Q1. The Inspiration and Power of the Spirit

[Krissi]

It sounds a bit like they were all camping in the middle of that area BEFORE Gideon blew the shofar, so the blowing of that horn wasn't a summons to gather, but one to follow. 

When he wanted more fighting men, he sent messengers to the outlying tribes.

Clearly, the Holy Spirit prompted him to blow the horn. In doing so he was setting himself up as the leader -- they were to follow him, not someone else. God had given him the mantle of leadership. This happened to all the other judges and military leaders, I believe. They all had a spiritual power from God's Holy Spirit.

So, the holy Spirit both came upon him (unbidden?) and then empowered Gideon for the task he was supposed to do.

(I wonder if Gideon prayed for God's power before it came on him. I wonder, too, if the Holy Spirit comes when we need Him, even before asking.)

[Irmela]

Q1. (Judges 6:33-35)

What inspires Gideon to blow the battle horn and summon an army against the Midianites?

The enemy tribes had encamped in the Valley of Jezreel .  Joel, Gideon's father had stood for him and said if baal was really a god, then he would stand up for himself.  This must have been a great encouragement to Gideon, knowing he had his father and his clan's backing.

Most important of all, the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon with Himself  and took possession of  him

What does Gideon have in common with other judges and leaders of his era? 

 Deuteronomy 34:9   :    And Joshua was full of the Spirit of Wisdom  .  .  .  and the Israelites listened to him.

Judges 3:10   :    The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, the son of Kenaz .  .  .  and he went to war, and the Lord delivered Chushan-rishathaim  .  .  .  into his hand.

Judges 13:25   :  And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him (Samson)  at times in Mahaneh-dan

Judges 14:6   :   And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him   .  .  .  

Judges 14:19    :    And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson  .  .  .  

Judges 15:14   :   .   .   .   and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him    .   .   .