Definition and Etymology:
The term "Lappeth" is derived from the Hebrew word "לָקַק" (laqaq), which means to lap or lick. It is most notably used in the context of the biblical narrative involving Gideon and his selection of soldiers based on how they drank water.

Biblical Context:
The word "lappeth" appears in the Book of Judges, specifically in the account of Gideon's army. In Judges 7:5-7 , God instructs Gideon to reduce the number of his troops to ensure that the victory over the Midianites would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. The method of selection involved observing how the men drank water from a stream:

"So Gideon brought the people down to the water, and the LORD said to him, 'Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel to drink.' The number of those who lapped with their hands to their mouths was three hundred men; all the others knelt to drink. Then the LORD said to Gideon, 'With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the others go home.'" (Judges 7:5-7)

Theological Significance:
The act of lapping water, as opposed to kneeling to drink, was used by God as a criterion to select a small, faithful group of warriors. This selection process underscores several theological themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Weakness: The reduction of Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men highlights God's sovereignty and the principle that His strength is made perfect in human weakness (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9). The victory over the Midianites was to be a testament to God's power, not human might.

2. Faith and Obedience: Gideon's obedience to God's unconventional method of selection demonstrates faith. The chosen 300 men, who lapped the water, symbolize a remnant that is vigilant and ready for battle, reflecting the importance of spiritual readiness and alertness.

3. Symbolism of Lapping: The act of lapping water like a dog may symbolize humility and a lack of self-consciousness. It suggests a focus on the task at hand rather than personal dignity or comfort, which can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life of self-denial and service.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the manner of drinking water could indicate a person's alertness and readiness for action. Those who lapped water with their hands to their mouths could maintain a watchful eye on their surroundings, unlike those who knelt down, potentially making them more suitable for the surprise tactics that Gideon would employ against the Midianites.

Application for Believers:
The account of Gideon's selection of the 300 men who lapped water serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant and ready for spiritual battles. It encourages Christians to trust in God's plans and methods, even when they defy conventional wisdom, and to rely on His strength rather than their own. The narrative also calls for humility and a willingness to serve God in whatever capacity He chooses, trusting that He will accomplish His purposes through those who are faithful and obedient.

'Fit, Though Few'
... shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.5. So he brought down the people unto
the water: and the Lord said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm

Latimer -- on Christian Love
... is, love. He lappeth up all things in love. Our whole duty is contained
in these words, "Love together." Therefore St. Paul saith ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/latimer on christian love.htm

A Great victory
... 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 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a great victory.htm

Lappeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lappeth (1 Occurrence). Judges 7:5 So he brought
down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto ...
/l/lappeth.htm - 6k

Boweth (53 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:5 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...
/b/boweth.htm - 22k

Lapped (2 Occurrences)

/l/lapped.htm - 7k

Lappidoth (1 Occurrence)

/l/lappidoth.htm - 7k

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