שופטים, פרק ו׳, פסוק ל״ד

Gideon undergoes a profound spiritual and practical transformation, receiving the divine strength necessary to fulfill his destiny and save the Israelites from the Midianites [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that God granted Gideon a powerful spirit of bravery and courage [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Expanding on this, others view this experience as the resting of the Holy Spirit [רלב״ג]. This represents the first level of prophecy, where the spirit of God rests upon a person, driving him to rescue an entire nation [מלבי״ם].

This spiritual enlightenment is also seen as a direct result of Gideon's earlier actions. Only after he risked his life to sanctify the name of God, purifying himself in the process, did he reach the elevated state where the spirit of God fully enveloped him. The specific language used to describe this spirit clothing him hints that this divine inspiration flowed directly through the Divine Presence [חומת אנך].

Fueled by this awakening, Gideon takes immediate practical action by blowing a horn. This loud blast served as a clear signal and a call to arms, urging the people to gather for the upcoming war [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Hearing the call, the people quickly assembled [מצודת ציון].

The very first to stand by his side were the members of the family of Abiezer, which included Gideon's extended family and the residents of his hometown, Ophrah [רש״י, מלבי״ם, רלב״ג]. Because Gideon belonged to this family and already served as their leader, the simple sound of his horn was enough to rally them instantly. He did not even need to send special messengers to bring them into the fold [רלב״ג].