Judges 7
Today's Passage: Judges 7
Yesterday we read the angel’s words to Gideon, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” “Mighty man of valor” is a title of greatness—spoken to a man fearfully beating out grain hiding in a winepress. In today’s passage, we see our mighty warrior assembling a great army to go battle for the Lord. However, the Lord had other plans.
The Lord insisted that Gideon let those men go who were fearful, cutting his army down to a third of its original size. Then, in one of the strangest occurrences in all of Scripture, Gideon’s 10,000 men stopped for a drink. Some men knelt and used their hands while others bent all the way down and drank from the stream “like a dog.” This drinking division became the means to whittle the army down even more. God retained the 300 lappers.
Gideon had originally fielded 32,000 soldiers facing the Midianite army of 135,000. By the time God whittled it down to the 300 lappers, the ratio was 450 Midianites to one Israelite. It’s easy for us to criticize Gideon’s fear—threshing wheat in a winepress. However, if we were in his position, we probably wouldn’t have fared much better.
In God’s grace he gave Gideon the encouragement he needed by overhearing the Midianite soldier’s dream. Then, Gideon roused the army for what can only be described as unconventional warfare.
A few things stand out to me as I read this passage. First, God loves an underdog story. In fact, he repeatedly creates circumstances that defy human capability just to make sure we know who won the battle. Second, God calls people to trust him. Again, Gideon was fearful, but his fear is relatable. What do we have to fear in our spiritual battles? Probably not the same defeat and death that Gideon faced in ancient warfare. Following Jesus may cost us but take heart. Finally, I love the picture of God’s grace to comfort Gideon in his fear. Not only that, but Israel’s enemies were also made to fight themselves. We don’t have to be bigger and badder than our struggles. Trust God and his provisions of grace through our circumstances and watch him clear the way.
Gideon’s story is a hinge point in the book of Judges. We’re going to start the downhill slide into chaos real quick starting tomorrow. Today is a high point. And one of the most encouraging things for me is the mention of Gideon in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. He is listed with several others. Despite his fear. Despite his imperfection. He is regarded among the most faithful. It’s just a great reminder that no matter who you are, God can use you.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, … who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Written By: Tyler Short
Yesterday we read the angel’s words to Gideon, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” “Mighty man of valor” is a title of greatness—spoken to a man fearfully beating out grain hiding in a winepress. In today’s passage, we see our mighty warrior assembling a great army to go battle for the Lord. However, the Lord had other plans.
The Lord insisted that Gideon let those men go who were fearful, cutting his army down to a third of its original size. Then, in one of the strangest occurrences in all of Scripture, Gideon’s 10,000 men stopped for a drink. Some men knelt and used their hands while others bent all the way down and drank from the stream “like a dog.” This drinking division became the means to whittle the army down even more. God retained the 300 lappers.
Gideon had originally fielded 32,000 soldiers facing the Midianite army of 135,000. By the time God whittled it down to the 300 lappers, the ratio was 450 Midianites to one Israelite. It’s easy for us to criticize Gideon’s fear—threshing wheat in a winepress. However, if we were in his position, we probably wouldn’t have fared much better.
In God’s grace he gave Gideon the encouragement he needed by overhearing the Midianite soldier’s dream. Then, Gideon roused the army for what can only be described as unconventional warfare.
A few things stand out to me as I read this passage. First, God loves an underdog story. In fact, he repeatedly creates circumstances that defy human capability just to make sure we know who won the battle. Second, God calls people to trust him. Again, Gideon was fearful, but his fear is relatable. What do we have to fear in our spiritual battles? Probably not the same defeat and death that Gideon faced in ancient warfare. Following Jesus may cost us but take heart. Finally, I love the picture of God’s grace to comfort Gideon in his fear. Not only that, but Israel’s enemies were also made to fight themselves. We don’t have to be bigger and badder than our struggles. Trust God and his provisions of grace through our circumstances and watch him clear the way.
Gideon’s story is a hinge point in the book of Judges. We’re going to start the downhill slide into chaos real quick starting tomorrow. Today is a high point. And one of the most encouraging things for me is the mention of Gideon in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. He is listed with several others. Despite his fear. Despite his imperfection. He is regarded among the most faithful. It’s just a great reminder that no matter who you are, God can use you.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, … who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Written By: Tyler Short
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