Written by Blake Randolph

Gideon does not see himself as a hero.

He feels overlooked by his family, powerless against the Midianites, and unsure that God is even paying attention. So when the Angel of the Lord suddenly calls him a “mighty hero,” Gideon has a hard time believing it.

What follows is a journey from fear and doubt to faith and courage. Gideon questions, asks for signs, struggles with his own weakness, and eventually learns that victory will not depend on the size of his army or the strength of his own abilities. It will depend on trusting the God who called him.

Gideon is a lively Old Testament drama filled with humor, action, memorable characters, and a strong message about trusting God when the odds seem impossible. Churches will recognize the familiar story of the fleece, Gideon’s reduced army of 300 men, and the surprising victory God provides.

At its heart, this is the story of an ordinary person discovering that God can accomplish extraordinary things through someone willing to trust Him.

Script Details

Run Time: Approximately 25 to 35 minutes

Suggested Cast: 10 to 12 actors

Cast Flexibility: Additional Israelite and Midianite soldiers may be added as needed.

Main Characters

Gideon
Purah
Sister
Angel of the Lord
Narrator

Supporting Characters

Midianite Soldier 1
Midianite Soldier 2
Midianite Soldier 3
Israelite Soldier 1
Israelite Soldier 2
Additional Israelite and Midianite soldiers as needed

Setting

Multiple simple biblical locations, including:

Marketplace
Tree at Ophrah
Gideon’s home
Israel’s battle camp
Midianite camp

Props

Basket and fake fig
Market tables and food
Wheat or grain and threshing tool
Tree and rock
Angel’s staff
Fake goat meat, flour, bread, and bowl
Fire effect
Wool fleece
Water bowl
Scroll and quill
Bedrolls or blankets
Campfire effect
Fake food and plates
Ram’s horns
Swords

Category

Bible Drama

Topics / Themes

Gideon
Faith
Trusting God
Courage
Doubt
God’s Calling
Obedience
Old Testament
Overcoming Fear
God’s Strength
Leadership
Prayer

Bible Reference

Judges 6-7

Sample Script

Download Gideon sample script

EXT. MARKETPLACE - DAY. 1

NARRATOR
All throughout Scripture, we hear stories of great men and women of faith whom God used to do mighty things. Moses parted the Red Sea. Daniel was thrown into a den of lions and survived. Esther saved her people from destruction. However, one man many people tend to overlook is Gideon. And as you’ll see, he may be one of the most relatable people in all of Scripture. During his time, darkness covered the land of Israel. The people were crushed under the weight of their enemies—the Midianites. Israel did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, and as often happens when people choose their own way instead of God’s, they were overtaken. These enemies were so cruel that the Israelites hid in mountains and caves. Whenever they planted crops, raiders from Midian, Amalek, and the east would sweep in—destroying everything, stealing livestock, and leaving them with nothing to eat.

Their enemies were as thick as locusts, with camels too numerous to count, and they stayed until the land was stripped bare. Israel was reduced to starvation. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help… and help He did. Soon, the Lord would send an angel to a man who would rescue Israel. And trust me… he was NOT expecting what was about to happen.

Gideon and his sister are seen walking through the marketplace. His sister carries a small basket with one fig.

SISTER
Keep your eyes peeled, Gideon. We need to find something more than a one-fig dinner tonight!

GIDEON
Yes, I know, sister! I heard you the first thousand times! How are we supposed to find anything in this mess? The Midianites have completely wrecked the place.

SISTER
As they always do. Maybe you could take them on, brother! Use your mighty strength to scare them off like a fearsome ghost!

Sister punches Gideon playfully.

GIDEON
Yeah, I’m a ghost, alright—but definitely not a fearsome one. Just this morning, father was fixing the front door. You know how it always—

GIDEON AND SISTER
Creaks!

SISTER
Yes, I practically hear it in my dreams.

GIDEON
Well, I asked father if he needed help with anything, and you know what he said?

SISTER
What?

GIDEON
What do you think?! Nothing! He completely ignored me. I’m the least in the family—the most average, the smallest. I might as well be the family donkey!

SISTER
Brother!

GIDEON
I’m not finished! I don’t even know what I want to do with my life or who I’m supposed to be! You know what my future is? I’ll be the town dung collector! Cleaning up after all the Midianites’ camels—every last one of them!

SISTER
Oh, brother, stop that! You know how father is. He ignores me sometimes too!

GIDEON
(Sarcastically) Oh yes—father’s PERFECT ANGEL, ROSE BLOSSOM, FINEST PEARL IN THE SEA!

SISTER
Oh, be quiet! I can’t help that I’m father’s—and, well… everyone else’s—favorite!

Both laugh.

SISTER
Besides, you don’t need father’s approval. All you need is God’s. He has a plan for you, brother—I know it. Sometimes it just takes time for the Lord to reveal what He would have us do.

GIDEON
Well, I—

Suddenly, a Midianite soldier storms through, knocking over tables and grabbing whatever is left in the marketplace. He spots Gideon’s sister.

MIDIANITE SOLDIER 1
(to Sister) Hello, beautiful.

Gideon steps in front of his sister, clearly nervous but trying to be bold.

GIDEON
We have nothing to offer you, Mr… uh… soldier man. So please, just keep moving.

The soldier steps closer to Gideon.

MIDIANITE SOLDIER 1
How about you don’t tell me what to do? Have you Israelites forgotten that we OWN you now? I can take whatever I want. (eyes the basket) I’m hungry. Give me that!

SISTER
We’re hungry too! This is practically all we have left!

MIDIANITE SOLDIER 1
I’m famished from dealing with you filthy people all day!

He steps even closer.

MIDIANITE SOLDIER 1
I’m not going to ask again.

SISTER
Listen, you—

GIDEON
Just give him the fig, sis. There’s nothing we can do.

MIDIANITE SOLDIER 1
(chuckles) That’s the smartest thing I’ve heard come out of an Israelite’s mouth!

The soldier grabs the basket and starts to walk off.

MIDIANITE SOLDIER 1
Keep a sharp eye—you never know what, or WHO, we might want to take next!

He laughs and exits.

SISTER
(choking up) Brother… what are we going to do?

GIDEON
Head home, sister. You’ll be safe there with father and the others. Let’s pray we at least have a little food left. There’s a spot by the tree at Ophrah where I saw some grain earlier. I’ll start threshing it so we won’t be completely empty-handed.

SISTER
I love you, brother.

GIDEON
I love you too.

Sister runs off.

GIDEON
(to himself) The God you’re talking about, sis… it feels like He’s left us.

Download Gideon sample script

 

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