The narrative holds a central place in the book, both in relation to its position in the centre of the book and its length and detailed descriptions. The account has 100 verses, and if we include the account of his son Abimelech, the length of the narrative cycle reaches 157 verses. Gideon’s account eclipses even the account of the more famous Samson (96 verses).1
1 Les enfants d'Israël firent ce qui déplaît à l'Eternel; et l'Eternel les livra entre les mains de Madian, pendant sept ans.