The St. Louis Republic., 1902-11-22
THE SUNDAY-SCH0oL LESSON.
For Nov. so, "GideOn and the
Three Hundred" Judges
VII, 1S; 16-21.)

THE ENEMY.-The Nidianites descended
from the fourth son OF Abraham by Ketu-
rah (Cien. XIV. -. his second wife. They In
habited country Of considerable extent In
the Snaitic peninsula to which Moses ned
for a place of safety. where he resided until
called to'lsad his peopiout Of Egypt. (Ex,
III. u They seemd to have cherished
some iii-w!ll toward the Israeites during
the wandering. for what reason is not
known. and united with the Moabites in
trying to induce Baiaam to curse the He
bfews. (Numb.. xxi. 6.) To revenge their
doirgs on that occasion the Lord directed
Moses to send a strong military expedition
against them. and many thousands were
slain. (Nimb.. xxi. ~ Those who escaped
this destruction aiterward greatly increased
and for several years greatly oppressed the
Hebrews after their settlement in Canaan.
Residing at the southeast. they frequently
made incursions. disturbing the people in
their peaceful pursuits To-day's lesson
shows how they were finally conquered. the
ord working miracuiocsly for their de-
structIon.
THE CAMP-(verse H. Reference to this
particular invasion Is made in the sixth
raised up Gideon as deliverer. and gave
him assurances by various signs. tCh., vi.
con summoned the people, who pitched their
tents beside the well OF Herod. That well Is
believed to have been the same as a foun-
tain now called Ain Jalad. which Is nearly
opposite Shunem. about a mile east Of Jez.
reel q. sam. xxx. u. near the center or
saying that ' the water is excellent and
abundant and that it flows from cavern
in the rock which forms the base of Gal
scene Of many sanguinary conflicts in Jew
ish and GreGan history. The Crusaders
and saracens encamped there Gideon,s
army took up the position In the valley
south of the Midlanites. between them and
their homes thus preparing for desperate
struggle and an utter defeat for one OF the
THE TIAuD-lverses 2 and 81 This bat
tie was not to be a trial OF strength be-
overthrow the enemy even as he had done
IN all conflicts in which his people had bean
engaged; He was not willing. that they
case their hearts would be turned away
from him. Peut. viii. III That they might
not be led into such boasting and self-con-
Der, so that 1t should be evident to all that
the victory was net due TO human powers.
OF the sooo In the army Of Israel all should shopld
less considered the multitudes Of the Mid
ianites ,n, and thei. former achieyemsnts
while others. experimenting the peril Of
their position. felt that the enemy with des-
perate onslaught would overwhelm them In
rHerpsfore GiSsen. was @ directed
to proclaim 'in the ears Of the people" that
a Se Ters S mgas re.s5n %
still too many for Gods purpose. It may
be that some who had declared their brnv-
themselves and think little OF an overruling
Providence. Ten thousand men might boast
tn tn the soar Of bstory and claim
duced, until all should know that the battle
was won by divine power Il Sam; xiv. 9.
course of divine selection was appointed.
the he spring and God would Ssi designate na q q
(Sfdanr n mo, yhny hA haA NhC s6c
great searcher OF all hearts might thus Sc
ssute those who suited his purpose: tActs !.
~ c. a sign sign c,ssg was agreed upon; known only
dogs in drinking were to be taken. That
act was a hasty one. Indicating that the
not take much time to satisfy their thirst;
that; IN fact they were eager to engage In the
conflict. unwilling to delay long for their
were found.
cHoIcE,,yerses and 81 The Lord has
discovered his chosen ones Three hundred
these Il win save "yss you.s said "a Il the xlmshty
election. thousands. dismissed. rather up up
great body sent away from the bat.iefieid.
Well might It be inquired why any were re-
tained7 With one blast the Almighty might
have swept indian to destruction. With
some sudden burst OF natural forces these
mutitudes spread over the plain might
to mem IN ehs ne woad
save by means Of men. He would make
Three hundred men shall be witnesses OF
the display Of divine power, rehearstnz to
their fellows what God did. BY their lips
II shall be known in Israel. not that men
conquered. not that nature overwhelmed.
but that God interposed IN behalf OF his
people and delivered them from their foes.
THE PLAN-(verse ls.) An Interesting
ted from our study. By this II appears that
after Gideon had secursd his little band he
went by Gods direction to the Midiaritish
camp and overheard one OF the soldiers.
who told q dream to his fellow which was
interpreted as an Jmen Of victory fo- Is
rael. Without further delay Gideon
planned an attack. the Queerest ever known
in warfare either sn"ient or modern. There
were no spears o: swords or other instfu-
ments given to the men. such as were used
In the battles Of those times Instead. each
one received a trumpet and an empty pitch
er. in which fire was placed. And then the
little army was divided into three parts,
100 to a division. with something of MIL
tary appearance II Sam. xi, y. after the
fashion Of great military achievements
Such planning Is enoueh to provoke srnI'e.
In our aay 1t wonld subject the commander
to ridicuie. Indeed. company OF boys
would not conduct themselves In this wise
even in their play. But the plan was a
further proof that the battle would be the
Lords.