The answer is: 70

Judges 8:30

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, wasn’t just a remarkable military leader; he also stepped into his role as a father with a significant number of offspring—70 sons, as we learn in Judges 8:30. Why so many? Well, in the context of ancient Israel, having numerous children was seen as a blessing, possibly ensuring support in old age and a robust legacy to lead and protect the family name.

Interesting trivia: Despite his successes in battle and his renowned strategic mind, Gideon’s family situation takes a darker turn. One of his sons, Abimelech, later becomes notorious for his ruthless actions in an attempt to seize power, illustrating a profound failure in Gideon's legacy (Judges 9).

Gideon’s many sons symbolized both his status and the challenges that arose within his household. It’s a fascinating contrast to sometimes more concise biblical genealogies, where sons often embody the promise of future generations guided by the divine. Also, offering another echo in the narrative quilt of the Book of Judges, we see the assembly of families fracturing into strife, as seen in later judges like Jephthah and Samson, who grappled with personal dilemmas against their calls to leadership.

While Gideon may be celebrated for his victories against the Midianites, his story also reminds us that the weight of leadership extends into our personal lives—a thread to ponder in our own journeys.