:52 Speaker 1: The elders leaned into one another, whispering. Gideon and Purah exchanged a glance. The elders sat back, smug now, as if they had made a decision that pleased them greatly. 00:13:04 Speaker 2: Nah, we won't be helping you. 00:13:07 Speaker 3: Move along now, I'm sorry. 00:13:10 Speaker 2: What you'll receive no help from us, No bread, no water, nothing. Now run along to your game of Midian eyed hide and seek. 00:13:22 Speaker 3: Would you deny bread to your own kin? You would leave us to starve while we are on the brink of victory. Victory? What victory? 00:13:33 Speaker 2: I don't see the heads of sea bulls al Moona in your hands. All I see is a man who once hid from his brothers and stole his food in secret. Do you think we've forgotten you're the runt? Gideon, still are as far as I can see. Come back with the heads of your enemies. 00:13:52 Speaker 3: And perhaps you'll see some bread. 00:13:55 Speaker 1: Laughter filled the room. Gideon's hand flew to his sword, and in one motion he drew it high and brought it down on the table. The woods splintered, but only barely. It was a poor strike. The elders leaned back, laughing harder. Now Gideon's failed attempt at threatening them only made things worse. Gideon struggled to pull his sword from the table. 00:14:19 Speaker 3: Woo, the wolf's got no bite. Poor. 00:14:23 Speaker 1: I reached for his blade, but Gideon raised a hand to stop him. His eyes burned with quiet fury. Slowly he sheathed his sword, drawing a long breath through his nose. 00:14:36 Speaker 3: Very well, I'll leave with my men. 00:14:40 Speaker 1: But then he stepped forward, his hands pressing down on the table, his eyes locking with the elders. 00:14:47 Speaker 3: When the Lord delivers Zeba and the Luma into my hand, I will return, and when I do, I will fill your flesh with thorns and priors. 00:14:59 Speaker 1: The elder face twitched, his grin faltering for the first time. His eyes shifted to the ground. Gideon pushed away from the table, a wicked smile curling at the edge of his lips sees. He turned and strode out of the hall, Pourah at his side. 00:15:18 Speaker 3: What now, men neat food? If we don't replenish our supplies, we'll never make. 00:15:25 Speaker 1: It to car Gideon's eyes were forward, his face set like stone. 00:15:30 Speaker 3: We go to Penwel. Perhaps they'll be wiser than their sister city. 00:15:37 Speaker 1: The tower of Penuel rose high into the sky, its shadow cast long over the city below. It was a symbol of pride, a monument to their strength. Gideon eyed it with quiet disdain as he passed through the gates. The council of Penuel was no warmer than Sucketh. 00:15:57 Speaker 3: We ask only for bread. Give my then what they need, and we will leave. 00:16:02 Speaker 1: The elder of Penuel barely waited for him to finish. Gideon's eyes flicked to the tower. 00:16:10 Speaker 3: I will come back for my bread, and when I do, I will tear down that tower stone by stone. 00:16:18 Speaker 1: He didn't wait for their reply. He left the hall with a fire in his chest and his jaw set like iron. His hands were trembling, but not from fear. 00:16:29 Speaker 3: You'll see they'll all see what I'm capable of. 00:16:33 Speaker 1: Gideon failed to reflect on why he was being met with so much disrespect. His victories were not his own, they were the lords, and the further Gideon strayed from the Lord's heart, the more resistance he would find. The stillness of the battlefield was unlike any Gideon had known. No shouts, no clash of steel, no roar of trumpets. The city of Cark lay before him like a beast with its belly exposed. No guards on the eastern side, no watchmen on the walls. The campfires flickered lazily in the cool night air. Gideon crouched on a ridge, gazing down with eyes as sharp as a hawk's. His generals knelt beside him, waiting for orders. 00:17:21 Speaker 3: No centuries, no lookouts. They think they're safe force. They thought I wouldn't come for them. 00:17:30 Speaker 1: He turned to his men, his voice low but full of iron. 00:17:34 Speaker 3: We attack at night. No torches, no horns, no grand gestures. We go straight for the heart. We kill the guards, sit the tints of blaze, and drag the princes from the fire. Once Zebra and the Luma are ours, the rest will flee like rats. No mercy, no prisoners. 00:17:55 Speaker 1: The men nodded. It was not the plan of a tactician. It was not the plan of a warrior. It was the plan of a scavenger. The moon was hidden behind a blanket of clouds, and the world below was cast in shadow. Gideon's men moved in the darkness like whispers of wind, bare feet on stone, blades, held low breath, quiet as death itself. Gideon led the charge, every step deliberate. He crouched behind a tent as two guards walked past. They spoke softly to one another, their voices too distant to be understood. Gideon rose behind them, his dagger in hand. In one swift motion, he grabbed the first guard from behind, Clamping a hand over his mouth, The dagger slid across his throat, quick and clean. The guard's body went limp. The second guard spun, eyes wide with shock, but Gideon was faster. His blade plunged into the man's stomach, deep and twisting, the warmth of blood on his hands. As he lowered the body to the ground, he wiped his hands on his tunic, breath, steady, eyes cold. He dragged the bodies behind a boulder and glanced at his men, nodding. Once the shadows moved again, tents were ignited. One by one. Small flames licked at the edges of canvas until the entire camp came to life in a blaze. Smoke billowed upward, and screams echoed through the valley. The Mediannited soldiers stumbled out of their tents, coughing and shouting to one another. Chaos spread like wildfire. They groped for weapons, tripped over one another, and ran in every direction. But Gideon was in pursuit. He strode toward the largest tent at the heart of the camp, where the princes slept. His eyes gleamed like embers in the night. He grabbed a torch from the ground, raised it high, and flung it on to the roof of the tent. Flames spread instant devouring the fabric, turning it to ash. 00:20:04 Speaker 3: Come out, little princes, come out, or burn with your gold. 00:20:10 Speaker 1: The canvas erupted in flame, and from within the muffled shouts of panic. Moments later, two figures stumbled out, choking on smoke. It was them, Ziba and Zalmana, the last of the media Nited princes. Gideon broke into a sprint. Poura, close behind Gideon, moved like a wolf, chasing wounded prey. Zibal's leg buckled as a dagger thrown by Gideon buried itself in his calf. He collapsed with a pained shout, clawing at the dirt. Zalmana turned eyes, wild face twisted with rage. He saw Gideon coming and roared, charging with a sword in hand. The two of them crashed together, a tangle of limbs and steel. Gideon's back slammed against the ground, his breath driven from his lungs. He gasped, panic rising in his chest. Salmonar's hands wrapped around his neck, crushing his windpipe. Gideon clawed at his wrists, his eyes bulging with fear. 00:21:12 Speaker 3: Not like this, not like this, No, let me go. 00:21:18 Speaker 1: Zalmanar grinned at Gideon's cowardice. The world dimmed around him, His vision blurred, his thoughts grew sluggish. His hands searched the ground beside him, desperate for anything to save him. His fingers found a stone. He gripped it tight with the last flicker of his strength. He swung it upward, but it did nothing. The Prince laughed and pressed further. Gideon began to cry like a child. Just then Poora appeared, leaping onto Zalmanah and slamming him into the dirt. He twisted the prince's arms behind him, binding them with rope. Other men swarmed Zeba, dragging him to the ground and tying his hands behind his back. Gideon lay on his back, breathing hard, his chest rising and falling like a bellow's, his eyes locked onto the two princes, bound and bleeding in the dirt. Now in the power position again, Gideon's tone turned back to arrogance. 00:22:20 Speaker 3: For the Lord and for Gideon. 00:22:25 Speaker 1: The path to Sucketh was steep, winding, and shaded by cypress trees, but there was no peace in the shade. Gideon's heart was a storm, his mind a whirlpo of fury and hunger. His hands gripped the reins of his camel. Bound to the beast. Were Zeba and Zalmanah limping behind, like cattle dragged to slaughter. The sun was setting when Gideon entered Sukeeth. He strode through the gates with his head high, his generals behind him, his prisoners bound like trophies. The people stared. He had them all dragged from their homes. The seventy seven elders brought before him. They knelt shaking, eyes downcast. 00:23:11 Speaker 3: Behold siebah has Luma. I have conquered them. Ah. 00:23:19 Speaker 4: I asked for Brenny, and you gave me scorn. Now I give you justice. Find the elders of suck Off. I made a promise that I intend to keep. 00:23:32 Speaker 1: They were lashed to posts. Gideon pulled a whip of thorns from his belt. It bit into their flesh with every strike, blood spilling on the stone below. The elders screamed, but Gideon did not stop. 00:23:47 Speaker 3: How dare you told me? How dare you refuse me? 00:23:52 Speaker 1: His face was twisted wild. His soldiers glanced at one another, uneasy. This is not Gideon, they thought, but it was. It had always been cowards, when given power, turn into the very people they had always feared. Next on his rampage of vengeance was the city of Penuel. Gideon's hands were still stained red from the blood of the Sircothian elders. He walked with intent into the city and shouted. 00:24:27 Speaker 3: Leaders of Penuel, where are you come out? 00:24:32 Speaker 1: Slowly the people of Penuel emerged from their homes and businesses. Gideon's eyes were dark with bloodthirst and indignant rage. 00:24:42 Speaker 3: I have come here to fulfill a promise. Bring in the oxen. 00:24:48 Speaker 1: He turned to the tower in the middle of the city and shouted to his men. They brought in a dozen oxen and yoked them to the tower. They had the oxen pull at the pillars holding up the base of the tower, and slowly it began to crack. The citizens of Penuel cried out in horror as the great tower crumbled to the ground. The crash shook the earth, and many men in the city ran and attacked Gideon. He drew out his sword and killed a young man who tried to stop him. More came out, and Gideon killed them with the edge of his blade. He and the rest of his men battled against the men of Penuel, and one by one they fell. Gideon was a man possessed by anger. On the outside, it looked like righteousness, but God knew what dwelled within his heart. God knew that he was still a frightened child, lashing out because he felt small. God could see the wickedness of the compromised judge. Hundreds of Penuellian men lay dead on the floor. Gideon stood over them like a lion over his kill. The media eyed princes were still bound in the corner watching. They scoffed at Gudeadian's unhinged rage. Gideon looked over and marched towards them. 00:26:06 Speaker 3: You are right to fear it. Now that I'm done here, it's time to deal with you. 00:26:15 Speaker 1: Gideon took his sword out of the man's shoulder and pointed to one of his sons. 00:26:19 Speaker 3: Jeff, my boy, come here. 00:26:22 Speaker 1: Gideon placed a sword in Jeitha's hand and gestured to the prince's The boy was frozen in place. He did not want any hand in his father's outrage. 00:26:34 Speaker 3: Kill them. 00:26:36 Speaker 1: He spat again towards Gideon. Gideon wiped the spit from his face, lifted his sword in the air, and drove it downward at Zeba's head. Zalmana remained still and prayed silently to his god. Gideon took his sword and drove it slowly into his neck. Blood gushed out and spilled onto the hilt of Gideon's sword. He watched the life slowly fade from his eyes until he was no more. Gideon stood up straight and rolled his neck back. He sighed and looked to his men. Oh tired, let's go home. Long live Gideon, they shouted. The people of Israel welcomed the judge with open arms. They cheered and laughed as he and his three hundred entered the city gates. Gideon was proud of what he had accomplished, but slightly hung over from the trunken rage that had consumed him for weeks. His head was foggy and loose. He felt as though he had stepped out of the dream and was becoming reacquainted with reality. However, it did not take long for him to step back into delusions of grandeur. They proclaimed his name as if he were the Lord himself, and paraded him around all the tribes of Israel. Rule over us, they shouted, be I King. Gideon was taken aback by their request. He quieted them and gave a humble smile. 00:28:07 Speaker 3: I will not be your king. I will not rule over you, and my sons will not rule over you. For only God is your king. 00:28:15 Speaker 1: Gideon knew his answer would make them love him even more. People love false humility in their leaders. They ate it up and ironically fed his pride even further. Gideon pondered for a moment the opportunity before him. 00:28:30 Speaker 3: The king. No, no, no, no, I shouldn't be a king. I shall be more than a king. 00:28:39 Speaker 1: The same evil that had slithered among the hearts of man since the beginning slowly wrapped around Gideon's heart. The lie I can be like God resonated in his mind and squeezed at the desire of his flesh. Gideon stood before the people. 00:28:58 Speaker 3: I will not be your king, for God alone is your ruler. However, I do ask one thing of you. Every Midianite had a gold earring, and you took them for the spoils of war. I request only that you give me those ear rings. 00:29:17 Speaker 1: The people happily gave Gideon what he requested. It seemed like an odd request. Gideon was now a very rich man from the raid of the Medianites. What need did he have for gold ear rings? They were placed at Gideon's feet, along with other precious gems and garments. Gideon then proceeded to craft an ephod of gold, purple and precious gems. It glimmered in the sunlight, and all the people were in awe. It was a hideous misstep by Gideon. Ephods were for the priests of Israel, set apart and holy the tabernacle. The center of worship for Israel was at Shiloh in the territory of Ephraim. Gideon set up a rival place of worship to compete against the tribe that troubled him in the battle against Median. It was a dangerous and spiteful act that the people did not care. They hoard after the ephod and clamored to visit it continually. They worshiped near it, made sacrifices to it, and treated it as though it was God himself. They had forsaken the idols of the Canaanites all to worship a God of their own making. It was a Yahweh adjacent, but not the same. Although Gideon refused to be king, he named his son Jerebel, which means my father is king. It was a clear look into the heart of Gideon. The ones fearful and timid judge had taken on the mantle of ruler, priest and commander of God's people. He reigned for forty years, amassing wealth, concubines and descendants. Was honored as a redeemer of Israel and proclaimed as a savior, but he was a compromised hero. His heart was easily taken captive by the pride of life. The faithfulness of Israel matched the faithfulness of their hero. They puffed themselves up with pride, did as they pleased, and gave into their desires. Israel needed a greater king, a greater redeemer. They needed a king who would not bow to the temptation of lordship or power. They needed a hero who would give his life for the people instead of taking vengeance. They needed a savior from the real enemy sin. This pray dog comproduction is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative townance. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwold, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot Com App, available on the Apple App Store and Google play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.