“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.”
Context:The book of Judges records the period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua when the Israelites were led by various judges. In Judges 7, we find the story of Gideon, one of the judges chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men to face the enemy.
The Test of Numbers:God instructed Gideon to reduce the size of his army because the Israelites might boast of their own strength and victory rather than recognizing God’s power. In verses 2-3, God told 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.” Therefore, Gideon was commanded to give the opportunity for those who were fearful to return home. As a result, 22,000 men left, leaving Gideon with 10,000.
The Test of Thirst:After the reduction in numbers, God further reduced Gideon’s army through a test involving water. The remaining 10,000 soldiers were brought to a river, where God observed their drinking habits. The majority of the men knelt down to drink water, while a smaller group lapped the water from their hands, bringing it to their mouth.
The Chosen Few:Out of the 10,000 men, only 300 lapped the water in the manner God desired. These 300 soldiers were the ones God chose to remain with Gideon, and He instructed Gideon to send the rest of the men back home. This left Gideon with a significantly smaller force to face the Midianites.
Spiritual Significance:The selection of the 300 men based on their drinking habits carries spiritual symbolism. The men who knelt down to drink water represent those who were not fully alert and prepared for battle. On the other hand, the 300 men who lapped water from their hands showed vigilance and readiness. They were watchful, keeping their eyes on the enemy and their surroundings, never letting their guard down.
God’s Power in Weakness:Through this test, God emphasized that victory does not depend on numerical superiority or human strength. He wanted to demonstrate that the power of the Lord is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). By choosing a small and seemingly insignificant group, God showed that He alone is the one who grants victory.
Application:This passage encourages us to rely on God’s strength and guidance rather than our own abilities. It reminds us that God can accomplish great things even with a small number of people who are fully devoted to Him. We are called to be vigilant, watchful, and alert in our spiritual lives, not being complacent or distracted by worldly matters. By putting our trust in God and seeking His guidance, we can experience His power working through us. Remember that studying the Bible in its broader context and consulting other resources like commentaries can provide further insights and understanding of the passage.
