Gideon’s Triumph: Faith Overwhelming Odds Through God’s Chosen Few

Executive Summary ✨

Judges 7 tells the astonishing story of how Gideon, by divine instruction, reduced his army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men to defeat the vast Midianite army. This chapter underscores the profound truth that victory comes not through might or numbers, but through God’s sovereign power and humble obedience. The winnowing process reveals God’s desire to claim all the glory, preventing Israel from boasting in their own strength. The seemingly absurd strategy of trumpets, empty pitchers, and torches further emphasizes God’s unconventional methods. Ultimately, Gideon’s unwavering faith and obedience serve as a powerful example of how God can use the weak and foolish to confound the strong. DoHost can assist you with creating a secure online environment.

This chapter speaks profoundly to our modern lives, reminding us that our strength lies not in worldly resources, but in trusting God’s direction, however unconventional it may seem. It calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring we rely on divine power rather than our own abilities.

Introduction 📖

Judges 7, a pivotal chapter in the book of Judges, showcases God’s extraordinary power and unconventional methods in delivering His people. At its heart, it’s a narrative about reducing reliance on human strength and embracing divine dependence. This chapter beautifully illustrates the Coptic Orthodox understanding of God’s active involvement in history and His ability to work miracles through the seemingly insignificant. The passage is a cornerstone for understanding that true victory comes not from our own might, but from God’s grace and unwavering faith.

Commentary Sections

Judges 7:1 – Gathering at the Well of Harod

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the well of Harod, so that the camp of the Midianites was on the north side of them by the hill of Moreh in the valley.

The chapter opens with Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal (meaning “Let Baal contend”), gathering his army beside the well of Harod. The location is significant – Harod, meaning “trembling,” foreshadows the fear that God will instill in the majority of Gideon’s army. The Midianites, a formidable foe, are encamped north of them near the hill of Moreh, a site potentially associated with pagan worship. The juxtaposition highlights the spiritual battle taking place alongside the physical one. This geographic detail is key as it creates a sense of imminent threat, enhancing the drama of the narrative. The Orthodox understanding emphasizes that even amidst overwhelming odds, God provides a place of gathering, a “well” of hope, for His faithful. The geographical context underlines the historical setting of the event.

Spiritual Application: Just as Gideon gathered his army at a place of potential trembling, we must recognize that even in times of fear and uncertainty, God offers us a place of refuge and strength. We need to seek His presence in prayer and fellowship, trusting that He will provide for us, even when surrounded by overwhelming challenges.

Judges 7:2-3 – Reducing the Army: Fearful Depart

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. 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.

NKJV: And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for themselves against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead.’” And twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.

Here, God instructs Gideon to dramatically reduce his army. The reason is clear: to ensure that Israel does not attribute the victory to their own strength, but recognizes it as a divine intervention. This act of reducing the army from 32,000 to 10,000 highlights the principle of divine grace; God prefers to work with a small, devoted group who acknowledge His power than a large army that boasts of its own might. God explicitly states the reason, “lest Israel vaunt themselves against me.” This echoes the dangers of pride, something the Orthodox Church strongly warns against. The reduction also symbolizes the spiritual pruning necessary in our lives, removing what hinders our complete reliance on God.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom notes, “God does not desire to work with those who trust in themselves, but those who understand their own weakness and lean on His strength.” (Homilies on Matthew, 15.5)

Spiritual Application: God often strips away our perceived strengths and resources to reveal our utter dependence on Him. Are we willing to let go of our pride and control, trusting that God’s power is sufficient, even when we feel weak and inadequate?

Judges 7:4-8 – The Final Test: Lapping Water

KJV: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

NKJV: But 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. Then it will be that of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ the same shall go with you; and of whomever I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ the same shall not go.” So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “Everyone who laps from the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set apart by himself. Likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink.” And the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men; but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water. Then the Lord said to Gideon, “By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the other people go, every man to his place.” So the people took provisions and their trumpets in their hands. And he sent away all the rest of Israel, every man to his tent, and retained those three hundred men. Now the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.

God uses another test to further reduce the army to a mere 300. Those who lapped water like dogs, remaining alert and watchful, were chosen, while those who knelt to drink comfortably were dismissed. The symbolic meaning is debated, but it likely represents the level of vigilance and preparedness necessary for those who serve God. Those who lapped the water remained alert to any potential danger, demonstrating a readiness and vigilance that pleased God. The number 300 is incredibly small compared to the vast Midianite army, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the impending victory. This act of divine selection emphasizes the principle of discernment and preparedness, which is a cornerstone of Coptic Orthodox spiritual life. The chosen few embodies the readiness required for spiritual battle.

Spiritual Application: Are we vigilant and alert in our spiritual lives, ready to resist temptation and stand firm in our faith? Or do we become complacent and easily distracted, neglecting our spiritual duties? We must be attentive to God’s voice and ready to respond to His call, even when it requires sacrifice and discipline.

Judges 7:9-15 – Encouragement and a Divine Sign

KJV: 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. But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

NKJV: It happened on the same night that the Lord said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down with Phurah your servant to the camp, and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Phurah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp. The Midianites and Amalekites and all the people of the East were lying along the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude. And when Gideon had come, there was a man telling a dream to his companion. He said, “I have had a dream: To my surprise, a loaf of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian; it came to a tent and struck it so that it fell and overturned it, and the tent lay flat.” Then his companion answered and said, “This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel! Into his hand God has delivered Midian and the whole camp.” And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, that he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”

God, understanding Gideon’s human frailty, provides a divine sign to bolster his faith. Gideon is instructed to go down to the Midianite camp with his servant, Phurah, and listen to what they are saying. There, he overhears a Midianite soldier recounting a dream of a barley loaf tumbling into their camp, interpreted by his companion as the sword of Gideon. This dream and its interpretation, divinely orchestrated, serve as a confirmation of God’s promise and strengthen Gideon’s resolve. Gideon’s response of worship is significant, demonstrating his acknowledgment of God’s power and his renewed trust in His plan. It reinforces the idea of receiving divine assurance during moments of doubt, which is a common theme in Orthodox spirituality. This section reveals that even when called to leadership, even when being in charge of thousands of people, it’s ok to have moments of doubt and that these can be resolved through simple prayer.

Spiritual Application: When facing daunting challenges, seek God’s guidance and look for signs of His presence. God often speaks to us in unexpected ways, confirming His promises and strengthening our faith. We must be attentive to His voice and willing to follow His lead, even when it seems improbable or impossible.

Judges 7:16-25 – The Victory Achieved

KJV: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. 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. 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. 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. 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.

NKJV: Then he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and torches inside the pitchers. And he said to them, “Look at me and do likewise; watch, and when I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the trumpets on every side of the whole camp, and say, ‘The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!’” So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outpost of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just as they had posted the watch; and they blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers that were in their hands. Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers; they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands to blow, and they cried, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” And every man stood in his place all around the camp; and the whole army ran and cried out and fled. When the three hundred blew the trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the whole camp; and the army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah, and to the boundary of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath. And the men of Israel gathered together from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and pursued the Midianites. Then Gideon sent messengers throughout all Mount Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites, and seize from them the watering places as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.” Then all the men of Ephraim gathered together and seized the watering places as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan. And they captured two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued Midian and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.

Gideon divides his 300 men into three companies, each equipped with a trumpet, an empty pitcher, and a torch concealed within the pitcher. This seemingly absurd strategy is precisely what God ordains. At the signal, they break the pitchers, revealing the torches, and blow the trumpets, shouting, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” The noise and sudden display of light create confusion and panic in the Midianite camp. God then sets the Midianites against each other, causing them to flee in disarray. The rest of Israel is mobilized to pursue the fleeing Midianites, and two of their princes, Oreb and Zeeb, are captured and killed. The victory is a testament to God’s power, working through the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the mighty. The empty pitchers and trumpets symbolize the emptiness of human strength and the power of God’s word. The victory is not just about military conquest; it’s a profound spiritual victory over idolatry and oppression. The Coptic Orthodox perspective is that every small gesture of devotion, though seeming insignificant, if done in God’s name can have enormous impact.

Spiritual Application: God often calls us to do things that seem foolish or unconventional in the eyes of the world. Are we willing to step out in faith, trusting that God’s power will work through our weakness and limitations? Let us embrace the “empty pitcher” and the “trumpet” – symbols of our surrender and reliance on God – and watch as He works miracles in our lives.

Subtopic Sections

Let’s delve deeper into the multifaceted lessons this chapter provides:

• 💡 Divine Sovereignty: God orchestrated the entire victory, demonstrating His absolute control over events. It wasn’t Gideon’s strategy or Israel’s might, but God’s direct intervention that secured the victory.
• 🕊️ Humility and Dependence: The winnowing process emphasized the importance of humility and dependence on God. Those who trusted in their own strength were dismissed, while those who remained vigilant and relied on God were chosen.
• 📜 Unconventional Methods: God often uses unconventional methods to achieve His purposes. The trumpets, pitchers, and torches were not weapons of war, but instruments of faith that demonstrated God’s power.
• ✨ Courage and Obedience: Gideon’s courage and obedience were essential for carrying out God’s plan. Despite his initial fears and doubts, he followed God’s instructions faithfully, leading to a miraculous victory.
• 📖 Spiritual Warfare: The battle against the Midianites is a metaphor for the spiritual warfare we face in our lives. We must rely on God’s power and use the weapons of faith – prayer, Scripture, and obedience – to overcome the forces of darkness.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about the account of Gideon’s victory:

• Q: Why did God reduce Gideon’s army so drastically?
  A: God reduced the army to prevent Israel from taking pride in their own strength and to ensure that they recognized the victory as a divine intervention. This highlighted the importance of humility and dependence on God.
• Q: What is the significance of the 300 men who lapped water like dogs?
  A: The 300 men represent those who were vigilant and alert, ready to respond to any threat. They were chosen because they demonstrated a readiness and alertness that pleased God, unlike those who knelt to drink comfortably.
• Q: What does the dream of the barley loaf symbolize?
  A: The dream of the barley loaf symbolizes the seemingly insignificant Gideon and his army, who, by God’s power, would overcome the mighty Midianites. Barley bread was a common food, representing the humble origins of Gideon’s victory.
• Q: What is the spiritual application of this story for modern Christians?
  A: The story of Gideon teaches us to rely on God’s power rather than our own strength, to be vigilant in our spiritual lives, and to trust that God can use the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the strong. It calls us to embrace humility, obedience, and faith in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Conclusion

Judges 7 serves as a powerful reminder that true victory comes not from our own might or resources, but from God’s sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness. Gideon’s story challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are not relying on our own abilities, but on God’s grace. The winnowing process, the unconventional strategy, and the divine sign all point to the same truth: God desires to claim all the glory. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to embrace this principle in our daily lives, trusting that God can use us, regardless of our weaknesses or limitations, to accomplish His purposes. Let the story of Gideon’s Triumph: Faith Overwhelming Odds Through God’s Chosen Few inspire us to be bold in our faith, obedient to God’s call, and confident in His power to work miracles in our lives.

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Faith, Gideon, Midianites, Judges, Bible, Coptic Orthodox, Victory, Humility, Obedience, Divine Power

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Explore Judges 7: Gideon’s Triumph. Discover how 300 men defeated the Midianites through faith. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on divine power and humility.