Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. Early in the morningThis phrase indicates a time of new beginnings and readiness. In the Hebrew context, the morning is often associated with God's mercies and faithfulness ( Lamentations 3:22-23). The early morning signifies a fresh start, a time when God's people are called to action. It reflects the urgency and obedience of Gideon and his men, who rise to fulfill God's command. Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon)
The name "Jerubbaal" means "Let Baal contend against him," given to Gideon after he destroyed the altar of Baal (Judges 6:32). This dual naming highlights Gideon's role as a challenger of idolatry and a leader chosen by God. It underscores the transformation from a hesitant individual to a mighty warrior of faith, emphasizing God's power to use the unlikely for His purposes. and all the men with him
This phrase emphasizes unity and collective action. The men with Gideon represent the faithful remnant willing to stand against the Midianites. It reflects the biblical principle that God often works through a faithful few to accomplish His purposes, as seen throughout Scripture (e.g., 1 Samuel 14:6). camped beside the spring of Harod
The spring of Harod, meaning "trembling" or "fear," is significant. It symbolizes the testing of faith and courage. This location sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, where fear is transformed into faith. The spring serves as a reminder that God provides refreshment and strength in times of trial. The camp of Midian was north of them
The Midianites, historically known as nomadic traders and raiders, were oppressors of Israel. Their camp's location to the north signifies a looming threat. This geographical detail sets the scene for the impending confrontation, highlighting the strategic positioning orchestrated by God. in the valley near the hill of Moreh
The valley near the hill of Moreh is a place of decision and revelation. In biblical history, valleys often represent places of battle and testing. The hill of Moreh, meaning "teacher" or "oracle," suggests a place where God reveals His will. This setting underscores the theme of divine guidance and the unfolding of God's plan for victory against overwhelming odds. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jerubbaal (Gideon)Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is the central figure in this passage. He is a judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. His name, Jerubbaal, means "Let Baal contend," reflecting his role in tearing down the altar of Baal. 2. The Men with GideonThese are the Israelite warriors who have gathered under Gideon's leadership to fight against the Midianites. Initially, there are 32,000 men, but God will later reduce their number to demonstrate His power. 3. The Spring of HarodThis is the location where Gideon and his men camp. The name "Harod" means "trembling" or "fear," which may symbolize the fear and anxiety present among the troops. 4. The Camp of MidianThe Midianites are the oppressors of Israel at this time. Their camp is located north of Gideon's position, in the valley near the hill of Moreh. 5. The Hill of MorehThis geographical landmark is near the Midianite camp. It serves as a strategic point in the account, setting the stage for the upcoming battle. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod chooses and equips leaders according to His purposes, often selecting those who seem least likely by human standards. Gideon's account reminds us to trust in God's wisdom and timing. Faith Over FearThe location at the spring of Harod symbolizes the fear that can grip us in times of trial. Like Gideon, we are called to move forward in faith, trusting in God's promises and presence. Divine StrategyGod's ways are not our ways. He often uses unconventional methods to achieve His purposes, as seen in the reduction of Gideon's army. We should remain open to God's leading, even when it defies human logic. Preparation for BattleSpiritual battles require preparation and reliance on God. Gideon's positioning and obedience set the stage for victory. We must also prepare through prayer, study, and obedience to God's Word. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Gideon's initial response to God's call in Judges 6 prepare him for the events in Judges 7:1? Reflect on how God has prepared you for challenges in your life. 2. What does the name "Harod" (meaning "trembling" or "fear") signify in the context of this passage, and how can we overcome fear with faith in our own lives? 3. In what ways does the account of Gideon and the Midianites illustrate the principle found in 2 Corinthians 12:9 about God's strength in our weakness? 4. How can we discern God's unconventional strategies in our lives, and what steps can we take to ensure we are following His lead rather than our own understanding? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt outnumbered or overwhelmed. How did you see God's hand at work in that situation, and how can Gideon's account encourage you in future challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 6Provides the background of Gideon's calling and his initial acts of obedience, including the destruction of the altar of Baal, which earned him the name Jerubbaal. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath parallels Gideon's account, as both highlight God's power in using unlikely individuals to achieve victory against overwhelming odds. 2 Corinthians 12:9This verse emphasizes God's strength being made perfect in weakness, a theme evident in God's reduction of Gideon's army to demonstrate His power. | 'Fit, Though Few' | Alexander Maclaren | Judges 7:1 | | A Sifting Among the Defenders of the Faith | R. A. Watson, M. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Backing Out of God's Service | Marcus Dods, D. D. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Divinely-Ordained Tests | A.F. Muir | Judges 7:1-8 | | Fit Men for the Fight | A. Maclaren, D. D. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon and the Three Hundred | J. B. Brown, B. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Army | Sermons by the Monday Club | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Army | Edward B. Mason. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Band | R. J. Campbell, B. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Three Hundred | T. Kelly. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Three Hundred | J. McNeill. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Pride Excluded | G. A. Rogers, M. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Testing-Points in Life | R. A. Watson, M. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Best Work of the World Done by the Few | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Reduced Army | A. Roberts, M. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Revelation of Character | Christian Age | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Sifting | W. W. Duncan, M. A | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Three Hundred Men that Lapped | Canon Newbolt. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Trial of Gideon's Army by the Proclamation | F. Elwin. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Trial of Gideon's Army by the Water | F. Elwin. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Why Were the Fearful Dismissed | A. Maclaren, D. D. | Judges 7:1-8 |
People Abel, Amalek, Amalekites, Asher, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Oreb, Phurah, ZeebPlaces Abel-meholah, Beth-barah, Beth-shittah, Harod, Jordan River, Midian, Mount Gilead, Ophrah, Tabbath, ZererahTopics Beside, Camp, Camped, Early, Encamp, Encamped, En-harod, Gibeath-moreh, Gideon, Got, Harod, Height, Hill, Host, Jerubbaal, Jerub-baal, Jerubba'al, Midian, Mid'ian, Midianites, Moreh, Morning, North, Pitched, Riseth, Rose, South, Spring, Tents, Valley, Water-springDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 7:1-8 5266 conscription
8027 faith, testing of Library A Great victory
TEXT: "And they stood every man in his place round about the camp, and all the host ran, and cried, and fled."--Judges 7:21. Few things in this world are so inspiring to the traveler and at the same time so depressing as a city or temple in ruins. I remember a delightful experience in passing through the ruins of Karnak and Luxor, on the Nile in Egypt, and later passing through Phylae at Assuan on the Nile; and these two thoughts, each the opposite of the other, kept constantly coming to my mind. …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas IscariotAugust 18. "The Three Hundred Blew the Trumpets" (Judges vii. 22).
"The three hundred blew the trumpets" (Judges vii. 22). We little dream, sometimes, what a hasty word, a thoughtless speech, an imprudent act, or a confession of unbelief and fear may do to hinder our highest usefulness, or turn it aside from some great opportunity which God has been preparing for us. Although the Holy Ghost uses weak men, He does not want them to be weak after He chooses and calls them. Although He uses the foolish things to confound the wise, He does not want us to be foolish after …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth 'Fit, Though Few'
'Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2. And the Lord said unto 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. 3. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Battle Without a Sword
'And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley-bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. 14. And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host. 15, And it was so, when Gideon heard the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Wyclif of the East --Bible Translation
1801-1832 The Bible Carey's missionary weapon--Other vernacular translators--Carey's modest but just description of his labours--His philological key--Type-cutting and type-casting by a Hindoo blacksmith--The first manufacture of paper and steam-engines in the East--Carey takes stock of the translation work at the opening of 1808--In his workshop--A seminary of Bible translators--William Yates, shoemaker, the Coverdale of the Bengali Bible--Wenger--A Bengali Luther wanted--Carey's Bengali Bible--How …
George Smith—The Life of William Carey The New Convert.
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Whether Divination by Auguries, Omens, and by Like Observations of External Things is Unlawful?
Objection 1: It would seem that divination by auguries, omens, and by like observations of external things is not unlawful. If it were unlawful holy men would not make use thereof. Now we read of Joseph that he paid attention to auguries, for it is related (Gn. 44:5) that Joseph's steward said: "The cup which you have stolen is that in which my lord drinketh and in which he is wont to divine [augurari]": and he himself afterwards said to his brethren (Gn. 44:15): "Know you not that there is no one …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Fear is a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that fear is not a mortal sin. For, as stated above ([3323]FS, Q[23], A[1]), fear is in the irascible faculty which is a part of the sensuality. Now there is none but venial sin in the sensuality, as stated above ([3324]FS, Q[74], A[4]). Therefore fear is not a mortal sin. Objection 2: Further, every mortal sin turns the heart wholly from God. But fear does not this, for a gloss on Judges 7:3, "Whosoever is fearful," etc., says that "a man is fearful when he trembles at the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Immanuel
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name IMMANUEL , God with us. T here is a signature of wisdom and power impressed upon the works of God, which evidently distinguishes them from the feeble imitations of men. Not only the splendour of the sun, but the glimmering light of the glow-worm proclaims His glory. The structure and growth of a blade of grass, are the effects of the same power which produced the fabric of the heavens and the earth. In His Word likewise He is …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his Approaching Passion.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke XII. 1-59. ^c 1 In the meantime [that is, while these things were occurring in the Pharisee's house], when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another [in their eagerness to get near enough to Jesus to see and hear] , he began to say unto his disciples first of all [that is, as the first or most appropriate lesson], Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [This admonition is the key to the understanding …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 7:1 NIVJudges 7:1 NLTJudges 7:1 ESVJudges 7:1 NASBJudges 7:1 KJV
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