Judges 7:11
Judges 7:11 in Multiple Translations
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.
And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.
and thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thy hands be strengthened to go down into the camp. Then went he down with Purah his servant unto the outermost part of the armed men that were in the camp.
And after hearing what they are saying, you will get strength to go down against the army. So he went down with his servant Purah to the outer line of the tents of the armed men.
You'll hear what they're talking about and then you'll have the courage to attack the camp.” So he took his servant Purah with him and went to the edge of the camp where armed men were on guard.
And thou shalt hearken what they say, and so shall thine handes be strong to go downe vnto the hoste. Then went he downe and Phurah his seruant vnto the outside of the souldiers that were in the hoste.
and thou hast heard what they speak, and afterwards are thy hands strengthened, and thou hast gone down against the camp.' And he goeth down, he and Phurah his young man, unto the extremity of the fifties who [are] in the camp;
You will hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be strengthened to go down into the camp.” Then went he down with Purah his servant to the outermost part of the armed men who were in the camp.
And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thy hands be strengthened to go down to the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant to the outside of the armed men that were in the host.
And when thou shalt hear what they are saying, then shall thy hands be strengthened, and thou shalt go down more secure to the enemies’ camp. And he went down with Phara his servant into part of the camp, where was the watch of men in arms.
Go down and listen to what some of the Midian soldiers are saying. Then you will be very encouraged, and you will be ready to attack their camp.” So Gideon took Purah with him, and they went down to the edge of the enemy camp.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 7:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 7:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָֽׁמַעְתָּ֙
מַה
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
וְ/אַחַר֙
תֶּחֱזַ֣קְנָה
יָדֶ֔י/ךָ
וְ/יָרַדְתָּ֖
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
וַ/יֵּ֤רֶד
הוּא֙
וּ/פֻרָ֣ה
נַעֲר֔/וֹ
אֶל
קְצֵ֥ה
הַ/חֲמֻשִׁ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה
וְ/שָֽׁמַעְתָּ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
וְ/אַחַר֙
ʼachar
H310
after
Conj | Adv
תֶּחֱזַ֣קְנָה
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
יָדֶ֔י/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
וְ/יָרַדְתָּ֖
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
וַ/יֵּ֤רֶד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וּ/פֻרָ֣ה
Purâh
H6513
Purah
Conj | N-proper
נַעֲר֔/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
קְצֵ֥ה
qâtseh
H7097
end
N-cs
הַ/חֲמֻשִׁ֖ים
châmush
H2571
armed
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 7:11
וְ/שָֽׁמַעְתָּ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
וְ/אַחַר֙
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Conj | Adv
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
תֶּחֱזַ֣קְנָה
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
יָדֶ֔י/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/יָרַדְתָּ֖
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶ֑ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
וַ/יֵּ֤רֶד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וּ/פֻרָ֣ה
Purâh
H6513
"Purah"
Conj | N-proper
Purah was an Israelite who lived before the monarchy, serving as Gideon's armor-bearer in Judges 7:10. His name means 'bough' and he is also known as Phurah. He played a role in Gideon's army.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.7.10 § Phurah = "bough" the servant of Gideon, probably his armour-bearer
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Phurah. See also: Judges 7:10; Judges 7:11.
נַעֲר֔/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
קְצֵ֥ה
qâtseh
H7097
"end"
N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
הַ/חֲמֻשִׁ֖ים
châmush
H2571
"armed"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
In the Bible, this word describes a strong and able-bodied soldier, often in battle formation. It is used to describe armies in Genesis and Exodus. The term implies a sense of readiness for war.
Definition: in battle array, arrayed for battle by fives, armed
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: armed (men), harnessed. See also: Exodus 13:18; Joshua 4:12; Judges 7:11.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּֽ/מַּחֲנֶֽה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
Study Notes — Judges 7:11
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Context — The Sword of Gideon
9That night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up and go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand.
10But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah
11and 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.
12Now 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. 13And 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 6:10 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. |
| 2 | Judges 7:13–15 | 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.” 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.” 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.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 35:3–4 | Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 23:16 | And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, |
| 5 | Exodus 13:18 | So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt arrayed for battle. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 | But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. |
| 7 | Genesis 24:14 | Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 14:8–10 | “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. If they say, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stay where we are and will not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we will go up, because this will be our sign that the LORD has delivered them into our hands.” |
| 9 | Ezra 6:22 | For seven days they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread with joy, because the LORD had made them joyful and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to strengthen their hands in the work on the house of the God of Israel. |
| 10 | Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. |
Judges 7:11 Summary
In Judges 7:11, God tells Gideon to go down to the enemy's camp with his servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. This is so that Gideon can trust in God's power and have the confidence to attack the camp. It's like when we face big challenges in our lives, and we need to remember that God is in control, as seen in Psalm 23:4. By trusting in God and listening to His voice, we can have the courage and strength to overcome any obstacle, just like Gideon did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God tell Gideon to go down to the camp with his servant Purah?
God told Gideon to go down to the camp with Purah so that he could listen to what the enemy was saying and have his hands strengthened to attack the camp, as seen in Judges 7:11, and to trust in God's power rather than his own abilities, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What was the purpose of Gideon listening to the conversation of the enemy?
The purpose of Gideon listening to the conversation of the enemy was to gain confidence and trust in God's plan, as stated in Judges 7:11, and to see how God was already working in the hearts of the enemy, similar to what is seen in Exodus 14:4 where God hardens the heart of Pharaoh.
How does this verse relate to our own lives as believers?
This verse reminds us that, like Gideon, we can trust in God's power and promises, even when faced with overwhelming circumstances, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6, and that God often works in the hearts of those around us, even our enemies, to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from Gideon's obedience in this verse?
We can learn from Gideon's obedience that trusting and obeying God, even when it seems uncertain or scary, is the key to experiencing God's power and provision in our lives, as seen in Hebrews 11:6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and promises, rather than my own abilities?
- How can I, like Gideon, listen to and discern the voice of God in my circumstances, and what role does faith play in this process?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of trusting in God's power, rather than my own strength, in my daily life and challenges?
- How does this verse encourage me to have confidence in God's plan and provision for my life, even when things seem uncertain or overwhelming?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:11
And thou shalt hear what they shall say,.... The Midianites, or what shall be said by any of them; for though it was the night season, and so not a time for much conversation, as it may be supposed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:11
And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:11
Afterward shall thine hands be strengthened; thou wilt be encouraged to proceed, notwithstanding the smallness of thy number, which may deter thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:11
Judges 7:11 And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that [were] in the host.Ver. 11. And thou shalt hear.] For further confirmation of thy faith. So low stoopeth the Lord to our meanness. Unto the outside of the armed men.] And if the strength of the army despond of the victory, what mayest thou think of the rest?
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:11
(11)And thou shalt hear what they say.—This was the kind of omen known by the Jews as the Bath Kol, or “Daughter of a Voice.” For a similar instance see 1 Samuel 14:6 (Jonathan and his armour-bearer). The word is used in slightly different senses. Sometimes it means a voice from heaven (Matthew 3:17, &c): such voices from heaven are described in the Talmud; sometimes it means the first chance words which a man hears after being bidden to look out for them as a Divine intimation; sometimes it means an actual echo (see Hamburger’s Talmud. Wörterb., s.5).It was one of the four recognised modes of Divine direction (viz., prophets, dreams, Urim, and the Bath Kol, 1 Samuel 28:6-15), but stood lowest of the four. It was also known to the Greeks, among whom the oracle sometimes bade a man to take as his answer the first casual words which he heard spoken on leaving the Temple. The armed men.—Literally, ranks by, five, the word (chamooshim) rendered “harnessed” in Exodus 13:18, “armed” in Joshua 1:14. Probably here the word means “foreposts,” or “sentries”; and the Vulgate renders it “vigiliae.” The LXX. curiously render it “to the beginning,” (or in other MSS.) “to part of the fifty,” following a wrong punctuation. That were in the host.—Probably “the host” was in some respects more like a temporary nomad migration, such as is so common among all wandering tribes. If so, it would not be by any means entirely composed of “armed men,” but would, like the Persians under Xerxes, trail with it a vast mass of camp followers, &c., who would probably be encamped in the centre with the baggage.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:11
Verse 11. Unto the outside of the armed men] No doubt the vast multitudes of Midianites, c., which came merely for plunder, were wholly unarmed but they had a guard of armed men, as all the caravans have, and those guards were on the outside of the multitudes; it was to these that Gideon and his servant came.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:11
11. shall thine hands be strengthened] for a bold stroke. Hebrew speaks of the hands where we should speak of the heart; cf. 2 Samuel 2:7; 2 Samuel 16:21. the armed men] Elsewhere of the Israelite hosts at the period of the Wandering and the Occupation; Exodus 13:18 E, Numbers 32:17 JE, Joshua 1:14; Joshua 4:12 D; the exact meaning of the word is not known. The LXX renders fifty by a mistaken etymology.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 7:11
The armed men - The word is rendered harnessed in Exodus 13:18 (see the note). The most probable meaning of the word is arrayed in divisions or ranks.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:11
11. The outside of the armed men — On the word çîùׁ ?éí, rendered armed men, see at Exodus 13:18, and Joshua 1:14.
Sermons on Judges 7:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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A Warning to American Christianity by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and |
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Power Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their experience of watching a movie about the United Nations and reflecting on the horrors of the world. They then share a childhood dream th |
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A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous |
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A Warning to America by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention and righteousness in a land plagued by defilement and darkness. It highlights the power of prayer and the need f |
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The Whole Armour of God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of putting on the whole armor of God to withstand the spiritual battles we face against unseen forces. He reflects on the current state o |
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America's Only Hope by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the need for God's people to humble themselves, pray, confess sins, and turn from wicked ways to bring about revival. It shares power |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 18:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He encourages young adults to abstain from the immorality of the cu |