But Gideon was betrayed into another error, which brought disaster upon his house and upon all Israel. The season of inactivity that succeeds a great struggle is often fraught with greater danger than is the period of conflict. To this danger Gideon was now exposed. A spirit of unrest was upon him. Hitherto he had been content to fulfill the directions given him from God; but now, instead of waiting for divine guidance, he began to plan for himself. When the armies of the Lord have gained a signal victory, Satan will redouble his efforts to overthrow the work of God. Thus thoughts and plans were suggested to the mind of Gideon, by which the people of Israel were led astray.

Men Gideon faldt i en anden snare, som blev til ulykke både for hans eget hus og for Israel. Den afspænding, som følger efter et stort slag, er ofte farligere end selve krigen. Denne fare blev Gideon udsat for. Han havde ikke ro på sig. Hidtil havde han villigt rettet sig efter de befalinger, som Gud gav ham, men nu begyndte han at lægge planer på egen hånd i stedet for at vente på, at Gud skulle lede ham. Når Herrens hære har vundet en afgørende sejr, fordobler Satan sine anstrengelser for at kuldkaste Guds værk. Det var på den måde, at Gideon omgikkes med tanker og planer, som førte Israel på vildspor.