◄ Judges 7:10 ►
But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah
Study Bible
But if you are afraid
The phrase begins with a conditional "if," indicating a choice or a test of faith. The Hebrew root for "afraid" is יָרֵא (yare), which conveys a sense of fear or reverence. In the context of Gideon's story, this fear is not just a human emotion but a spiritual test. God acknowledges human frailty and provides reassurance. This highlights God's understanding and compassion, offering a way to bolster Gideon's courage. It reminds us that God is aware of our fears and provides means to overcome them.

to go down
The phrase "to go down" is significant in the context of ancient warfare. The Hebrew word יָרַד (yarad) implies a descent, both physically and metaphorically. Gideon is called to descend into the enemy's camp, a daunting task that requires trust in God's promise. This descent can symbolize humility and obedience, as Gideon must lower himself to God's will, trusting in divine strength rather than his own.

go with your servant Purah
The mention of "your servant Purah" is crucial. In ancient Israel, a servant was not just a helper but often a trusted companion. The name Purah means "foliage" or "branch," suggesting support and life. This companionship is a divine provision for Gideon, emphasizing that God does not send us into battle alone. The presence of Purah signifies the importance of fellowship and support in fulfilling God's mission.

to the camp
The "camp" refers to the Midianite encampment, the enemy that Gideon is called to confront. The Hebrew word מַחֲנֶה (machaneh) denotes a place of encampment, often used in military contexts. This is the place of challenge and confrontation, where faith is tested. The camp represents the world and its challenges, where believers must go to fulfill God's purposes. It is a reminder that God equips us to face our battles, providing assurance and guidance as we step into the unknown.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gideon
A judge of Israel chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. He is known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God.

2. Purah
Gideon's servant, who accompanies him to the Midianite camp. His presence signifies support and companionship in a time of fear.

3. Midianite Camp
The encampment of the Midianite army, which was oppressing Israel. It represents the formidable challenge Gideon faces.

4. God's Assurance
The event where God reassures Gideon by instructing him to go to the camp if he is afraid, highlighting God's understanding and provision for human fear.

5. Divine Strategy
The broader context of God's plan to reduce Gideon's army to 300 men, emphasizing reliance on divine power rather than human strength.
Teaching Points
God's Understanding of Human Fear
God acknowledges our fears and provides support, as seen with Gideon and Purah. We can trust that God knows our weaknesses and offers help.

The Importance of Companionship
Just as Purah accompanied Gideon, having a supportive community or a trusted companion can help us face our fears and challenges.

Divine Assurance and Obedience
Even when afraid, taking steps in obedience to God's direction can lead to victory. Gideon's willingness to go to the camp despite his fear is a model of faith in action.

Reliance on God's Strength
The reduction of Gideon's army teaches us to rely not on our own strength but on God's power. Our limitations can be opportunities for God to demonstrate His might.

Courage in the Face of Overwhelming Odds
Gideon's account encourages us to face seemingly insurmountable challenges with courage, knowing that God is with us and will provide what we need.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Gideon's fear and God's response in Judges 7:10 encourage you in your own moments of fear or doubt?

2. In what ways can you identify a "Purah" in your life, someone who supports you in times of fear or uncertainty?

3. How does the account of Gideon challenge you to rely more on God's strength rather than your own abilities or resources?

4. Can you think of a time when God provided reassurance or support when you were afraid? How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can the principles from Gideon's account be applied to a current challenge you are facing, and what steps can you take to act in faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 4
Moses' hesitance and God's provision of Aaron as a spokesperson parallels Gideon's fear and the provision of Purah.

Joshua 1
God's repeated encouragement to Joshua to be strong and courageous connects to God's reassurance to Gideon.

2 Corinthians 12
Paul's teaching on God's strength being made perfect in weakness relates to the reduction of Gideon's army and the reliance on God's power.
Sermons
Encouragement for GideonMarcus Dods, D. D.Judges 7:9-14
The Dream of the Barley CakeSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJudges 7:9-14
The Insecurity of the GodlessR. A. Watson, M. A.Judges 7:9-14
The Midianite Soldier: the Power of the LittleHomilistJudges 7:9-14
The Soldier's DreamT. R. Stevenson.Judges 7:9-14
The Crowning SignA.F. Muir Judges 7:9-15
People
Abel, Amalek, Amalekites, Asher, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Oreb, Phurah, Zeeb
Places
Abel-meholah, Beth-barah, Beth-shittah, Harod, Jordan River, Midian, Mount Gilead, Ophrah, Tabbath, Zererah
Topics
Afraid, Attack, Camp, Fear, Fearest, Host, Phurah, Purah, Servant, Tents
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 7:8-11

     5244   camp

Judges 7:8-12

     4290   valleys

Judges 7:9-11

     5608   warfare, strategies

Judges 7:10-11

     5819   cowardice

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 Iscariot

August 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.
…
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 7:10 NIV
Judges 7:10 NLT
Judges 7:10 ESV
Judges 7:10 NASB
Judges 7:10 KJV

Judges 7:10 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Judges 7:9
Top of Page
Top of Page