Judges 7
Observations:(1) Too many men
Twice, God cut down the number of Israelites going to war with the Midianites v.2, 4.
The first screening was based on whoever was fear. They could leave v.3. The second screening was based on how they drink water.
v.5b Then the LORD said to Gideon, “Separate those who lap the water as a dog laps from those who kneel to drink.”7:6 Three hundred men lapped; the rest of the men kneeled to drink water. 7:7 The LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped I will deliver the whole army and I will hand Midian over to you.
Why did the one who lap the water was selected?
(Walton) It is commonly thought that these were retained because they could keep their eyes on the enemy while they drank; hence, they were better prepared for battle. However, not only is this interpretation contradicted by the choice of the general himself (Gideon), the folly of using three hundred men against this innumerable host of Midianites, the weapons chosen for the battle, and the strategy for engagement (7:19–22); it also annuls the point of the text—the victory is entirely a divine act. The criteria for paring the troops down to three hundred men appear to be arbitrary.
Whether there was so logical reason or not for the choice of these 300 men we do not know and the Scriptures did not explain. However, Gideon chose to obey God.
v.8b Gideon sent all the men of Israel back to their homes; he kept only three hundred men.
(2) 300 men vs people like a swarm of locusts v.8, 12.
God allowed Gideon to go down to the enemies' camp to listen to their conversation to make him feel better.
7:10 But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with Purah your servant 7:11 and listen to what they are saying. Then you will be brave and attack the camp.”
Again, that was a weird confirmation. By listening to what they say Gideon would feel better?!
However, the Scriptures said, "so he went ..." v.11. Gideon obeyed God again.
(3) The conversation between a dream and another man.
Note, Scriptures did not even know the names of these 2 men. It seems like Gideon just happened there when the conversation took place v.13.
7:14 The other man said, “Without a doubt this symbolizes the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God is handing Midian and all the army over to him.”
7:15 When Gideon heard the report of the dream and its interpretation, he praised God. Then he went back to the Israelite camp and said, “Get up, for the LORD is handing the Midianite army over to you!”
If I was there I would question Gideon, how do you know that the interpretation of the dream was correct?? However, Gideon praised God and immediately mobilized his army.
(4) The army was given trumpets and empty jars with torches inside them.
Note, the army was not given any sword or spear, the common weapons.
7:17 He said to them, “Watch me and do as I do. Watch closely! I am going to the edge of the camp. Do as I do!
These fearless men followed Gideon from an army of 32,000 to now 300. Now, they were just given these ridiculous instructions from Gideon to do what he did ! Again, they did obey him v.19 and they won the war.
Reflections:
The LORD explained the reason why he cut down the army.
7:2 The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to hand Midian over to you. Israel might brag, ‘Our own strength has delivered us.
The LORD was not looking for a capable leader to lead the Israelites. He was looking for a humble leader. Not only that He was looking for people who obeyed Him even in a fearful situation. 300 men to the vast numbers of enemies.
Gideon responded to the command of the LORD. With his obedience God requests the cutting down of the size of his army the second time. Not only did he show his faith, his army also showed that faith with him. I think that was the result of the good influence from their leader.
Are we humble? Do we obey God even in fearful situation? Or you got frozen when you cripped by fear and do not obey God?
Do we obey God even with requests that we do not know the reason behind it? Does your obedience influence anyone around you? You will be amazed to see how your obedience to your husband will affect how your children obedy to you.
Audrey
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