“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.”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history characterised by a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. In Judges 7, the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites, who had invaded the land, destroyed crops, and caused great suffering. God raised up Gideon as a judge and deliverer for Israel.
Gideon’s army:Prior to the events in verse 24, Gideon had initially gathered a large army of 32,000 men to fight against the Midianites. However, God instructed him to reduce the size of the army, as He wanted to demonstrate His power through a smaller force.
The test of the water:In Judges 7:4-8, God instructed Gideon to bring the soldiers down to the water and observe how they drank. Those who kneeled down to drink with their mouths in the water were separated from those who cupped the water in their hands and lapped it like a dog. The latter group, consisting of only 300 men, were chosen to fight against the Midianites.
Gideon’s strategic plan:After selecting the 300 men, Gideon divided them into three groups and armed them with trumpets, empty pitchers, and torches hidden inside the pitchers. At night, they surrounded the Midianite camp, and at Gideon’s signal, they blew their trumpets, smashed the pitchers to reveal the torches, and shouted, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” (Judges 7:18-20).
Ephraim’s involvement:After the initial victory over the Midianites, Gideon sent messengers to the tribe of Ephraim, located in the northern region of Israel, urging them to intercept the Midianites’ escape routes and cut off their access to the waters of Bethbarah and the Jordan River. The men of Ephraim responded to the call and secured these important water sources, preventing the Midianites from regrouping or finding relief.
Lessons and applications:
- God’s ways are not our ways:Through the story of Gideon, we learn that God often chooses the weak and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes. He can achieve great victories with a small number of faithful individuals who trust in Him.
- God’s power is made perfect in weakness:Gideon’s reduced army and unconventional battle plan highlighted the fact that success does not depend on human strength or strategies alone, but on God’s intervention and guidance. It reminds us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own abilities.
- Unity and cooperation among believers:Gideon’s call to the men of Ephraim emphasises the importance of unity and collaboration within the community of believers. When different parts of God’s people work together towards a common goal, they can achieve significant results.
- Obedience to God’s instructions:Gideon’s victory came through his obedience to God’s specific instructions. It encourages us to carefully listen to God’s voice, follow His guidance, and trust in His promises, even when the task seems challenging or unconventional.
In summary, Judges 7:24 showcases Gideon’s strategic plan and the involvement of the men of Ephraim in securing the escape routes and water sources of the Midianites. This passage highlights God’s power, His unique ways of working, the importance of unity, and the significance of obedience to His instructions.
