Judges 7:2

Judges 7:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.’

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Gideon, So great is the number of your people, that if I give the Midianites into their hands they will be uplifted in pride over me and will say, I myself have been my saviour.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord told Gideon, “There are too many soldiers with you for me to hand over the Midianites to them, otherwise Israel will brag to me, saying, ‘I saved myself by my own strength.’

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord said vnto Gideon, The people that are with thee, are too many for me to giue the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel make their vaunt against me, and say, Mine hand hath saued mee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto Gideon, 'Too many [are] the people who [are] with thee for My giving Midian into their hand, lest Israel beautify itself against Me, saying, My hand hath given salvation to me;

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel brag against me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, My own hand hath saved me.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to Gedeon: The people that are with thee are many, and Madian shall not be delivered into their hands: lest Israel should glory against me, and say: I was delivered by my own strength.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh said to Gideon, “You have too many soldiers with you. If I allow all of you to fight the army of Midian, if your army defeats them, they will boast to me that they defeated their enemies by themselves, without my help.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 7:2

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 7:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל גִּדְע֔וֹן רַ֗ב הָ/עָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתָּ֔/ךְ מִ/תִּתִּ֥/י אֶת מִדְיָ֖ן בְּ/יָדָ֑/ם פֶּן יִתְפָּאֵ֨ר עָלַ֤/י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר יָדִ֖/י הוֹשִׁ֥יעָה לִּֽ/י

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

גִּדְע֔וֹן Gidʻôwn H1439 Gideon N-proper

רַ֗ב rab H7227 many Adj

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אִתָּ֔/ךְ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

מִ/תִּתִּ֥/י nâthan H5414 to give Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מִדְיָ֖ן Midyân H4080 Midian N-proper

בְּ/יָדָ֑/ם yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj

יִתְפָּאֵ֨ר pâʼar H6286 to beautify V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms

עָלַ֤/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יָדִ֖/י yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

הוֹשִׁ֥יעָה yâshaʻ H3467 to save V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs

לִּֽ/י Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 7:2

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

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.

גִּדְע֔וֹן Gidʻôwn H1439 "Gideon" N-proper

Gideon was a judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites. His name means 'hewer' and he is also called Jerubbaal.

Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.6.11; son of: Joash (H3101); father of: Jether (H3500), Abimelech (H0040H) and Jotham (H3147); also called Jerubbaal at Jdg.6.32; 7.1; 8.29,35; 9.1,2,5,16,19,24,28,57; 1xJerubbesheth at 2Sa.11.21; § Gideon = "hewer" youngest son of Joash of the Abiezrites, fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Gideon. See also: Judges 6:11; Judges 7:18; Judges 8:35.

רַ֗ב rab H7227 "many" Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר 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.

אִתָּ֔/ךְ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

מִ/תִּתִּ֥/י nâthan H5414 "to give" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִדְיָ֖ן Midyân H4080 "Midian" N-proper

Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.

Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.

בְּ/יָדָ֑/ם yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | 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.

פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj

This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.

Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.

יִתְפָּאֵ֨ר pâʼar H6286 "to beautify" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to make something beautiful or to boast about oneself. It can also mean to explain or make something clear. In the Bible, it is used to describe pride or beauty. The KJV translates it as 'beautify' or 'glorify'.

Definition: 1) to glorify, beautify, adorn 1a) (Piel) to glorify, beautify 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to glorify oneself 1b2) to get glory to oneself, be glorified

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: beautify, boast self, go over the boughs, glorify (self), glory, vaunt self. See also: Exodus 8:5; Isaiah 49:3; Psalms 149:4.

עָלַ֤/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יָדִ֖/י yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

הוֹשִׁ֥יעָה yâshaʻ H3467 "to save" V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs

Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.

Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to

Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.

לִּֽ/י "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Judges 7:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 7:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:2
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:2
Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:2
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:2
Sermons on Judges 7:2

Context — Gideon’s Army of Three Hundred

1Early 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.

2Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’

3Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. 4Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. 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.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 8:17	You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.”
2	1 Corinthians 1:27–29	But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence.
3	2 Corinthians 4:7	Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
4	Romans 11:18	do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
5	Deuteronomy 32:27	if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’”
6	Ezekiel 28:17	Your heart grew proud of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor; so I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings.
7	Zechariah 12:7	The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah.
8	1 Corinthians 2:4–5	My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
9	1 Samuel 14:6	Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
10	Zechariah 4:6	So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Judges 7:2 Summary

This verse means that God wants us to trust in Him, rather than in our own strength and abilities. He wants us to recognize that He is the one who gives us victory, not our own power or numbers, as seen in Judges 7:2. When we rely on God, we can be confident that He will work through us, even in our weaknesses, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. By trusting in God, we can give Him the glory and recognition that He deserves, rather than taking credit for ourselves, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 1:29.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God want Gideon to have fewer people in his army?

God wanted Gideon to have fewer people so that Israel would not take credit for the victory, but instead give glory to God, as seen in Judges 7:2, where God says, '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.’

Is this verse saying that God is opposed to human strength and ability?

No, this verse is not saying that God is opposed to human strength and ability, but rather that He wants us to recognize and acknowledge His power and sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

How does this verse relate to the concept of humility?

This verse highlights the importance of humility, as God wants us to recognize our limitations and dependence on Him, rather than relying on our own strength and abilities, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:29, which says that no one can boast in God's presence.

What can we learn from Gideon's experience in this verse?

We can learn that God often works through weakness and smallness, rather than strength and numbers, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where Paul says that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and that He delights in using the weak and humble to accomplish great things, as seen in Judges 7:2.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am relying on my own strength and abilities, rather than trusting in God's power and sovereignty?
How can I cultivate a greater sense of humility and recognition of my dependence on God, as seen in this verse?
What are some ways that I can apply the principle of Judges 7:2 to my own life, and trust God to work through my weaknesses and limitations?
How can I ensure that I am giving God the glory for the victories and successes in my life, rather than taking credit for them myself?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:2

And the Lord said unto Gideon, the people that are with thee are too many,.... It appears, by what follows, that there were 32,000 of them, which was but a small army to engage with one of 100,000

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:2

And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 7:2

Too many for me, i.e. for my purpose; which is, so to deliver Israel, that it may appear to be my own miraculous act, that so I may have all the glory of it, and they may be more strongly obliged to love and serve me.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:2

Judges 7:2 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.Ver. 2. Are too many.] They thought themselves too few, and therefore feared. God’ s thoughts are not as man’ s thoughts: he never complaineth of too few: but saith, as that general did to his fearful soldiers, How many reckon you me for? I alone am a whole army of men. Lest Israel vaunt themselves.] Which yet they had small reason to do, everything considered. But God knoweth the vanity of men’ s minds, and "needeth not that any should testify of man, for he knoweth what is in man." So bladder-like is the soul, that filled with the wind of vain glory, it grows great and swells in pride: but if pricked with the least pin of grief or fear, it shrivelleth to nothing. Mine own hand hath saved me.] Memet meis viribus servavi. Man is a self-ascribing creature. Ajax acknowledged no god but his sword. Sejanus sacrificed to himself. Polyphemus setteth up himself for the sole doer. The Caldeans sacrifice to their own net. Dio. Euripides.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:2

(2) The people that are with thee are too many for me.—This must have put the faith of Gideon to a severe trial, since the Midianites were 135,000 in number (Judges 8:10), and Gideon’s forces only 32,000 (Judges 7:4). Lest Israel vaunt themselves.—See Deuteronomy 8:17.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:2

Verse 2. The people that are with thee are too many] Had he led up a numerous host against his enemies, the excellence of the power by which they were discomfited might have appeared to be of man and not of God. By the manner in which this whole transaction was conducted, both the Israelites and Midianites must see that the thing was of God. This would inspire the Israelites with confidence, and the Midianites with fear.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:2

2. The people that are with thee] Whatever is to be understood by these words in Judges 7:1, here they must refer to the host mentioned in Judges 6:35. lest Israel vaunt themselves against me] For the thought cf. Deuteronomy 8:11-17; Deuteronomy 9:4 f.; the same word vaunt occurs in Isaiah 10:15. The army is to be reduced in order that Jehovah’s intervention on behalf of Israel may be the more striking and all the glory His; cf. 1 Samuel 14:6, Psalms 44:3, 1 Corinthians 1:25-27.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:2

2. Lest Israel vaunt themselves — As human nature is ever prone to do. Compare marginal reference.

Sermons on Judges 7:2

	Sermon	Description
	(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
	(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
	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
	New Beginnings - Gideon's Army Ii by George Warnock	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a priest unto the Lord Jesus. He starts by thanking God and asking for His help and guidance. The preacher then disc
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 33:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God receiving all the glory for His works. He uses the example of Gideon and how God reduced his army to 300 men in order t
	Against All Odds by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highl
	God's Anyone by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher starts by referencing 2nd Corinthians 13:1 and expresses concern for those who are not fully committed to the message. He then quotes Revelation 3:20,