The answer is: 70

Judges 8:30

Gideon, a remarkable judge and warrior of Israel, is mentioned in Judges 8:30 for having a hefty brood of 70 sons. Talk about a busy household! This was a significant number, especially considering the challenges of life in ancient Israel, where social trauma and warfare were part of everyday existence.

Beyond just a family count, Gideon's sons represent both the legacy he would leave behind and the potential for power struggles in the future. The fact that he had so many sons feels poignant when considering Israel's societal structure at the time, where lineage and family fate often shaped the trajectory of entire communities. To ensure the preservation of his house, Gideon even names his children, customizing their monikers to reflect a meaningful significance akin to tradition.

It's interesting to note that Gideon, originally called Jerub-Baal ('Let Baal contend against him'), serves as a foreshadowing element, illustrating themes of conflict and division that resonate throughout Judges. Unfortunately, this abundance of sons would also lead to disaster—Abimelech, one of Gideon's sons, would later turn against his brothers in his ambition for power, highlighting the often potential dark side of legacy.

The numbers in scripture can also carry weight beyond mere mathematics—a reminder how familial narratives intertwine with the greater themes of justice and leadership in the history of the Israelites. So, Gideon’s household provides a reflection on the trials of legacy, family loyalty, and the stormy paths of leadership within divine plans.