Gideon

Gideon is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. In the Hebrew Bible, Gideon is one of the Judges of Israel who delivers the Israelites from Midianite oppression. The narrative appears in Judges chapters 6 through 8. According to the story, Gideon is called by an angel of the Lord while threshing grain, and he is told that the Lord will save Israel through him. He asks for signs to confirm God's will, notably the fleece tests. He reduces the Israelite army from 32,000 to 300 men and uses a surprise night assault with torches hidden in jars and trumpets to rout the Midianites, pursuing and killing the leaders Zebah and Zalmunna. After the victory, Gideon refuses a kingship, asserting that the Lord will rule over Israel; later, he forms an ephod that becomes a potential idolatrous trap.

Beyond the biblical figure, Gideon has been used as a given name in many cultures and ages, with numerous notable people and fictional characters bearing the name. The name is often associated with leadership and courage because of its biblical associations. In modern times, Gideon is also linked to organizations and institutions that reuse the name, including Gideons International, a Christian organization dedicated to distributing Bibles and Christian literature.