“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.”
Historical Context:The book of Judges is set in a period of Israel’s history characterised by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. During this time, the Israelites would often turn away from God and worship idols, leading to their subjugation by neighbouring nations. In Judges 6, we find the story of Gideon, a judge whom God chose to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.
Gideon’s Army:Gideon started with a large army of 32,000 men, but God instructed him to reduce the number significantly. In Judges 7:2, 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.’” God wanted to ensure that Israel would recognise His power and give Him the glory for their victory, rather than relying on their own strength.
The Selection Process:God first instructed Gideon to offer the soldiers the option to go home if they were afraid (Judges 7:3). Out of the initial 32,000, 22,000 men chose to leave, leaving Gideon with only 10,000 soldiers. But God still considered this number to be too large. He then tested the remaining soldiers at the water source, where Gideon observed how they drank.
The Three Hundred Men:In Judges 7:5, God instructed Gideon to separate the men based on their method of drinking water. Those who lapped the water with their tongues, bringing it to their mouths like a dog, were chosen, while those who knelt down to drink were sent home. Only 300 men passed this test, and God told Gideon that with these men, He would save Israel from the Midianites.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Dependence on God:The selection of the 300 men emphasised the importance of relying on God rather than on numerical strength or military strategies. It demonstrated that victory was not about the size of the army but about their faith and dependence on God.
- God’s Power in Weakness:The reduction of Gideon’s army to such a small number highlighted the principle of God’s strength being made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). By reducing the Israelite army to a mere 300, God ensured that the victory over the Midianites would be attributed to His power and not human might.
- God’s Sovereignty:God’s sovereign plan and purpose were at work throughout this process. He had a specific strategy in mind that would bring Him the greatest glory and demonstrate His deliverance.
- Testing and Faith:The test at the water source revealed the level of alertness and readiness among the soldiers. The 300 men who lapped water demonstrated their preparedness for battle and their faith in God’s leading.
Application:The story of Gideon’s army teaches us the importance of depending on God and trusting in His strength, even when faced with overwhelming odds. It reminds us that God can accomplish great things through seemingly insignificant means. We should be willing to follow His leading, even if it means going against conventional wisdom or stepping out in faith when the circumstances appear challenging.
In summary, Judges 7:7 illustrates God’s sovereign plan, His power in weakness, and the importance of relying on Him rather than human strength. It challenges us to trust in God’s guidance, even when it defies human reasoning.
