Mighty Warriors?

Abstract

Chapter 2 focuses on how the construction of masculinity is created through comparisons of men, including within the biblical texts and in later interpretations of these texts. First, the chapter introduces key ideas including hegemonic masculinity and multiple masculinities. Second, the chapter traces how Gideon is introduced as a “mighty warrior,” though later readers often find such a title ironic. Third, the chapter examines clues left in the texts of Judg 6:11–24, 25–32, and 33–35 that indicate these passages were rewritten by various editors, whose ideas of how a divinely appointed “mighty warrior” might act differed from the hegemonic fighting male of the Hebrew Bible. Finally, the chapter examines how select Jewish interpretations rewrote Gideon to align him with their own understanding of the ideal man as moderate, family oriented, and focused on serving God.