The story of Gideon is yet another example of 'cycle',  but this time with even greater detail than the story of
Devorah. Rabbi Menachem Leibtag notes once again:

    * Leaving Hashem (6:1);
    * Subjugation to Midyan (6:2-6);
    * Crying out to God for salvation (6:7-10);
    * Salvation by Gideon (6:11-8:21);
    * Quiet for FORTY years (8:28)

    Even though Gideon fits the pattern, his story includes  several important details that are unique to his reign.
    First of all, unlike any of the earlier "shoftim", God  first appears to Gideon and charges him with a mission
(see 6:11-24). [Note the similarity between this story and God's first appearance to Moshe Rabeinu at the burning
bush in Shmot chapter 3, charging him with the mission to redeem Am Yisrael).   

    Rabbi Leibtag notes as well how Gideon asks for an "ot" [a divine  sign] that God will indeed be with him in his forthcoming  battle (see 6:17-24 & 7:36-40, note similarity to Shmot  4:1-8).
    Furthermore, Gideon is the first "shofet" who actively destroys idols (see 6:25-32), thus dealing directly with
the reason WHY God had left His people. In fact, he gains  a 'nick-name' [Yeru'baal] because of this (see 6:32).
    Finally, Gideon goes to war in a special manner, taking  orders concerning his soldiers directly from God (see 7:1-
8). His military victory gives Am Yisrael control once  again over Emek Yizrael, and scares away their greatest
enemy, chasing them into Transjordan, and killing their  generals (see 7:15-8:21). His victory is so impressive
that Bnei Yisrael respond by requesting that Gideon become  their king (see 8:22).