Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was the son of Joash from the tribe of Manasseh. He is mentioned in the book of Hebrews and lived during the time of the Judges. The period of the Judges lasted around 340 years, during which God raised up leaders to deliver the Israelites from oppression. The pattern during this time included disobedience, punishment, repentance, the rise of a judge as a deliverer, and subsequent peace.

The book of Judges illustrates the consequences of disobedience, including failure to occupy the land, idol worship, intermarriage with other nations, and various other sins. It could be summed up by 21:25 - 'Everyone did just as he pleased'. 

Despite all this God was merciful and ready to save his people when they turned to him in repentance and faith. A summary of the book is seen in Judges 2:16-23. The story of Gideon shows how God used an ordinary man to do the impossible. We have a powerful God who uses ordinary people to fulfil his
purposes.