THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
This narrative reveals that the Lord God, in His paternal affection, allowed the people of Israel to fall into the hands of foreign powers when they strayed from His commandments. He wielded these nations as instruments of discipline, yet upon their repentance, He extended His mercy and bestowed upon them His loving care. Following the assistance rendered through Deborah, God led those who had erred into the hands of the Midianites. After their correction, He provided His support. Initially, He chastised their sins through a prophet, reminding them of the blessings they had previously received. Then, through an angel, He instilled courage in Gideon, instructing him to rise up against his adversaries.