Le cycle de Gédéon ou la condamnation du refus de la royauté

Far from exemplifying the anti-monarchist position of the Deuteronomistic author, Gideon's cycle underlines his impiety, which, unlike in the case of Abimelek, shows itself not through his thirst for leadership, but through his refusal to carry out the functions assigned by Yahweh. The portrait of a Gideon, as a Canaanite leader, contrasts with the proto-royal portrait of the Israelite Gideon, who is both a war leader and champions Yahweh's cult. The Canaanite figure not only rejects the signs of his divine appointment, whether they show themselves in the divine call or through military victories, but also is responsible for the institution of an idolatrous cult. The Deuteronomistic author thus resets distinct bodies of old traditions, establishing a close link between Gideon-Yerubaal and Abimelek. But the writing of Abimelek's cycle seems to be older than Gideon's one.