Judges 7
To this point in the story of Gideon, he has received two signs confirming his call from God, broken down the altars to Baal and the Asherah poles, been given a cool nickname, and collected an army large enough to build an effective offensive. This guy is moving in a powerful direction with the wind of God pushing his sails. In this chapter, we will get to see the climax of Gideon’s story and his effectiveness in completing what God has desired him to do.
Vv. 1-8 We see that God wants credit for this victory and to give no doubt about who it was that delivered the people of Israel from their oppressors. God’s strategy to do this was to reduce greatly the size of the army that Gideon had assembled to the point that a human force on its own would never be able to have victory without divine intervention. We see God reduce Gideon’s forces from 32,000 to a mere 300!
How do we respond when our strength is gone and yet we are asked to go forward? Would we be bold or hesitant like Gideon.
Vv. 9-18 We see Gideon is still not confident in the Lord, though the Lord continues to confirm that he has already given the enemy into Gideon’s hands. So Gideon snuck with Purah, his servant, into the Midianite camp to hear how they were feeling about the battle. The conversation he overheard revealed the fear Midian was experiencing, as they were sure that Gideon, led by the Lord, would defeat them. With this proof, he worshipped and his heart was readied for battle.
Reflect on your own worship practices. Is the only time you worship on Sunday morning? How can we improve on worship and be more naturally drawn to worship?
Vv. 19-25 The strategy that was used against Midian was not like one used before. The Israelite troops circled the Midianite camp at midnight and used trumpets, the breaking of jars, and war cries to scare the already fearful Midianites from their sleep. They awoke in such a panic that they turned their sword against one another. Those that survived turned and ran from the Israelites. The Israelites gave chase and not only did those 300 men chase but so did many of the tribes of Israel that originally were not of that select group.
How do we see the power of momentum at play in this passage?
Here are some concluding thoughts:
Why God Chose Certain People: The first reduction of people was a common reduction that can be seen in Deuteronomy 20:8 which allows for people who are fearful to leave the military ranks and go home. This was done that the people who were fearful may not rub off on those who were emboldened and ready for battle. The second split is much stranger. Why would God want people who lapped water like a dog to stay in his army? It may not be as deep as you think. The 300 men that stayed would take the water in hand, staying upright, and shrink the water as a dog. This allowed those men to stay alert and able; whereas those kneeling with face-in-pool would be compromised. We need to be a people who are ready for attack, leaning into the Word of God for our defense.
Gideon’s Worship: We are shown again this tentative spirit that is Gideon’s. Even after an angel appeared to him, he needed a sign that the angel was real and that the call was real. Even after he had just destructed the altars of Baal and Asherah poles and amassed a large following, he needed a sign to go further. And before he attacked Midian, he needed to hear for himself that the enemy was delivered to destruction. Only then would he worship. Though Gideon reflects our human nature of needing to be constantly assured, the work of the cross and fulfilling of the Holy Spirit ought to be all the assurance that we need. For those in deep relationship with the Lord, I pray that worship comes much easier and more naturally to our souls.
Glory is the Lord’s, Not Gideon’s: God reduced the number of the army so greatly that he may receive glory and not Gideon or any other person. This is true both because he deserves all glory, honor, and praise; but also because Gideon has been so fearful and hesitant to give credit to God to this point. Gideon shows a lack of confidence in God, which certainly brings concern to whether he would give God credit for the victory. We need to be a people constantly giving credit to our God. He is responsible for our every breath as he works all things out for our good, even when we are unsure how good it will really be. May we give God praise on the mountain top and in the valley. He is worthy.