Judges 7:5 So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink." New Living Translation When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, "Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream." English Standard Version So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” Jubilee Bible 2000 So he brought the people down unto the water, and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that laps of the water with his tongue as a dog laps, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that bows down upon his knees to drink.

King James 2000 Bible So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, him shall you set by himself; likewise every one that bows down upon his knees to drink. American King James Version So he brought down the people to the water: and the LORD said to Gideon, Every one that laps of the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, him shall you set by himself; likewise every one that bows down on his knees to drink. American Standard Version So he brought down the people unto the water: and Jehovah said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. Douay-Rheims Bible And when the people were come down to the waters, the Lord said to Gedeon: They that shall lap the water with their tongues, as dogs are wont to lap, thou shalt set apart by themselves: but they that shall drink bowing down their knees, shall be on the other side.

Darby Bible Translation And he brought down the people to the water; and Jehovah said to Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down on his knees to drink. English Revised Version So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. Webster's Bible Translation So he brought down the people to the water: and the LORD said to Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.

World English Bible So he brought down the people to the water; and Yahweh said to Gideon, "Everyone who laps of the water with his tongue, like a dog laps, you shall set him by himself; likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink." Young's Literal Translation And he bringeth down the people unto the water, and Jehovah saith unto Gideon, 'Every one who lappeth with his tongue of the water as the dog lappeth -- thou dost set him apart; also every one who boweth on his knees to drink.' Commentary He will drink from the brook by the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head. Treasury of Scripture So he brought down the people to the water: and the LORD said to Gideon, Every one that laps of the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, him shall you set by himself; likewise every one that bows down on his knees to drink. lappeth. The original word yalok, is precisely the sound which the dog makes in lapping. It appears that it is not unusual for the Arabs to drink water out of the palms of their hands; and, from this account, we learn that the Israelites did so occasionally. Dr.

A. Clarke, in his edition of Harmer, has presented us with the following curious MS note from Dr. Russell. 'When they take water with the palms of their hands, they naturally place themselves on their hams, to be nearer the water; but when they drink from a pitcher or gourd, fresh filled, they do not sit down on purpose to drink, but drink standing, and very often put the sleeve of their shirt over the mouth of the vessel, by way of strainer, lest small leeches might have been taken up with the water. For the same reason they often prefer taking the water with the palm of the hand to lapping it from the surface.' From the letters of Busbequius we learn, that the Eastern people are not in the habit of drinking standing. The Jump to Previous 2. Gideon's Incredible Shrinking Army (Judges 6:33-7:15a) 2. Gideon's Incredible Shrinking Army (Judges 6:33-7:15a) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson Bkmrk Gideon pointing to the fleece.

Illustrated manuscript, German, Hildesheim, about 1170s, Tempera colors, gold leaf, silver leaf, and ink on parchment, 11 1/8 x 7 7/16 in., MS. 64, FOL. 92. Getty Museum. Gideon has been called, has obeyed God, and has begun to lead his own tribe back to an allegiance to Yahweh. But the still the Midianites come to devastate the land. This is the eighth year that the Midianites and their allied tribes have come to ravage the land (6:1). This is Gideon's time! Gideon Summons the Tribes to War (6:33-35) "Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.

He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them." (6:33-35) The center of the Midianite invasion this year is the plain of the Jezreel Valley, where they begin to set up their camps in preparation to systematically ravage the land. In numbers they totally dominate the leaderless Israelite inhabitants. Then God begins to change the picture in one loud trumpet blast. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Gideon to take action. "Came upon" (NIV, KJV) or "took possession of" (NRSV) in verse 34 is the Hebrew verb labesh, "dress, be clothed."1 The Spirit of God so dwells with Gideon that he is clothed in God's Spirit. In this, Gideon shares something with the Spirit-anointed kings and priests -- and, in a sense, with Christians today who receive the Holy Spirit as their spiritual birthright (Philippians 4:13).

Shofar made from a ram's horn Under the leadership and inspiration of the Spirit, Gideon takes a ram's horn and sounds a call to arms. "Trumpet" is the Hebrew noun shofar, related to the Arabic word for ram's horns. It is used of the curved musical instrument made of the horn of a ram. The shofar (pronounced SHOW-far) is used in worship in the tabernacle, announces a new king (1 Kings 1:34; 2 Kings 9:13), and serves as a bugle for signals in battle (Judges 3:27; 2 Samuel 20:1). At the blast of the shofar, the walls of Jericho fall down (Joshua 6:20).2 At first, Gideon's trumpet summons his clansmen from the clan of Abizier to follow him. They have forgiven him, apparently, from pulling down the altar to Baal and follow him as their leader. Next, Gideon sends messengers to the rest of his tribe, Manasseh, summoning them to battle.

He also calls out some of the smaller tribes of Israel -- Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali -- and they respond. But he omits the much larger, dominant tribe of Ephraim, a decision that will come back to cause him trouble later (8:1-3). Q1. (Judges 6:33-35) What inspires Gideon to blow the battle horn and summon an army against the Midianites? What does Gideon have in common with other judges and leaders of his era? (Hint: see Deuteronomy 34:9; Judges 3:10; 11:9; 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14; 1 Samuel 11:6.) Putting a Fleece before the Lord (6:36-39) Under the power of the Spirit Gideon has called up an army, but faced with the enormity of the task he is overwhelmed. He asks for divine assurance that this is really God's will he is pursuing.

"Gideon said to God, 'If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised -- look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.' And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew -- a bowlful of water. "Then Gideon said to God, 'Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew.' That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew." (6:36-39) First, Gideon clarifies the question that he needs an answer to. He wants to make sure he has the message right -- that "You will save Israel by my hand as you have promised" (6:36).

"Save" (NIV, KJV) or "deliver" (NRSV) is the Hebrew verb yāsha`, "save, deliver, give victory, help; be safe; take vengeance, preserve."3 Notice here that Gideon doesn't see himself as the savior. Rather God will save Israel. But Gideon will be the instrument -- "by my hand." This is a curious request for confirmation, since Gideon acknowledges at the outset that this is what he understands God's promise to be. "Promised" (NIV) or "said" (KJV) in verse 36 is the verb dābar, "to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing, etc."4 Gideon just needs to be certain. We can certainly empathize with Gideon. How often have we felt God's leading, but need assurance again -- and yet again. But God is so gracious. Gideon has obeyed to the extent of his commands so far. He is serious about this request, he just needs assurance. He sets up the test with a fleece -- the sheared pelt of wool from a sheep that has come off in a single piece.

"Fleece" is the Hebrew noun gizzâ, from the verb gāzaz, "to sheer or mow."5 He places the fleece on dry, flat ground in the evening. "Threshing floor" (NIV) or "floor" is the Hebrew noun gōren, which refers specifically to "threshing floor, threshing place, the place where grain was threshed from the stalk and chaff."6 Then Gideon retires for the evening to await the dew (Hebrew tal). May to October are the dry months when no rain falls. But in the evening the temperature in Palestine drops dramatically. Moist west winds blow inland from the Mediterranean. The cold nights cause condensation of the moisture. The amount varies in different regions, but in Gaza there is dew 250 nights of the year.7 When Gideon gets up in the morning the fleece is sopping wet and he is able to wring a bowlful of water from it, but the ground around the fleece is dry. God has confirmed his inquiry. Gideon wonders, scientist that he is, if by some fluke the wool fleece just absorbed more water.

Now he asks God to do the opposite the following night -- the fleece dry and the ground wet. But his request is humble and tentative -- though bold at the same time. He addresses God: "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece" (6:39a). He pleads for God's indulgence of his second request. He acknowledges that God has reason to be angry with him. After all he has allowed himself to be put to the test once already. Why should the Almighty God, after all, have to submit to little exercises invented by mere men?

The word "test" (NIV), "prove" (KJV), or "make trial" (NRSV) is the Hebrew verb nāsâ, "test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof, put to the test."8 A number of people have gotten in bad trouble by "putting God to the test," most famously at Massah and Meribah by demanding that God give them water in the desert (Exodus 17:2, 7; Deuteronomy 6:16; Psalm 78:18, 41, 56; 95:8-9; 106:14; Isaiah 7:12; Matthew 4:7 = Luke 4:12; 1 Corinthians 10:9.). What's the difference between Gideon's test and ungodly testing of God by the Israelites and by Satan's suggestion that Jesus jump off the temple? These were attempts to manipulate God into doing miracles to somehow prove himself. But what Gideon was asking was for God to do a minor miracle to help Gideon anchor his full faith in the Lord.

Gideon's request is in order to establish his faith, whereas sinful testing of God is to get God to do miracles to meet selfish needs. Q2. (Judges 6:36-39) Why does Gideon put out a fleece before the Lord -- twice? Is this a sign of unbelief or of belief? Does this constitute "testing" God? How does it differ from the sinful testings of God the scripture warns against? When, if ever, should we ask God to confirm his direction with a sign? What is the danger of demanding a sign? Gideon's Army Encamps (7:1) "Early in the morning, Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh." (7:1) "Spring of Harod" is probably the present 'Ain Jalud, just under the northern cliffs of Mount Gilboa, at the south edge of the Jezreel Valley.

"A plentiful and beautiful spring of clear cold water rises in a rocky cave and flows out into a large pool, whence it drains off, in Nahr Jalud, down the valley past Beisan to the Jordan."9 "The hill or Moreh" just above the Midianite encampment, was across the Jezreel Valley, about three miles north of Gideon's location. It is probably the modern Jebel Dahi, located between Mt. Gilboa and Mt. Tabor on the north side of the Valley of Jezreel.10 Too Big an Army to Give God Glory (7:2-3) Now that the army had answered the call, God starts speaking troubling things to Gideon: "The LORD said to Gideon, 'You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, announce now to the people, "Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead." ' So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained." (7:2-3) If I had been Gideon, I would have been embarrassed to obey such a command.

Gideon is a new leader. He's concerned with how others perceive his leadership. He has just emerged as a bold, young leader who has, presumably, raised an army of 32,000 on the basis of his "own" personal charisma. What will people think if he dismisses two-thirds of his army by allowing the fearful to go home, no questions asked? It seems most un-general-like. Yes, there is Biblical precedent for such a move (Deuteronomy 20:8). But what will people say? Gideon has learned two vital lessons: That God is surely directing him -- otherwise what is the meaning of the fleece, and To obey God even when he doesn't understand the reason for God's command. If Gideon allows his pride to dissuade him from obedience he puts his whole army and country in jeopardy -- and proves what God has just said about men's propensity to pride at their achievements. However, God does explain the reasons for dismissing two-thirds of the army: "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands.

In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her...." (7.2) "Boast" (NIV) or "vaunt" (KJV) is the Hebrew verb pā΄ar, "glorify, beautify, adorn," which, in the Hithpael, also carries the meaning, "to boast."11 God knows us well. We're so easily tempted to take credit for the things that go well, but blame God when they fail. Our pride is so deceptive, we may not even recognize the signs. God cannot allow Israel to take credit for the victory, or they'll restore their disastrous pattern of depending upon themselves and failing to rely upon the true God. Until Gideon came along it took seven years of oppression and poverty before they humbled themselves enough to "cry out to the LORD for help" (6:6). But despite all the pressures upon Gideon, he obeys God even though it seems outwardly foolish. Gideon's humility before God helps him, and he gives the order for the fearful to go on home.

After all, God helps him save face by giving him a rationale for his strange command based on Deuteronomy 20:8 -- "Then the officers shall add, 'Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too.' " Gideon's command to "leave Mount Gilead" is a bit peculiar. Gideon's army is encamped by Mount Gilboa. Mount Gilead is east of the Jordan River. Perhaps this is an otherwise unknown use of Mount Gilead or a transmission error in the early text -- we don't know. Still Too Many (7:4) The army is reduced by two-thirds, but 10,000 men is still too many for God's plan. "But 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, "This one shall go with you," he shall go; but if I say, "This one shall not go with you," he shall not go.'" (7:4) God instructs Gideon to march the rest of the army down to the water -- presumably the spring of Harod -- where God will "sift them." "Sift" (NIV, NRSV) or "try" (KJV) is the Hebrew verb ṣārap, "smelt, refine, test ... primarily used for gold and silversmiths and for the process of refining metals before they were worked into fine vessels."12 God will refine the army still more. Q3. (Judges 7:1-3) Why did God feel Gideon's army was too large? Why was shrinking the army's size to a tiny band essential in restoring Israel's faith and allegiance? What kinds of pressures would Gideon be feeling not to obey God in shrinking his army? How was Gideon able to obey God fully in this? Separate the Lappers for Battle (7:5-6) J.J.

Tissot, "Gideon chooses the three hundred" (1896-1900), watercolor. Larger image . Now Gideon receives even more bizarre instructions from God to pare down his army: "So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, 'Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink.' Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink." (7:5-6) While the picture isn't entirely clear, it seems that those who prostrated themselves at water's edge to drink in the cool, refreshing water directly -- they were the rejects. "Kneel down" (NIV) or "boweth down" (KJV) is the Hebrew verb kāra`, "bow down, kneel, sink down to one's knees, kneel down." The same word is used of kneeling in worship.13 A few men, apparently cupped water into their hands and drank it or lapped it from their hands as might a dog.

"Lap" is the Hebrew verb lāqaq, "lick, lap."14 These few were selected by the Lord to remain with Gideon. The rest were told to leave. There's been a lot of discussion why lappers are superior soldiers to kneelers. Lappers are more alert, they say. Lappers are aware of their surroundings and are always ready for battle, they argue. But I don't think lapping was so much a virtue as it was a way of separating out a band of 300 men. At any rate, this way the remaining warriors can't be said to have been selected for their mighty strength -- they were selected for lapping. I see humor here! Q5. (Judges 7:5-6) What significance, if any, do you see in selecting the "lappers" from the "kneelers"? Nearly 10,000 Lappers Sent Home (7:7-8) "The LORD said to Gideon, 'With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands.

Let all the other men go, each to his own place.' So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others." (7:7-8) Whether they were sent home or just to their encampment isn't fully clear. They went "each to his own place" (7:7). "Place" (NIV) in 7:7 is the Hebrew noun māqôm, which "represents the physical location where something is or ought to be, i.e. its station. So, it is translated 'place, home, room.'"15 Verse 7:8 is a bit ambiguous also: "So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents...." "Tents" is the Hebrew noun ΄ōhel, "tent, dwelling, later general for habitation, home."16 But apparently they were sent home, for when the victory is won they are "called out" again from their various tribes. Nevertheless, before they leave, they are relieved from some of their equipment -- "provisions" and trumpets.

"Provisions" (NIV) or "victuals" (KJV) is the Hebrew noun ṣêdâ, "food."17 But here it probably refers to food jars that Gideon's men were to use to cover their torches and enough shophars so that each of the 300 men is now a bugler. With 300 I Will Deliver You (7:7) "The LORD said to Gideon, 'With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands.'" (7:7) Though the Midianite army was vast, perhaps 135,000 or more (8:10), if Gideon's original army of 32,000 were to conqueror them they would be considered heroes in battle. Were his reduced army of 10,000 to conqueror them in spite of such great numerical superiority, the 10,000 would be acclaimed mighty men of valor. But for 300 men to defeat an army of 135,000? Preposterous!

That could only be considered a miracle, the intervention of God. Here is God's promise to encourage obedient Gideon on the eve of battle: "With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands." (7:7) In 6:14 the Lord tells Gideon that he will save Israel from the Midianites, but here it is clear who is doing the real saving -- the Lord. Nevertheless, it will be by Gideon's hand and instrumentality. God has found a man who will trust him enough to obey him even when things don't seem to make sense. And that kind of faith, dear friends, is a rare and precious find. The Lord Encourages Gideon (7:8b-12) "Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. During that night the LORD said to Gideon, "Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying.

Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp." So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore." (7:8b-12) Now God makes him a promise -- "I am going to give it into your hands" (7:9) -- but Gideon must take action in order to claim the promise. Notice how sensitive the Lord is to Gideon's fears (7:10)? The Lord now engineers an event to give Gideon greater confidence, so that he might be "encouraged" (NIV) or "strengthened" (KJV, NRSV), using the Hebrew verb ḥāzaq, "be(come) strong, strengthen, prevail, harden, be courageous."18 The Lord senses Gideon's fear of actually attacking. After all, he now has 300 men against 130,000 -- "thick as locusts" (7:12).

Perhaps Gideon's fear sees them as that many! The word used here for "attack" (NIV) or "go down" (KJV) in verses 9,10, and 11, is the common Hebrew verb yārad, "go down." Here it refers to "a military maneuver to encounter the enemy in battle."19 But Gideon does sneak down to the outskirts of the enemy's camp, where God has a surprise for him. The Enemy's Barley Bread Dream (7:13-15a) "Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. 'I had a dream,' he was saying. 'A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.' His friend responded, 'This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite.

God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.' When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God." (7:13-15a) People of that day didn't bake bread in loaf pans, but as round lumps of dough that might bake into perfect wheels. The Midianite guard has seen just one of these loaves in his dream, careening down hill into the camp. In his dream, the small loaf strikes and collapses a tent many times its size. The other Midianite interprets the dream out loud -- in Gideon's hearing -- as the Lord causing "the sword of Gideon" to defeat the entire Midianite camp. The sword (Hebrew ḥereb) in Gideon's day at the end of the Bronze Age was probably made out of bronze. A century or two later the Phoenicians and Philistines began to use iron and steel swords.18 (See the appendix, "Weapons of the Late Bronze Age" ). Think how encouraged Gideon must have been to hear the words from his enemy's own mouth, "God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands" (7:14).

In response, Gideon "worshiped God" (7:15) The Hebrew word here is ḥāwâ, "to prostrate oneself on the ground, to worship."21 God is so faithful to strengthen his servant -- whom he found fearfully threshing wheat in a winepress -- to the point where he can lead 300 men against 135,000! God can strengthen you, too. If you feel too weak for the task he has set before you, like Gideon, ask him to strengthen your faith. God is in the faith-strengthening business! Now encouraged, Gideon returns to the camp, and calls them from their sleep with the same words with which God called him an hour or two previously: "Get up! The LORD has given the Midianite camp into your hands" (7:15). Q6. (Judges 7:13-14) What does the rolling barley loaf mean in the Midianite's dream? Why does the Lord show Gideon this dream? Available in e-book formats. What are we disciples supposed to learn from this passage?

Several lessons are obvious: God is merciful and gracious, understanding of our human frailties. God's willingness to meet Gideon's request for God to give a sign through the fleece is amazing. God is ready to assist us to grow in our faith. Both the fleece and the Midianite's dream show God's desire to assist. God desires to build our confidence in him, not our own strength. Pride and boasting are destructive. God delights to work through those too weak to act on their own. Prayer Father, as a leader I fall short. I always want to know "why" before I'll obey without complaining. But I ask you to help me grow to the place where I'll trust both the integrity of your voice and the content of your message so much that I will obey blindly, if need be. Forgive me for my stubborn rationalism, I pray. In Jesus' name. Amen. Key Verse "The LORD said to Gideon, 'You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands.

In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her....'" (Judges 7:2) References Gideon’s Army - Bible Study - BibleWise Categories: Gideon , Men in the Bible Question Do you have any insights into the choosing of Gideon's army due to their method of drinking water? The only facet I can think of is that kneeling down to drink doesn't allow for quick body action for fighting/protection. And I guess 900 trumpets would be blood curdling to say the least and cause them to run. I wonder if the US Army has thought of that in Iraq?! Answer We don't know about the Iraq issue, but scholars have also wondered why Gideon's men were chosen based on the way they drank water from the stream. The story is found in Judges 7:1-8a. Gideon and his men were on their way to fight the Midianites. God told Gideon he had too many men; he didn't want the Israelites to think they had won this battle on their own merits. All those who were fearful were allowed to leave. 22,000 left; 10,000 stayed.

God said that was still too many. They went to the stream and 300 lapped the water with their tongues like dogs; the remainder got down on their knees to drink. Only the ones who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, were chosen to continue. That meant Gideon would be fighting the entire Midianite army with 300 men. Scholars think perhaps these men were more alert by staying on their feet and using their hands to bring water to their mouths, then lapping it like a dog. Others have suggested that this is simply random, interesting only in that the army needed a further reduction and this was the method of choice. The Daily Study Bible suggests that this was merely a test. The word "test" is regularly used for refining metals. It is not to suggest that one is right and the other is wrong, but rather defines a process that all go through. It is just a process of separation. And in refining metal, there is only a small amount of usable metal, but usually much refuse. In that light, the numbers make sense. The point of the whole episode is to clearly state that God is definitely in control and that He was able to deliver the Midianites into Gideon's hands.

If you have any questions related to the Bible, please feel free to email us . Topics Judges 7 - Gideon Answers God's Call Gideon Answers God's Call Gideon (Part 2 of 3) Judges 7 Gideon was the fifth judge of Israel. He played a small but important role in the history of God's people. Gideon lived during a time when Israel had forsaken God and had worshipped idols. The nation had abandoned its true source of national strength and the source of its blessings much like our own nation has done today. God had withdrawn his blessings and protection, and the nation had suffered. As voices began to call upon God for deliverance, God used Gideon to answer the need. Gideon was a reluctant leader who was finally convinced of the power of God. He ultimately led the children of Israel in victory over their enemies, the Midianites. ï¿½Saved By My Own Handï¿½ After God had called Gideon and Gideon had been persuaded to accept the task God gave him, it was time to act. We find the account of Gideon's defeat of the Midianites in Judges 7:1-8:21.

Gideon's army of 32,000 was reduced in size (vss. 1-8). Already sorely outnumbered (the enemy numbered over 120,000 swordsmen), most would see this as a time to go out and recruit more warriors. But it might be that after the victory the Lord would give them, the people might think it had been by their own strength and ability that they had won the victory. So, the Lord commanded Gideon to further reduce the number under his command "...lest Israel claim glory for itself...saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'" (Judges 7:2). Any who were ï¿½afraid and tremblingï¿½ were told they could go home. Some 22,000 departed leaving 10,000 to fight the Midianites. So, it went from being outnumbered 4 to 1 to being outnumbered 12 to 1.

No doubt Gideon was surprised to hear what the Lord said next: ï¿½Then the LORD said to Gideon, 'The people are still too many; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there.'ï¿½ (Judges 7:4). At the site to which the Lord had directed Gideon's army there was drinkable water. The army stopped to drink and 9,700 knelt down on their knees so they might drink directly from the stream. The other 300 cupped their hands and took water into them, drinking it from their hands as a dog would lap water from his bowl. ï¿½The LORD said to Gideon, 'I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home.'" (Judges 7:7). ï¿½The Sword of the Lord and of Gideonï¿½ Gideon attacked the Midianites with his 300 men who took torches, pitchers, swords, and trumpets. (vss. 9-23).

ï¿½Now the same night it came about that the LORD said to him, 'Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hands.'ï¿½ (Judges 7:9). Gideon's 300 divided into three groups of 100 each. They spaced themselves around the Midianite camp, and when signaled, they broke the pitchers revealing the torches. They shouted, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" (Judges 8:20-23). There was much confusion in the camp as startled Midianite fought against Midianite in the darkness. That night the Midianites were routed. As they retreated, the assistance of the tribe of Ephraim was requested to cut off the fleeing Midianites as they crossed the Jordan. As Gideon's 300 continued to pursue the scattered remnants of the Midianites, the people of Succoth and Penuel refused to give bread to Gideon's army. They did not want to give assistance because they were not sure which way the battle was going. If they helped, and Gideon lost the battle, they might be punished by Midian.

Later, after the battle was won, Gideon would return and destroy the two towns (8:5,8,16,17). The final battle of the campaign was fought at Jogbehah. The Midianite army was routed again, and the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna were killed. One Man and God is a Majority God does not depend on large numbers of people to accomplish His goals. This is certainly one of the things we learn from the battle Gideon and his 300 waged. The Lord has often demonstrated His power by taking a few and accomplishing His purpose. To His disciples Jesus once said, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.ï¿½ (Luke 12:31-32). Don't be afraid of being in the minority if that is what it takes to be right with God! It is better to be in what Jesus referred to as ï¿½little flockï¿½ just as it was better to be among Gideon's 300.

Paul once stated it this way: ï¿½...let God be found true, though every man be found a liarï¿½ï¿½ (Romans 3:4). Our number one priority is to stand with the Lord on any and every issue. We are at war; a spiritual conflict (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We can go with the majority, or we can go with God. God's Power and Victory Another thing we learn from Gideon's victory over the enemy is that God's power is enough to win in any conflict. All spiritual victories occur because of God's power and not because of ours. The Scripture says, ï¿½For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.ï¿½ (1 Corinthians 1:18). Whether it be Gideon and his battle or ourselves and our salvation, the power for success is God's. Those of Gideon's day had no reason to boast concerning their own power. The Lord wanted them to realize that they did not deliver themselves from the Midianites. Likewise, He does not accept our own boasting about our salvation.

ï¿½But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:30,31). Assisting Those Who Fight the Lord's Battles One final point to be made from Gideon's experience is that we should always be willing to assist those who are carrying out the Lord's will. The people of Succoth and Penuel had refused to give bread to Gideon's army and were punished. They wanted to see the outcome first before they risked anything. Sometimes, people of faith simply must be willing to take risks when it comes to doing the will of the Lord. Paul expresses his gratitude for ï¿½Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necksï¿½ï¿½ (Romans 16:3-4). We are encouraged to support those who put forth effort in the field. This is a worthy and noble endeavor (3 John 5-8).

Sometimes the battle will be ours, and we should be able to have confidence in our good brethren's support. Likewise, when the battle is theirs, we must fill the supportive role, that God's work might be done. Judges 7 - Believe His Prophets Judges 7 Judges 7 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 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. 3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

4 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. 5 So he brought down the people unto the water: and the Lord said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. 6 And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. 7 And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.

8 So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley. 9 And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand. 10 But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host: 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. 12 And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.

13 And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. 14 And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host. 15 And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian. 16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. 17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

18 When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. 19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands. 20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. 21 And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. 22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

23 And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites. 24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. 25 And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan. Judges 7 Blog post Thirty-two thousand soldiers were called but only three hundred were ready to respond. Fear alone reduced the army by 22,000. So what about the remaining 10,000? They were given a simple test regarding how they drank water from a stream.

Only three hundred men cupped the water in their hands, bringing it up to their mouths so they could keep their eyes on the movements of their enemies. They were the ones whom God chose to go with Gideon. All 32,000 that first responded were supposedly fearless. Were some physically unfit for battle? Did they secretly doubt God’s ability or willingness to deliver Israel? When the 10,000 had been given a second option to leave and also go back home, they decided to stay with Gideon. Why then did they fail the simple test of how to drink water when thirsty? What was uppermost in their minds? What about us? What is our most urgent concern? The here and now or our connection with Jesus? The great final conflict of earth is just before us. Many are invited, few will be ready. Will you be prepared? Brennon Kirstein, Chaplain Judges 7:1-25, New Living Translation (NLT) So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod. The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the...

Traditional | Alphabetic 1So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod. The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. 2The lord said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. 3Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain# Hebrew may leave Mount Gilead. The identity of Mount Gilead is uncertain in this context. It is perhaps used here as another name for Mount Gilboa. and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.4But the lord told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.” 5When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the lord told him, “Divide the men into two groups.

In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream.” 6Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream.7The lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.” 8So Gideon collected the provisions and rams’ horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him.The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon. 9That night the lord said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them! 10But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. 11Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.”So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp.

12The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count! 13Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. The man said, “I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!”14His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!”15When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the lord.# As in Greek version; Hebrew reads he bowed. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up!

For the lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!” 16He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it.17Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do. 18As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the lord and for Gideon!’”19It was just after midnight,# Hebrew at the beginning of the second watch. after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars. 20Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars.

They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the lord and for Gideon!”21Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. 22When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.23Then Gideon sent for the warriors of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, who joined in chasing the army of Midian. 24Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down to attack the Midianites. Cut them off at the shallow crossings of the Jordan River at Beth-barah.”So all the men of Ephraim did as they were told.

25They captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two Midianite commanders, killing Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. And they continued to chase the Midianites. Afterward the Israelites brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan River. Online Bible | Biblica - The International Bible Society Judges 7 Gideon Defeats the Midianites 1Early in the morning, Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. 2 The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ 3 Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. 4 But the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many men.

Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘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 took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” 6 Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. 7 The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” 8 So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. 9 During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.

10 If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11 and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. 12 The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore. 13 Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. “I had a dream,” he was saying. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.” 14 His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.” 15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, “Get up!

The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.” 16 Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside. 17 “Watch me,” he told them. “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. 18 When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’” 19 Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. 20 The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” 21 While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled.

22 When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath. 23 Israelites from Naphtali, Asher and all Manasseh were called out, and they pursued the Midianites. 24 Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “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 seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth Barah. 25 They also captured two of the Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan. NIV : Judges 7 Judges 7:6 Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs.

All the rest got down on their knees to drink. Matthew Henry Commentary 7:1-8. God provides that the praise of victory may be wholly to himself, by appointing only three hundred men to be employed. Activity and prudence go with dependence upon God for help in our lawful undertakings. When the Lord sees that men would overlook him, and through unbelief, would shrink from perilous services, or that through pride they would vaunt themselves against him, he will set them aside, and do his work by other instruments. Pretences will be found by many, for deserting the cause and escaping the cross. But though a religious society may thus be made fewer in numbers, yet it will gain as to purity, and may expect an increased blessing from the Lord. God chooses to employ such as are not only well affected, but zealously affected in a good thing. They grudged not at the liberty of the others who were dismissed. In doing the duties required by God, we must not regard the forwardness or backwardness of others, nor what they do, but what God looks for at our hands.

He is a rare person who can endure that others should excel him in gifts or blessings, or in liberty; so that we may say, it is by the special grace of God that we regard what God says to us, and not look to men what they do. Gideon's Army of Three Hundred …5So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "You shall separate everyone who laps the water with his tongue as a dog laps, as well as everyone who kneels to drink." 6 Now the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was 300 men; but all the rest of the people kneeled to drink water.

7The LORD said to Gideon, "I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home."… Judges 7, New Living Translation (NLT) | Chapter 7 | The Bible App | Bible.com 7 Gideon Defeats the Midianites 1So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod. The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. 2The lord said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. 3Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain# Hebrew may leave Mount Gilead. The identity of Mount Gilead is uncertain in this context. It is perhaps used here as another name for Mount Gilboa.

and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight. 4But the lord told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.” 5When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the lord told him, “Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream.” 6Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream. 7The lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.” 8So Gideon collected the provisions and rams’ horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him. The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon.

9That night the lord said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them! 10But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. 11Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp. 12The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count! 13Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. The man said, “I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp.

It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!” 14His companion answered, “Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!” 15When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the lord.# As in Greek version; Hebrew reads he bowed. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!” 16He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram’s horn and a clay jar with a torch in it. 17Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do. 18As soon as I and those with me blow the rams’ horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, ‘For the lord and for Gideon!’” 19It was just after midnight,# Hebrew at the beginning of the second watch.

after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars. 20Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the lord and for Gideon!” 21Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. 22When the 300 Israelites blew their rams’ horns, the lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. 23Then Gideon sent for the warriors of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, who joined in chasing the army of Midian. 24Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down to attack the Midianites.

Cut them off at the shallow crossings of the Jordan River at Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim did as they were told. 25They captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two Midianite commanders, killing Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. And they continued to chase the Midianites. Afterward the Israelites brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan River. Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois, 60188. All rights reserved. Gideon’s Army of 300 Men | Bible Story My Book of Bible Stories STORY 52 Gideon and His 300 Men PLAY Gideon and His 300 Men DO YOU see what is happening here? These are all fighting men of Israel. The men bending down are taking a drink. Judge Gidʹe·on is the man standing close to them. He is watching how they drink the water.

Look closely at the different ways in which the men are drinking. Some are putting their face right down to the water. But one is taking the water up in his hands, so that he can watch what is going on around him. This is important, for Jehovah told Gidʹe·on to choose only the men who keep watching while they drink. The rest, God said, should be sent home. Let’s see why. The Israelites are in a lot of trouble again. The reason is that they have not obeyed Jehovah. The people of Midʹi·an have gained power over them and are hurting them. So the Israelites cry to Jehovah for help, and Jehovah listens to their cries. Jehovah tells Gidʹe·on to get an army, so Gidʹe·on gathers together 32,000 fighting men. But there is an army of 135,000 men against Israel. And yet Jehovah tells Gidʹe·on: ‘You have too many men.’ Why did Jehovah say that? It is because if Israel won the war, they might think that they won by themselves. They might think that they didn’t need Jehovah’s help to win.

So Jehovah says to Gidʹe·on: ‘Tell all the men who are afraid to go back home.’ When Gidʹe·on does this, 22,000 of his fighting men go home. That leaves him only 10,000 men to fight against all those 135,000 soldiers. But, listen! Jehovah says: ‘You still have too many men.’ So he tells Gidʹe·on to have the men drink at this stream and then to send home all the people who put their face down to the water to drink. ‘I will give you the victory with the 300 men who kept watching while they drank,’ Jehovah promises. The time comes for the fight. Gidʹe·on puts his 300 men in three groups. He gives to each man a horn, and a jar with a torch inside it. When it is about midnight, they all gather around the camp of enemy soldiers.

Then, at the same time, they all blow their horns and break their jars, and shout: ‘Jehovah’s sword and Gidʹe·on’s!’ When the enemy soldiers wake up, they are confused and afraid. They all begin to run, and the Israelites win the battle.

Question: Which of the biblical judges selected his army by how they drank from a stream?
Answer: GIDEON