"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."
Context:Judges 7 is a chapter that tells the story of Gideon and his army. Gideon was called by God to lead the Israelites in a battle against the Midianites. However, God wanted to demonstrate His power by delivering victory with a small number of soldiers.
Preparation for Battle:In Judges 7:1-4, the Lord commanded Gideon to reduce the size of his army. Initially, Gideon had gathered an army of 32,000 men, but God said it was too large. He instructed Gideon to announce to the troops that anyone who was fearful or afraid should return home. As a result, 22,000 men left, leaving only 10,000.
The Test at the Water:In verse 5, Gideon brings the remaining 10,000 men down to the water, where the Lord gives him a specific command. God tells Gideon to observe how the soldiers drink from the water. Those who cup the water with their hands and bring it to their mouths by lapping it like a dog would are to be set apart. In contrast, those who bow down on their knees to drink are to be separated into another group.
Significance of the Test:The test of how the soldiers drank the water served to reveal certain qualities or characteristics of the men. Those who lapped the water like a dog would have been more alert, watchful, and ready for action. They didn’t get distracted and remained focused on their surroundings. On the other hand, those who bowed down on their knees were more vulnerable and less attentive to their surroundings.
Divine Selection:After the test, Gideon is left with only 300 men who lapped the water like a dog, while the rest bowed down on their knees to drink (Judges 7:6). With this small group, God intended to demonstrate His power and deliver a miraculous victory over the Midianites. The overwhelming odds against the Israelites would highlight that their victory was a result of God’s intervention rather than their own strength.
Lessons and Application:The story of Gideon and the selection of the 300 men provides several lessons for believers today:
- God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways:God often works in ways that defy human logic and reasoning. He can achieve great victories with small numbers and weak instruments. We should trust in His wisdom and guidance even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.
- Faithfulness and Obedience:Gideon’s army was reduced to a fraction of its original size, but he followed God’s instructions faithfully. This account reminds us of the importance of obeying God’s commands, even when they seem unconventional or counterintuitive.
- God’s Power in Weakness:The victory of the 300 men against the Midianites highlights God’s power in our weakness. When we acknowledge our limitations and rely on God’s strength, He can accomplish great things through us.
- Being Alert and Watchful:The soldiers who lapped the water were vigilant and alert. As believers, we need to be spiritually watchful, discerning the times, and attentive to God’s guidance and leading in our lives.
Overall, Judges 7:5 teaches us about God’s sovereignty, His ability to achieve great victories, and the importance of faithfulness and obedience in fulfilling His purposes.
