The answer is: 70

Jdg 8:30

The story of Gideon is a fascinating chapter in the book of Judges, illustrating not only the challenges of leadership but also the consequences of a polygamous lifestyle among biblical figures. Gideon, originally a hesitant and unassuming figure called by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, ended up amassing a large family, boasting 70 sons, thanks to his multiple wives. This fact ties into the cultural backdrop of ancient Israel, where notable leaders were often expected to forge powerful familial alliances to bolster their status and influence.

Speaking of trivia, Gideon's life has all the dramatic flair of an ancient epic—working as a reluctant hero, he eventually commanded a tiny number of soldiers, reduced to just 300, to defeat a vastly superior enemy! That’s a story of mighty miracles leading to victory, proving that in many biblical narratives, it isn’t always the numbers that matter, but the faith and dedication behind the fight.

Gideon's sons, while numerous, were not all celebrated in the same way. One notable son, Abimelech, would ultimately betray his own kin and seize power through bloodshed, demonstrating the complications and often dire outcomes that can arise from fractured familial relationships. This underscores the broader theme of both human potential and moral complications explored throughout biblical literature. Gideon—a hero, yet a tragic figure when we zoom in on the aftermath of his lineage plus the required firefighting moments within his own family!