Gideon demonstrates his wisdom as an advisor to the king. He also seems to understand that as a military officer he can save more lives and do more good through diplomacy than through battles. His advice is designed to protect his army and his people by putting an end to the senseless conflict. He says, it is better that we should be in bondage than that we should lose our lives; therefore, let us put a stop to the shedding of so much blood (v. 22).
Hugh Nibley
“Notice that he is being very realistic; these are the steps by which the problem is solved here. It’s a very touchy thing, but they solve the problem very sensibly on both sides-a thing people rarely do…Gideon is the last man you would expect to do this. But he had the experience of these things, and he knew. It’s the old commander that knows. The most passionate talks I’ve ever heard against war in the Army have been by generals, without any exception. They know what it is, and boy do they light in! There were some wonderful ones by Omar Bradley, Max Taylor, and others. Eisenhower said some pretty strong things too. ’…therefore, let us put a stop to the shedding of so much blood,’ Gideon said, with his rush of excitement. This is the Gideon who chased the king up the tower with a sword, and all that sort of thing. He is the one who is making a plea to put an end to all this bloodshed, whatever they do.” (Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Lecture 38, p. 138)