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Judges 7

BSB·25 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Early in the morningוַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨םway·yaš·kêm — To rise early, get up in the morningH7925 — Full Word Study → Jerubbaalיְרֻבַּ֜עַלyə·rub·ba·‘al — Let Baal contendH3378 — Full Word Study → (that isה֣וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study →, Gideonגִדְע֗וֹןḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →) and allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the menהָעָם֙hā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּ֔וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → campedוַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּway·ya·ḥă·nū — to pitch a tent; to camp; to dwellH2583 — Full Word Study → besideעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the spring of Harodחֲרֹ֑דḥă·rōḏ — Spring of TremblingH5878 — Full Word Study →. And the campוּמַחֲנֵ֤הū·ma·ḥă·nêh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָן֙miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → wasהָיָה־hā·yāh- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → northמִצָּפ֔וֹןmiṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn — North; northern direction or regionH6828 — Full Word Study → of them in the valleyבָּעֵֽמֶק׃bā·‘ê·meq — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study → near the hillמִגִּבְעַ֥תmig·giḇ·‘aṯ — hill, elevated terrainH1389 — Full Word Study → of Morehהַמּוֹרֶ֖הham·mō·w·reh — The TeacherH4176 — Full Word Study →. 2Then the LORDיְהוָה֙Yah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Gideonגִּדְע֔וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →, “You haveאִתָּ֔ךְ’it·tāḵ — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → too manyרַ֗בraḇ — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study → people for Me to deliverמִתִּתִּ֥יmit·tit·tî — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → Midianמִדְיָ֖ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → into their handsבְּיָדָ֑םbə·yā·ḏām — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, lestפֶּן־pen- — lest, that not, for fear thatH6435 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵל֙yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → glorify themselvesיִתְפָּאֵ֨רyiṯ·pā·’êr — to beautify, adorn, or glorifyH6286 — Full Word Study → over Meעָלַ֤י‘ā·lay — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, sayingלֵאמֹ֔רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘My own handיָדִ֖יyā·ḏî — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → has savedהוֹשִׁ֥יעָהhō·wō·šî·‘āh — To deliver, rescue, or save from dangerH3467 — Full Word Study → me.’ 3Nowנָ֜אnā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study →, thereforeוְעַתָּ֗הwə·‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study →, proclaimקְרָ֨אqə·rā — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → in the hearingבְּאָזְנֵ֤יbə·’ā·zə·nê — Ear; the organ of hearing and listeningH241 — Full Word Study → of the people: ‘Whoeverמִֽי־mî- — who? what person?H4310 — Full Word Study → is fearfulיָרֵ֣אyā·rê — to fear, be afraid, dreadH3373 — Full Word Study → and tremblingוְחָרֵ֔דwə·ḥā·rêḏ — to tremble, quake, fear with tremblingH2730 — Full Word Study → may turn backיָשֹׁ֥בyā·šōḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → and leaveוְיִצְפֹּ֖רwə·yiṣ·pōr — to depart early, to rise earlyH6852 — Full Word Study → Mountמֵהַ֣רmê·har — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → Gileadהַגִּלְעָ֑דhag·gil·‘āḏ — Rocky, hilly regionH1568 — Full Word Study →.’” So twenty-twoעֶשְׂרִ֤ים‘eś·rîm — The number twenty; a complete group or scoreH6242 — Full Word Study → thousandאֶ֔לֶף’e·lep̄ — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → of them turned backוַיָּ֣שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study →, but tenוַעֲשֶׂ֥רֶתwa·‘ă·śe·reṯ — The number ten; a complete group or setH6235 — Full Word Study → thousandאֲלָפִ֖ים’ă·lā·p̄îm — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → remainedנִשְׁאָֽרוּ׃סniš·’ā·rū — To remain, be left over, surviveH7604 — Full Word Study →. 4Then the LORDיְהוָ֜הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Gideonגִּדְע֗וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →, “There are stillעוֹד֮‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → too manyרָב֒rāḇ — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study → people. Take them downהוֹרֵ֤דhō·w·rêḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the waterהַמַּ֔יִםham·ma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study →, and I will sift themוְאֶצְרְפֶ֥נּוּwə·’eṣ·rə·p̄en·nū — to refine, purify, test by fireH6884 — Full Word Study → for you thereשָׁ֑םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →. Ifאֲשֶׁר֩’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → I sayאֹמַ֨ר’ō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to youאֵלֶ֜יךָ’ê·le·ḵā — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, ‘This one shall goיֵלֵ֣ךְyê·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → with youאִתָּ֗ךְ’it·tāḵ — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →,’ he shall goיֵלֵ֣ךְyê·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →. Butוְכֹ֨לwə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → ifאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → I sayאֹמַ֜ר’ō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘This one shall notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → goיֵלֵ֣ךְyê·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → with youעִמָּ֔ךְ‘im·māḵ — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study →,’ heה֖וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → shall notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → goיֵלֵֽךְ׃yê·lêḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →.” 5So Gideon brought the people downוַיּ֥וֹרֶדway·yō·w·reḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the waterהַמָּ֑יִםסham·må̄·yi·ms — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study →, and the LORDיְהוָ֜הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → him, “Separateתַּצִּ֤יגtaṣ·ṣîḡ — To station, set up, or establish in placeH3322 — Full Word Study → thoseכֹּ֣לkōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → lapיָלֹק֩yā·lōq — to lap or lick upH3952 — Full Word Study → the waterהַמַּ֜יִםham·ma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → with their tonguesבִּלְשׁוֹנ֨וֹbil·šō·w·nōw — Tongue; language; speechH3956 — Full Word Study → likeכַּאֲשֶׁ֧רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → a dogהַכֶּ֗לֶבhak·ke·leḇ — Dog; unclean animal used as insult or metaphorH3611 — Full Word Study → from thoseוְכֹ֛לwə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → whoאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → kneelיִכְרַ֥עyiḵ·ra‘ — to bow down, kneel, or fall to the groundH3766 — Full Word Study → to drinkלִשְׁתּֽוֹת׃liš·tō·wṯ — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study →.” 6And the numberמִסְפַּ֞רmis·par — number, count, enumerationH4557 — Full Word Study → of those who lapped the water with their handsבְּיָדָם֙bə·yā·ḏām — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → their mouthsפִּיהֶ֔םpî·hem — Mouth; lips; edge; openingH6310 — Full Word Study → wasוַיְהִ֗יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → threeשְׁלֹ֥שׁšə·lōš — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֖וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → menאִ֑ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →; allוְכֹל֙wə·ḵōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the othersיֶ֣תֶרye·ṯer — remainder, excess, superiorityH3499 — Full Word Study → kneltכָּרְע֥וּkā·rə·‘ū — to bow down, kneel, or fall to the groundH3766 — Full Word Study → to drinkלִשְׁתּ֥וֹתliš·tō·wṯ — to drink; consume liquidH8354 — Full Word Study →. 7Then the LORDיְהוָ֜הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Gideonגִּדְע֗וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →, “With the threeבִּשְׁלֹשׁ֩biš·lōš — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֨וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → menהָאִ֤ישׁhā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → who lapped the water I will saveאוֹשִׁ֣יעַ’ō·wō·šî·a‘ — To deliver, rescue, or save from dangerH3467 — Full Word Study → youאֶתְכֶ֔ם’eṯ·ḵem — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → and deliverוְנָתַתִּ֥יwə·nā·ṯat·tî — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the Midianitesמִדְיָ֖ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → into your handבְּיָדֶ֑ךָbə·yā·ḏe·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. But all the othersוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → are to goיֵלְכ֖וּyê·lə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → homeלִמְקֹמֽוֹ׃lim·qō·mōw — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study →.” 8So Gideon sentשִׁלַּח֙šil·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → the rest ofכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the Israelitesאִ֤ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → to their tentsלְאֹֽהָלָ֔יוlə·’ō·hā·lāw — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study → but keptהֶֽחֱזִ֑יקhe·ḥĕ·zîq — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study → the threeוּבִשְׁלֹשׁ־ū·ḇiš·lōš- — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֥וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → menהָאִ֖ישׁhā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →, who tookוַיִּקְח֣וּway·yiq·ḥū — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → charge ofבְּיָדָ֜םbə·yā·ḏām — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → the provisionsצֵדָה֩ṣê·ḏāh — Food provision, sustenance, provisions for a journeyH6720 — Full Word Study → and rams’ hornsשׁוֹפְרֹֽתֵיהֶ֗םšō·wp̄·rō·ṯê·hem — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study → of the othersהָעָ֨םhā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study →. Andוְאֵ֨תwə·’êṯ — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the campוּמַחֲנֵ֣הū·ma·ḥă·nêh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָ֔ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → layהָ֥יָהhā·yāh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → belowמִתַּ֥חַתmit·ta·ḥaṯ — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → him in the valleyבָּעֵֽמֶק׃פbā·‘ê·meq — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study →. 9Thatהַה֔וּאha·hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → nightבַּלַּ֣יְלָהbal·lay·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֔הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to Gideon, “Get upק֖וּםqūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and go down against the campבַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֑הbam·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → I have delivered itנְתַתִּ֖יוnə·ṯat·tîw — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → into your handבְּיָדֶֽךָ׃bə·yā·ḏe·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. 10But ifוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → youאַתָּ֖ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are afraidיָרֵ֥אyā·rê — to fear, be afraid, dreadH3373 — Full Word Study → to do so, then go downרֵ֥דrêḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the campהַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃ham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → with your servantנַעַרְךָ֖na·‘ar·ḵā — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → Purahוּפֻרָ֥הū·p̄u·rāh — Purah, Gideon's servantH6513 — Full Word Study → 11and listenוְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֙wə·šā·ma‘·tā — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → to whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → they are sayingיְדַבֵּ֔רוּyə·ḏab·bê·rū — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study →. Thenוְאַחַר֙wə·’a·ḥar — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → your handsיָדֶ֔יךָyā·ḏe·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → will be strengthenedתֶּחֱזַ֣קְנָהte·ḥĕ·zaq·nāh — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study → to attackוְיָרַדְתָּ֖wə·yā·raḏ·tā — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → the campבַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֑הbam·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study →.” So heהוּא֙hū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → wentוַיֵּ֤רֶדway·yê·reḏ — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → with Purahוּפֻרָ֣הū·p̄u·rāh — Purah, Gideon's servantH6513 — Full Word Study → his servantנַעֲר֔וֹna·‘ă·rōw — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the outpostsקְצֵ֥הqə·ṣêh — edge, border, extremity, endH7097 — Full Word Study → where armed menהַחֲמֻשִׁ֖יםha·ḥă·mu·šîm — Armed, equipped for battle; marshaled in military formationH2571 — Full Word Study → were guarding the campבַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃bam·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study →. 12Now the Midianitesוּמִדְיָ֨ןū·miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →, Amalekitesוַעֲמָלֵ֤קwa·‘ă·mā·lêq — Amalek the EnemyH6002 — Full Word Study →, and allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the other peopleבְּנֵי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of the eastקֶ֙דֶם֙qe·ḏem — East; ancient times; beforeH6924 — Full Word Study → had settledנֹפְלִ֣יםnō·p̄ə·lîm — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → in the valleyבָּעֵ֔מֶקbā·‘ê·meq — ValleyH6010 — Full Word Study → like a swarm ofלָרֹ֑בlā·rōḇ — Abundance, multitude, or great quantityH7230 — Full Word Study → locustsכָּאַרְבֶּ֖הkā·’ar·beh — Locust; swarming insect plagueH697 — Full Word Study →, and their camelsוְלִגְמַלֵּיהֶם֙wə·liḡ·mal·lê·hem — Camel, a large desert animal used for transport and tradeH1581 — Full Word Study → were as countlessאֵ֣ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → as the sandכַּח֛וֹלka·ḥō·wl — Sand; fine granules of rock or mineral matterH2344 — Full Word Study → onשֶׁעַל־še·‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the seashoreשְׂפַ֥תśə·p̄aṯ — Lips; edge, border, or shoreH8193 — Full Word Study →. 13And as Gideonגִדְע֔וֹןḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → arrivedוַיָּבֹ֣אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study →, a manאִ֔ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → was tellingמְסַפֵּ֥רmə·sap·pêr — To count, record, or declareH5608 — Full Word Study → his friendלְרֵעֵ֖הוּlə·rê·‘ê·hū — neighbor, friend, companion, associateH7453 — Full Word Study → about a dreamחֲל֑וֹםḥă·lō·wm — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study →. “Beholdהִנֵּ֧הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study →, I had a dreamחֲל֣וֹםḥă·lō·wm — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study →,” he saidוַיֹּ֜אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “and I sawוְהִנֵּ֨הwə·hin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → a loafצְלוֹלṣə·lōl — Round cake or bread loafH6742 — Full Word Study → of barleyשְׂעֹרִים֙śə·‘ō·rîm — barley; a cereal grainH8184 — Full Word Study → breadלֶ֤חֶםle·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study → comeוַיָּבֹ֣אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → tumblingמִתְהַפֵּךְ֙miṯ·hap·pêḵ — to overturn, turn over, transformH2015 — Full Word Study → into the Midianiteמִדְיָ֔ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → campבְּמַחֲנֵ֣הbə·ma·ḥă·nêh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study →. It struckוַיַּכֵּ֧הוּway·yak·kê·hū — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → the tentהָ֠אֹהֶלhā·’ō·hel — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study → so hard thatוַיִּפֹּ֛לway·yip·pōl — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study → the tentהָאֹֽהֶל׃hā·’ō·hel — A tent; portable dwelling placeH168 — Full Word Study → overturnedוַיַּהַפְכֵ֥הוּway·ya·hap̄·ḵê·hū — to overturn, turn over, transformH2015 — Full Word Study → and collapsedוְנָפַ֥לwə·nā·p̄al — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study →.” 14His friendרֵעֵ֤הוּrê·‘ê·hū — neighbor, friend, companion, associateH7453 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיַּ֨עַןway·ya·‘an — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study →: “Thisזֹ֔אתzōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → is nothingאֵ֣ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → less thanבִּלְתִּ֗יbil·tî — without, except, lest, or nothing butH1115 — Full Word Study → the swordחֶ֛רֶבḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → of Gideonגִּדְע֥וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Joashיוֹאָ֖שׁyō·w·’āš — Yahweh Has GivenH3101 — Full Word Study →, the Israeliteאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →. Godהָֽאֱלֹהִים֙hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → has deliveredנָתַ֤ןnā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → Midianמִדְיָ֖ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the wholeכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → campהַֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃פham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → into his handבְּיָד֔וֹbə·yā·ḏōw — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →.” 15When Gideonגִּדְע֜וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → heardכִשְׁמֹ֨עַḵiš·mō·a‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study → the dreamהַחֲל֛וֹםha·ḥă·lō·wm — dream, vision during sleepH2472 — Full Word Study → and its interpretationשִׁבְר֖וֹšiḇ·rōw — Breaking, fracture, or shattering; destruction or ruinH7667 — Full Word Study →, he bowed in worshipוַיִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּway·yiš·tā·ḥū — To bow down; to worship or show reverenceH7812 — Full Word Study →. He returnedוַיָּ֙שָׁב֙way·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the campמַחֲנֵ֣הma·ḥă·nêh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → and saidוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Get upק֔וּמוּqū·mū — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study →, forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has deliveredנָתַ֧ןnā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → the campמַחֲנֵ֥הma·ḥă·nêh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָֽן׃miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → into your handבְּיֶדְכֶ֖םbə·yeḏ·ḵem — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →.” 16And he dividedוַיַּ֛חַץway·ya·ḥaṣ — to divide, split, or cut in halfH2673 — Full Word Study → the threeשְׁלֹשׁ־šə·lōš- — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֥וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → menהָאִ֖ישׁhā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → into threeשְׁלֹשָׁ֣הšə·lō·šāh — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → companiesרָאשִׁ֑יםrā·šîm — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → and gaveוַיִּתֵּ֨ןway·yit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → each manכֻּלָּם֙kul·lām — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → a ram’s hornשׁוֹפָר֤וֹתšō·w·p̄ā·rō·wṯ — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study → in one handבְּיַד־bə·yaḏ- — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → and a largeרֵקִ֔יםrê·qîm — Empty, worthless, vainH7386 — Full Word Study → jar in the other, containingבְּת֥וֹךְbə·ṯō·wḵ — midst, among, between, throughH8432 — Full Word Study → a torchוְלַפִּדִ֖יםwə·lap·pi·ḏîm — A torch or burning lamp; a flame-bearing objectH3940 — Full Word Study →. 17Watch meתִרְא֖וּṯir·’ū — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → and doתַּעֲשׂ֑וּta·‘ă·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → as I doוְכֵ֣ןwə·ḵên — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study →,” Gideon said. “When Iאָנֹכִ֥י’ā·nō·ḵî — I, myself (first-person singular pronoun)H595 — Full Word Study → comeבָא֙ḇā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to the outskirtsבִּקְצֵ֣הbiq·ṣêh — edge, border, extremity, endH7097 — Full Word Study → of the campהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔הham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study →, doאֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה’e·‘ĕ·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → exactly asכַאֲשֶׁר־ḵa·’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → I doתַּעֲשֽׂוּן׃ta·‘ă·śūn — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →. 18When Iאָנֹכִ֖י’ā·nō·ḵî — I, myself (first-person singular pronoun)H595 — Full Word Study → and allוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → who are with meאִתִּ֑י’it·tî — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → blowוְתָקַעְתִּי֙wə·ṯā·qa‘·tî — to blow, sound, thrust, or strike with forceH8628 — Full Word Study → our hornsבַּשּׁוֹפָ֔רbaš·šō·w·p̄ār — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study →, then youאַתֶּ֗ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → are alsoגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → to blowוּתְקַעְתֶּ֨םū·ṯə·qa‘·tem — to blow, sound, thrust, or strike with forceH8628 — Full Word Study → your hornsבַּשּׁוֹפָר֜וֹתbaš·šō·w·p̄ā·rō·wṯ — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study → from allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → aroundסְבִיבוֹת֙sə·ḇî·ḇō·wṯ — around, on all sides, encirclingH5439 — Full Word Study → the campהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔הham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → and shoutוַאֲמַרְתֶּ֖םwa·’ă·mar·tem — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘For the LORDלַיהוָ֥הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → and for Gideonוּלְגִדְעֽוֹן׃פū·lə·ḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →!’” 19Gideonגִ֠דְעוֹןḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → and the hundredוּמֵאָה־ū·mê·’āh- — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → menאִ֨ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → with himאִתּ֜וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → reachedוַיָּבֹ֣אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → the outskirtsבִּקְצֵ֣הbiq·ṣêh — edge, border, extremity, endH7097 — Full Word Study → of the campהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֗הham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → at the beginningרֹ֚אשׁrōš — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → of the middleהַתִּֽיכוֹנָ֔הhat·tî·ḵō·w·nāh — middle, midst, central positionH8484 — Full Word Study → watchהָאַשְׁמֹ֣רֶתhā·’aš·mō·reṯ — A watch, guard post, or period of night watchH821 — Full Word Study →, just afterאַ֛ךְ’aḵ — Surely, certainly, only, neverthelessH389 — Full Word Study → the changingהָקֵ֥םhā·qêm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → of the guardהַשֹּֽׁמְרִ֑יםhaš·šō·mə·rîm — To guard, keep, observe, preserveH8104 — Full Word Study →. They blewוַֽיִּתְקְעוּ֙way·yiṯ·qə·‘ū — to blow, sound, thrust, or strike with forceH8628 — Full Word Study → their hornsבַּשּׁ֣וֹפָר֔וֹתbaš·šō·w·p̄ā·rō·wṯ — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study → and brokeוְנָפ֥וֹץwə·nā·p̄ō·wṣ — to scatter, break in pieces, or dash apartH5310 — Full Word Study → the jarsהַכַּדִּ֖יםhak·kad·dîm — a large earthenware jar or container for liquidsH3537 — Full Word Study → that were in their handsבְּיָדָֽם׃bə·yā·ḏām — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. 20The threeשְׁלֹ֨שֶׁתšə·lō·šeṯ — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → companiesהָרָאשִׁ֥יםhā·rā·šîm — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → blewוַֽ֠יִּתְקְעוּway·yiṯ·qə·‘ū — to blow, sound, thrust, or strike with forceH8628 — Full Word Study → their hornsבַּשּֽׁוֹפָרוֹת֮baš·šō·w·p̄ā·rō·wṯ — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study → and shatteredוַיִּשְׁבְּר֣וּway·yiš·bə·rū — to break, shatter, crushH7665 — Full Word Study → their jarsהַכַּדִּים֒hak·kad·dîm — a large earthenware jar or container for liquidsH3537 — Full Word Study →. Holdingוַיַּחֲזִ֤יקוּway·ya·ḥă·zî·qū — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study → the torchesבַּלַּפִּדִ֔יםbal·lap·pi·ḏîm — A torch or burning lamp; a flame-bearing objectH3940 — Full Word Study → in their leftשְׂמאוֹלָם֙śə·m·ʾō·lå̄m — left side, left hand, or the left directionH8040 — Full Word Study → handsבְיַד־ḇə·yaḏ- — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → and the hornsהַשּׁוֹפָר֖וֹתhaš·šō·w·p̄ā·rō·wṯ — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study → in their rightיְמִינָ֔םyə·mî·nām — right hand, right side, southH3225 — Full Word Study → handsוּבְיַ֨ד־ū·ḇə·yaḏ- — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, they shoutedוַֽיִּקְרְא֔וּway·yiq·rə·’ū — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study →, “A swordחֶ֥רֶבḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study → for the LORDלַֽיהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → and for Gideonוּלְגִדְעֽוֹן׃ū·lə·ḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →!” 21Each Israelite tookוַיַּֽעַמְדוּ֙way·ya·‘am·ḏū — to stand, take a stand, be establishedH5975 — Full Word Study → his positionתַּחְתָּ֔יוtaḥ·tāw — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → aroundסָבִ֖יבsā·ḇîḇ — around, on all sides, encirclingH5439 — Full Word Study → the campלַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑הlam·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study →, and the entireכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Midianite armyהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֛הham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → fledוַיָּ֧רָץway·yā·rāṣ — to run; move swiftlyH7323 — Full Word Study →, crying outוַיָּרִ֖יעוּway·yā·rî·‘ū — to shout, cry out, make a loud noiseH7321 — Full Word Study → as they ranוַיָּנִיסוּ׃way·yå̄·nī·sū — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study →. 22And when the threeשְׁלֹשׁ־šə·lōš- — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֣וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → rams’ hornsהַשּׁוֹפָרוֹת֒haš·šō·w·p̄ā·rō·wṯ — Ram's horn trumpet; shofarH7782 — Full Word Study → soundedוַֽיִּתְקְעוּ֮way·yiṯ·qə·‘ū — to blow, sound, thrust, or strike with forceH8628 — Full Word Study →, the LORDיְהוָ֗הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → setוַיָּ֣שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → all the menאִ֛ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → in the campהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑הham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → against one anotherבְּרֵעֵ֖הוּbə·rê·‘ê·hū — neighbor, friend, companion, associateH7453 — Full Word Study → with their swordsחֶ֥רֶבḥe·reḇ — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study →. The armyהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֜הham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → fledוַיָּ֨נָסway·yā·nās — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study → toעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → Beth-shittahהַשִּׁטָּה֙haš·šiṭ·ṭāh — Beth-shittah, a location east of the Jordan RiverH1029 — Full Word Study → toward Zererahצְֽרֵרָ֔תָהṣə·rê·rā·ṯāh — A place of distressH6888 — Full Word Study → asעַ֛ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → far as the borderשְׂפַת־śə·p̄aṯ- — Lips; edge, border, or shoreH8193 — Full Word Study → of Abel-meholahמְחוֹלָ֖הmə·ḥō·w·lāh — Abel-meholah, a city in the Jordan ValleyH65 — Full Word Study → nearעַל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → Tabbathטַבָּֽת׃ṭab·bāṯ — A place name in PalestineH2888 — Full Word Study →. 23Then the menאִֽישׁ־’îš- — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֛לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → were called outוַיִּצָּעֵ֧קway·yiṣ·ṣā·‘êq — to cry out, call for help, shriekH6817 — Full Word Study → fromוּמִן־ū·min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → Naphtaliמִנַּפְתָּלִ֥יmin·nap̄·tā·lî — My wrestlingH5321 — Full Word Study →, Asherאָשֵׁ֖ר’ā·šêr — Happy, BlessedH836 — Full Word Study →, andוּמִן־ū·min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Manassehמְנַשֶּׁ֑הmə·naš·šeh — God has made me forgetH4519 — Full Word Study →, and they pursuedוַֽיִּרְדְּפ֖וּway·yir·də·p̄ū — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → the Midianitesמִדְיָֽן׃miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →. 24Gideonגִּדְעוֹן֩giḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → sentשָׁלַ֣חšā·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → messengersוּמַלְאָכִ֡יםū·mal·’ā·ḵîm — messenger; angel; envoyH4397 — Full Word Study → throughoutבְּכָל־bə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the hill countryהַ֨רhar — Mountain, hill, or elevated land massH2022 — Full Word Study → of Ephraimאֶפְרַ֜יִם’ep̄·ra·yim — Double fruitfulnessH669 — Full Word Study → to sayלֵאמֹ֗רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Come downרְד֞וּrə·ḏū — To descend, go down, come downH3381 — Full Word Study → againstלִקְרַ֤אתliq·raṯ — to meet, encounter, or come upon (often by chance or unexpectedly)H7122 — Full Word Study → the Midianitesמִדְיָן֙miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → and seizeוְלִכְד֤וּwə·liḵ·ḏū — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → the watersהַמַּ֔יִםham·ma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֑ןhay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → ahead of them as far asעַ֛ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → Beth-barahבָּרָ֖הbā·rāh — Beth-barah, a location east of the Jordan RiverH1012 — Full Word Study →.” So allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the menאִ֤ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of Ephraimאֶפְרַ֙יִם֙’ep̄·ra·yim — Double fruitfulnessH669 — Full Word Study → were called outוַיִּצָּעֵ֞קway·yiṣ·ṣā·‘êq — to cry out, call for help, shriekH6817 — Full Word Study →, and they capturedוַיִּלְכְּד֣וּway·yil·kə·ḏū — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → the watersהַמַּ֔יִםham·ma·yim — Water; liquid; fluidsH4325 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃hay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → as far asעַ֛ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → Beth-barahבָּרָ֖הbā·rāh — Beth-barah, a location east of the Jordan RiverH1012 — Full Word Study →. 25They also capturedוַֽיִּלְכְּד֡וּway·yil·kə·ḏū — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → Orebעֹרֵ֣ב‘ō·rêḇ — RavenH6159 — Full Word Study → and Zeebזְאֵ֗בzə·’êḇ — wolfH2062 — Full Word Study →, the twoשְׁנֵֽי־šə·nê- — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → princesשָׂרֵ֨יśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָ֜ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →; and they killedוַיַּהַרְג֨וּway·ya·har·ḡū — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study → Orebעוֹרֵ֤ב‘ō·w·rêḇ — RavenH6159 — Full Word Study → at the rockבְּצוּר־bə·ṣūr- — Rock; stone; strength; fortressH6697 — Full Word Study → of Orebעוֹרֵב֙‘ō·w·rêḇ — RavenH6159 — Full Word Study → and Zeebזְאֵב֙zə·’êḇ — wolfH2062 — Full Word Study → at the winepressבְיֶֽקֶב־ḇə·ye·qeḇ- — Wine vat or wine pressH3342 — Full Word Study → of Zeebזְאֵ֔בzə·’êḇ — wolfH2062 — Full Word Study →. So they pursuedוַֽיִּרְדְּפ֖וּway·yir·də·p̄ū — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → the Midianitesמִדְיָ֑ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → and brought the headsוְרֹאשׁ־wə·rōš- — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → of Orebעֹרֵ֣ב‘ō·rêḇ — RavenH6159 — Full Word Study → and Zeebוּזְאֵ֔בū·zə·’êḇ — wolfH2062 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Gideonגִּדְע֔וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → on the other sideמֵעֵ֖בֶרmê·‘ê·ḇer — side, border, region beyondH5676 — Full Word Study → of the Jordanלַיַּרְדֵּֽן׃lay·yar·dên — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Judges 7
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Judges 7 presents one of Scripture's most compelling demonstrations of God's power and the principle that divine strength is perfected in human weakness. After assembling a large army to fight the Midianites, Gideon receives a shocking command: reduce his forces dramatically so that Israel cannot claim victory by their own might. Through two selection processes, God whittles Gideon's army from 32,000 to just 300 men. Despite overwhelming numerical disadvantage, these few soldiers—armed with only trumpets, pitchers, and lamps—defeat a vast enemy host through faith and obedience. This chapter teaches that God's victory is never about human resources, military strategy, or self-confidence, but always about trust in the Lord's sovereign power.

Verses 1–3: The Problem of Human Pride

Gideon and his people camp by the well of Harod, positioned strategically against the Midianite army in the valley. But God immediately identifies a spiritual problem: Israel's army is too large. The Lord's reasoning is profound: with so many soldiers, Israel might boast that their own strength saved them (verse 2). This reveals a critical biblical principle—God will not share His glory with human accomplishment. God is not interested in impressive military numbers; He is interested in faith and dependence upon Him. Gideon's first test is to announce that the fearful may leave. Remarkably, 22,000 depart, leaving only 10,000. Fear, though a natural response, disqualifies soldiers from God's army because faith must undergird obedience.

Verses 4–7: The Water Test and Divine Selection

God declares the remaining 10,000 are still too many and institutes a water test. Those who lap water like a dog (remaining alert) are separated from those who kneel to drink (a posture of vulnerability). Only 300 men demonstrate the alertness God requires—these become His chosen force. The test itself may reflect the character God seeks: watchfulness and readiness. God promises that with these 300, He will deliver Israel and the Midianites into Gideon's hand. The number 300 is deliberately small, emphasizing that victory comes not from strength of numbers but from reliance on God's promise.

Verses 8–14: Courage Through God's Word

Gideon equips his 300 with trumpets, pitchers, and lamps—weapons that produce noise and light, not physical harm. That night, the Lord offers Gideon an opportunity to bolster his courage: he may spy on the enemy camp (verses 9–11). There, Gideon overhears a Midianite soldier recount a dream of a barley cake tumbling into camp and destroying a tent. His companion interprets it as Gideon's sword, declaring that God has delivered Midian into his hand (verse 14). This divine confirmation—heard from the enemy's own lips—transforms Gideon's fear into worship (verse 15). God graciously meets His servant in weakness and provides supernatural encouragement. Gideon then returns to Israel with absolute confidence, declaring victory before the battle begins.

Verses 15–22: The Unconventional Victory

Gideon divides his 300 into three companies, each carrying a trumpet and a pitcher concealing a lamp. At his signal, they blow trumpets, break pitchers to reveal blazing lights, and shout, "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon!" (verses 18–20). The Midianites, awakening in confusion to noise and light surrounding them on all sides, panic and flee. Astoundingly, God causes the enemy to turn their swords against one another (verse 22). This is not military victory; it is divine deliverance. The enemy's own confusion and fear become God's instruments of judgment.

Verses 23–25: Pursuit and Completion

Other Israelite tribes join the pursuit, and Gideon strategically calls upon Ephraim to cut off escape routes (verses 23–24). The Midianite princes Oreb and Zeeb are captured and killed, their heads brought to Gideon as proof of victory. The victory is complete and decisive.

Application for Today

Christians often face overwhelming circumstances and feel inadequate for the tasks before them. Judges 7 reminds us that God deliberately works through human weakness so that His power and glory are unmistakable. When we trust God's Word rather than our own resources, when we obey despite fear, and when we seek His encouragement through faith, we experience His supernatural deliverance. Our weakness becomes the platform for His strength.

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