“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.”
Historical Context:The book of Judges describes a period in Israel’s history after they had settled in the Promised Land, but before the establishment of a monarchy. During this time, the Israelites went through cycles of faithfulness, disobedience, and oppression. In Judges 7, the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites, who had become a great menace to the nation.
Gideon’s Call:Gideon, the main character in Judges 7, was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. Initially, Gideon was reluctant to accept this call and asked for several signs from God to confirm his mission. After these signs, Gideon finally gathered an army of 32,000 men to fight against the Midianites.
Reduction of the Army:Surprisingly, God instructed Gideon to reduce the size of his army. He commanded Gideon to give an opportunity for anyone who was fearful to return home, resulting in 22,000 men leaving. Then, God instructed Gideon to take the remaining 10,000 men to the water to separate them based on how they drank. Only 300 men drank by cupping water in their hands, while the others kneeled to drink. God chose the 300 men as the ones who would go into battle against the Midianites.
The Strategy:In Judges 7:18, Gideon explains the strategy that God revealed to him. The 300 men were divided into three groups, each carrying a trumpet and a pitcher with a torch inside. They were to surround the Midianite camp in the middle of the night. At Gideon’s signal, the men were to blow the trumpets, break the pitchers to reveal the torches, and shout, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!”
Spiritual Lessons:
- Dependence on God:God intentionally reduced the number of soldiers to show His power and teach Gideon and the Israelites to depend solely on Him. The victory was not about human strength, but about God’s intervention.
- God’s Unconventional Ways:God’s ways often defy human logic. The battle strategy of using torches, pitchers, and trumpets seemed unconventional, but it demonstrated that God can use the weak to overcome the strong.
- Proclaiming God’s Authority:The shout, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!” proclaimed the authority of God and recognized Gideon as God’s chosen leader. It reminds us that our victories come from God, and we should give Him the glory.
- Faith in God’s Promises:Gideon’s obedience and faith in God’s promises led to the defeat of the Midianites. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s word and acting upon it.
Application:The story of Gideon and the victory over the Midianites challenges us to trust in God’s power and guidance even in difficult and seemingly impossible situations. It reminds us that our strength comes from God, and when we rely on Him, He can use us to accomplish great things.
In summary, Judges 7:18 recounts the battle strategy that God revealed to Gideon, which involved trumpets, pitchers, and torches. This passage teaches us valuable lessons about dependence on God, His unconventional ways, proclaiming His authority, and having faith in His promises. It encourages us to trust in God’s power and follow His guidance in our own lives.
