When the Crown Isn’t Confirmation

“When the Crown Isn’t Confirmation”

Scripture: Judges 8–9

There’s a difference between being chosen by the people… and being confirmed by God.

In Judges 8, Gideon is offered a crown. The people cry out for him to rule. But Gideon wisely declines, saying, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son. The Lord shall rule over you” (Judges 8:23). Sounds like humility, right? But then something shifts. Instead of taking a throne, Gideon gathers gold and builds an ephod—a spiritual garment that soon becomes an idol. What started as a refusal to rule turned into a subtle sidestep of obedience.

Then in Judges 9, we see Abimelek, Gideon’s son, force his own way to kingship by killing his brothers. His self-appointed rule ends in bloodshed and dishonor. The text doesn’t say he was anointed—only that he was made king by men.

Here’s the lesson:

Being applauded doesn’t mean being appointed.

Being handed the crown doesn’t mean you’re holding God’s favor.

And sometimes, your refusal to be crowned can still end in compromise if your heart isn’t fully yielded.

Let’s not build altars to ego when God calls us to build altars of obedience. Let’s not accept roles He hasn’t written for us—even if the people cheer. And let’s not forget: even spiritual things can become snares when birthed from flesh, not faith.

Reflection Prompt:

Where in your life have you confused influence for instruction?

Is there anything you’ve built with good intentions but poor alignment?