Gideon is a physically strong man in the army of King Noah. Until his death, Gideon stands firm against those who would act contrary to the laws of God and violate the inalienable rights of God’s children. From the scriptural account, we learn of three separate occasions where he rises boldly to take action against tyranny or evil: once in opposition to the abuses of wicked King Noah around 145 b.c., subsequently in devising a successful plan to liberate the people of Limhi from Lamanite bondage, and finally in defying the false preaching of Nehor in Zarahemla during the first year of the reign of Alma as chief judge of the land. It is in this last episode that Gideon gives his life in defending the truth, for he is unable—“being stricken with many years” (Alma 1:9)—to withstand the lethal blows inflicted upon him by Nehor. Gideon serves as an example of “a righteous man” (Alma 1:13), one with the courage to rise fearlessly in supporting the cause of freedom and in upholding the principles of the gospel.