In a previous paper I argued for a “feasting hermeneutic” which I applied to the story of Gideon in order to argue that he did assume the kingship and that deconstructed narrative elements of food preparation and public feasting were meant to quietly signal a royal inauguration. I wish to return to the story of Gideon and to add to it a further investigation which centers a gendered reading of some of Gideon’s activities in the story, particularly his food preparation. The work of Kelly Murphy and others have identified complicating details about Gideon with regard to the presentation of his masculinity in Judges. The competing images of Gideon as a man that Murphy lays out can be intertwined with (what I have proposed) the underlying story about food. These layers, then, come together to create the complexity of gendered activity in the Gideon story.
I am interested in the work of Murphy and others who have identified complicating details about Gideon with regard to the presentation of his masculinity in Judges. The competing images of Gideon as a man that Murphy lays out can be intertwined with (what I have proposed is) the underlying story about food. These layers, then, come together to create the complexity of gendered activity in the Gideon story.