Judges 7
BSB1 Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. 2 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many people for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ 3 Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. 4 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many people. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go." 5 So Gideon brought the people down to the water, and the LORD said to him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel to drink." 6 And the number of those who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths was three hundred men; all the others knelt to drink. 7 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home." 8 So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred men, who took charge of the provisions and rams’ horns of the others. And the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. 9 That night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up and go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand. 10 But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11 and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp. 12 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore. 13 And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed." 14 His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand." 15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand." 16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. 17 “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. 18 When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’" 19 Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. 20 The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" 21 Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. 22 And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. 23 Then the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and they pursued the Midianites. 24 Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim to say, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah. 25 They also captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian; and they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. So they pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.
Study Notes — Judges 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Judges 7
- Themes from Judges 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Judges 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Gideon and his army approaching the Midianite camp. God tells Gideon that his army is too large and that He will reduce the number of men to ensure that the victory is clearly from Him (Judges 7:2-3). After a series of tests, including the drinking test at the water, Gideon's army is reduced to 300 men (Judges 7:4-7). That night, Gideon and his servant Purah sneak into the Midianite camp and overhear a conversation that reinforces their faith (Judges 7:9-15). With God's assurance, Gideon and his men launch a surprise attack on the Midianites, using trumpets, pitchers, and torches, and God gives them a great victory (Judges 7:16-25). The chapter concludes with the Midianite armies fleeing in fear and Gideon's men pursuing them, ultimately defeating them (Judges 7:23-25).
Context for the Chapter
Judges 7 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which describes the cycle of sin, judgment, and redemption in Israel's history. This chapter follows Gideon's call and preparation for battle, as recorded in Judges 6, and precedes the aftermath of the victory and Gideon's leadership in Israel, found in Judges 8. The events in Judges 7 are significant because they demonstrate God's deliverance of Israel from foreign oppression and serve as a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness to His people.
Heart Application
The story of Gideon encourages believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It reminds us that our weaknesses are not barriers to God's work but rather opportunities for Him to demonstrate His strength. As we face challenges in our lives, we can apply the lesson of Judges 7 by seeking God's guidance, trusting in His power, and obeying His commands, no matter how difficult they may seem.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Judges 7 tells the story of how God used Gideon, a weak and fearful man, to defeat a large and powerful army. With only 300 men, Gideon trusted God and followed His instructions, using unusual tactics like blowing trumpets and breaking pitchers to confuse and scare the enemy. This chapter shows us that God can do great things through anyone who trusts and obeys Him, no matter how weak they feel. As seen in Judges 7:2, God wants us to know that our victories come from Him, not from our own strength.
Voices from the Church
“The grand thing the Lord knows how to do is to use weak things. If you think yourself weak, you are just the kind of person God can use.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“In the reduction of Gideon's army, we see a remarkable example of the way in which God brings to pass His own purposes, often by unexpected means and through the instrumentality of weak and feeble agents.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Battle (Judges 7:1-3) — The chapter begins with Gideon's army approaching the Midianite camp, and God instructing Gideon to reduce the number of men to ensure the victory is from Him.
- The Reduction of Gideon's Army (Judges 7:4-7) — Gideon's army is reduced to 300 men after a series of tests, including the drinking test at the water.
- Gideon's Faith Strengthened (Judges 7:9-15) — Gideon and his servant Purah sneak into the Midianite camp and overhear a conversation that strengthens their faith in God's promise of victory.
- The Battle (Judges 7:16-22) — Gideon and his 300 men launch a surprise attack on the Midianites, using trumpets, pitchers, and torches, and God gives them a great victory.
- The Pursuit and Victory (Judges 7:23-25) — The Midianite armies flee in fear, and Gideon's men pursue them, ultimately defeating them and securing a great victory for Israel.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- Judges 7 demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, including the reduction of Gideon's army and the defeat of the Midianites, highlighting His control and power over human affairs.
- Faith and Trust
- Gideon's story illustrates the importance of faith and trust in God, showing how these virtues are essential for obeying God's commands and experiencing His power and deliverance.
- Redemption
- The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption achieved by Christ, where God's power is demonstrated through weakness, as seen in Christ's humility and sacrifice on the cross.
- God's Covenant Faithfulness
- The events in Judges 7 are a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, demonstrating His commitment to deliver and protect His people.
Lessons from Judges 7
- Trust in God's Power — The story of Gideon teaches us to trust in God's power, even when we feel weak or inadequate. This trust is foundational for experiencing God's deliverance and victory in our lives.
- Obedience to God's Commands — Gideon's obedience to God's instructions, despite their seeming irrationality, is a lesson in the importance of following God's will, even when it does not make sense to us.
- The Use of Weak Things — Judges 7 shows us that God often uses weak and ordinary things to achieve great victories. This should encourage us to look beyond our own strengths and abilities, recognizing that God can work through anyone who trusts in Him.
- The Importance of Faith — Gideon's faith, as seen in his actions and decisions, is a model for believers. It demonstrates the kind of trust and confidence in God that is required for overcoming life's challenges and experiencing God's power.
- God's Sovereignty and Covenant Faithfulness — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all events and His faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. These themes remind us of God's control and commitment to His people, encouraging us to trust in His goodness and power.
Themes from Judges 7
- God's Power in Weakness — The story of Gideon and his victory over the Midianites is a powerful illustration of God's ability to use weakness as a platform for His power. This theme is central to the chapter and has significant implications for our understanding of God's work in the world.
- Faith and Trust — The importance of faith and trust in God is a recurring theme in Judges 7. Gideon's story shows us that faith is not just a feeling but an action that involves obedience to God's commands and trust in His power.
- Redemption and Deliverance — The chapter points forward to the ultimate redemption achieved by Christ, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people from bondage and oppression. This theme is closely tied to the idea of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people.
- God's Sovereignty — The events in Judges 7 are a testament to God's sovereignty over all events, including the reduction of Gideon's army and the defeat of the Midianites. This theme reminds us of God's control and power over human affairs.
- Obedience and Guidance — The story of Gideon emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. This theme is closely related to the idea of trust and faith, as seen in Gideon's decisions and actions throughout the chapter.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which you feel weak or inadequate, and how can you trust God to use those weaknesses for His glory?
- How does the story of Gideon encourage you to have faith in God's power and sovereignty in your life?
- In what ways can you apply the lesson of Judges 7 to your current challenges, seeking God's guidance and trusting in His power?
- What does the reduction of Gideon's army teach us about God's view of human strength versus His own power?
- How does the story of Gideon's victory relate to the broader theme of redemption in the Bible, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's work in the world?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Battle (Judges 7:1-3)
| Judges 7:1 | The chapter begins with Gideon and his army approaching the Midianite camp, setting the stage for the battle to come. |
| Judges 7:2 | God instructs Gideon to reduce the number of men in his army, ensuring that the victory will be from Him and not from human strength. |
| Judges 7:3 | Gideon obeys God's command, and those who are afraid are sent home, leaving a smaller but more dedicated army. |
2. The Reduction of Gideon's Army (Judges 7:4-7)
| Judges 7:4 | The Lord tells Gideon that his army is still too large and that He will further reduce the number of men. |
| Judges 7:5 | The men are taken to the water, where they are tested by how they drink, and only those who lap the water like dogs are chosen. |
| Judges 7:6 | The number of men is reduced to 300, and Gideon is left with a small but select group of soldiers. |
| Judges 7:7 | The Lord assures Gideon that with this small army, He will give them victory over the Midianites. |
3. Gideon's Faith Strengthened (Judges 7:9-15)
| Judges 7:9 | That night, Gideon and his servant Purah sneak into the Midianite camp to gather information. |
| Judges 7:10 | They overhear a conversation between two Midianite soldiers, one of whom has a dream that Gideon will defeat them. |
| Judges 7:11 | The interpretation of the dream reinforces Gideon's faith, as he realizes that God has indeed given the Midianites into their hands. |
| Judges 7:12 | Gideon and Purah return to their camp, encouraged by what they have heard and seen. |
| Judges 7:13 | The Midianite soldier's dream is a sign from God, confirming His promise to give Gideon victory. |
| Judges 7:14 | The dream and its interpretation serve to strengthen Gideon's faith and prepare him for the battle ahead. |
| Judges 7:15 | Gideon worships God, acknowledging His power and faithfulness, and then returns to his army to prepare for the attack. |
4. The Battle (Judges 7:16-22)
| Judges 7:16 | Gideon divides his 300 men into three companies and gives each man a trumpet, a pitcher, and a torch. |
| Judges 7:17 | Gideon instructs the men to watch him and do as he does, blowing their trumpets and shouting when he gives the signal. |
| Judges 7:18 | The men surround the Midianite camp, and at the signal, they blow their trumpets, break their pitchers, and shout, creating confusion and fear among the enemy. |
| Judges 7:19 | The Midianites are thrown into panic, and they turn against each other, leading to their defeat. |
| Judges 7:20 | The Midianite army is routed, and Gideon's men pursue them, securing a great victory for Israel. |
| Judges 7:21 | The enemy is defeated, and Gideon's faith is vindicated as God gives them a resounding victory. |
| Judges 7:22 | The victory is not just a military success but a spiritual one, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His people. |
5. The Pursuit and Victory (Judges 7:23-25)
| Judges 7:23 | The men of Israel are called to pursue the Midianites, ensuring their complete defeat. |
| Judges 7:24 | Gideon sends messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, calling them to join in the pursuit and cut off the Midianites' escape routes. |
| Judges 7:25 | The Midianites are defeated, and their leaders, Oreb and Zeeb, are killed, marking a significant victory for Israel and demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the drinking test at the water in Judges 7:4-7?
The drinking test was a means by which God reduced Gideon's army to a small, select group of men who were fully dedicated to following Him. This test was not just about the act of drinking but about the men's attitude and obedience to God's command.
How did Gideon's faith impact the outcome of the battle?
Gideon's faith, as demonstrated by his obedience to God's instructions and his trust in God's power, was crucial to the outcome of the battle. His faith allowed him to see beyond the natural circumstances and to trust in God's supernatural power to deliver the Midianites into their hands.
What does the story of Gideon teach us about God's power and sovereignty?
The story of Gideon teaches us that God's power is not limited by human weakness but is often most evident in our vulnerabilities. It also demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, including the reduction of Gideon's army and the defeat of the Midianites, highlighting His control and power over human affairs.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 7:2 → 1 Corinthians 1:27 | The idea of God using the weak things of the world to confound the strong is echoed in 1 Corinthians 1:27, where Paul writes about God choosing the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. |
| 2 | Judges 7:7 → Hebrews 11:32-34 | The faith of Gideon, as seen in his trust in God's power and his obedience to His commands, is referenced in Hebrews 11:32-34, where the author lists Gideon among the heroes of faith who trusted in God's power and promises. |
| 3 | Judges 7:9 → John 1:1 | The theme of God's power and redemption, as seen in the story of Gideon, points forward to the ultimate power and redemption achieved by Christ, as described in John 1:1. |
| 4 | Judges 7:15 → Matthew 14:28-31 | The story of Gideon's faith, as demonstrated by his trust in God's power and his obedience to His commands, is similar to the story of Peter walking on the water, as recorded in Matthew 14:28-31, where Peter's faith is tested and he learns to trust in God's power. |
| 5 | Judges 7:16 → Exodus 14:13-14 | The use of trumpets and the shout of victory, as seen in Judges 7:16, is reminiscent of the victory at the Red Sea, as recorded in Exodus 14:13-14, where the Israelites are told to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. |
| 6 | Judges 7:20 → Psalm 24:8 | The description of the Lord as a warrior, as seen in Judges 7:20, is echoed in Psalm 24:8, where the psalmist writes about the Lord being strong and mighty in battle. |
| 7 | Judges 7:22 → Isaiah 55:11 | The idea of God's word not returning empty, as seen in Judges 7:22, is echoed in Isaiah 55:11, where the prophet writes about God's word accomplishing its purpose and succeeding in the thing for which it was sent. |
| 8 | Judges 7:25 → Revelation 19:11-16 | The victory of Gideon over the Midianites, as seen in Judges 7:25, points forward to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, as described in Revelation 19:11-16, where Christ returns as a warrior to defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom. |
Sermons on Judges 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil, |
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Occupy Till I Come by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible and how God used him despite his ordinary status. The speaker emphasizes that it is not our own strategies |
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A Biscuit at a Banquet by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and believing in His supernatural power to work through ordinary, weak individuals. It highlights the need for the chur |
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(Exodus) Exodus 36:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with enthusiasm and eagerness. He criticizes a young preacher who lacks enthusiasm in his preach |
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(Education for Exultation) the Gideon Venture by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon is in a difficult situation, feeling weak and unsure of what to do. However, God arranges for Gide |
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(Come Up Higher) the Spirit Will Lift Us Higher by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discerning the spiritual condition of believers by asking their opinion on famous television preachers. He expresses gratitu |
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Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-03 Nehemiah 4:10 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the negative impact of television on the spiritual temperature of the church. He believes that TV weakens prayer life and distracts Christian |
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The Call of Gideon by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon was uncertain if God was really with him, so he asked for a sign. He put a fleece o |
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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 5 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for expansion and enlargement in the spiritual lives of believers. God uses tests and trials to bring about this growth and to fulfi |
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Gideon #2: The Preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges in the Bible. The main theme is the preeminence of Christ and the invitation for believers to co |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Judges 7
In his commentary on Judges 7, Matthew Henry highlights the remarkable story of Gideon's victory over the Midianites, emphasizing God's sovereignty and power in the face of human weakness. Henry notes that the reduction of Gideon's army was a test of his faith and a demonstration of God's power to save by many or by few. He also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Gideon's actions, and the role of faith in trusting God's power and promises. The commentary concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of the chapter, including the theme of redemption and the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, as well as the encouragement it offers to believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty in their own lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all events, including the reduction of Gideon's army and the defeat of the Midianites. This sovereignty is a comfort to believers, reminding them that God is in control of all circumstances.
Faith and Obedience
Gideon's story shows the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands, even when they seem irrational or impossible. His faith is an example to believers of the kind of trust required to follow God's will.
The Power of God
The victory over the Midianites is a clear display of God's power. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by human weakness but is often most evident in our vulnerabilities.