Judges 6:12

Mighty man of valour. These words may suggest that Gideon had already distinguished himself by bravery in war. In the statement of ch. 8:18 there is a hint of some earlier clash with the Midianites on Mt. Tabor. Gideon, at this time, was probably nearing middle age, inasmuch as he had a son in his teens (ch. 8:20). He may also have been a man of means as indicated by the fact that he had many servants and even a personal attendant, or armor-bearer (ch. 7:10). But the fact that he may have been a person of means and reputation did not make him feel that the performance of the menial tasks of a farmer was beneath him. It is worthy of note that when God appears to men to call them to a task, or to give them a message from heaven, He generally calls on those who are busy, perhaps with their common everyday tasks, such as the apostles at fishing, or the shepherds keeping their flocks. A person employed in honest business is more likely to receive heavenly visitors than one who spends his time in idleness, for God cannot use lazy men in His cause.