The reference to "a hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen" is found in the context of the narrative of Gideon, a judge of Israel, in the Book of Judges. This figure is specifically mentioned in Judges 8:10, which describes the aftermath of Gideon's battle against the Midianites.

Biblical Context:

The account of Gideon is recounted in Judges 6-8. Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was called by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, had been raiding Israel, leaving the land impoverished. God chose Gideon to lead a small army against this formidable coalition.

Judges 8:10 :
"Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had fallen."

This verse highlights the scale of the victory that God granted to Gideon and his 300 men. Initially, Gideon had gathered 32,000 men, but God instructed him to reduce the number to 300 to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength (Judges 7:2-7).

The Battle and Its Aftermath:

Gideon's strategy involved a surprise attack at night, using trumpets, jars, and torches to create confusion among the Midianite camp. The Midianites, in their panic, turned on each other, leading to a massive defeat. The phrase "a hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had fallen" underscores the magnitude of the Midianite losses and the miraculous nature of Israel's victory.

The remaining Midianite forces, led by their kings Zebah and Zalmunna, fled but were pursued by Gideon and his men. The capture and execution of these kings marked the end of Midianite oppression over Israel.

Theological Significance:

The account of the 120,000 swordsmen serves as a testament to God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people. It illustrates the theme of divine strength prevailing over human might, a recurring motif in the biblical narrative. Gideon's victory, achieved with a vastly outnumbered force, emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands.

Historical and Cultural Insights:

The Midianites were a nomadic people, often associated with the desert regions east of the Jordan River. Their raids into Israelite territory were characterized by swift and devastating attacks, which left the Israelites in a state of fear and destitution. The defeat of such a large force by a small contingent of Israelites would have had significant implications for the balance of power in the region.

The mention of "swordsmen" indicates the type of warfare common in the ancient Near East, where hand-to-hand combat with swords was a primary method of battle. The large number of casualties reflects the intensity and scale of the conflict.

Cross-References:

· Judges 6:1-6: Describes the oppression of Israel by the Midianites and the Israelites' cry for help.
· Judges 7:2-7: Details God's instructions to reduce Gideon's army to 300 men.
· Judges 7:19-22: Narrates the surprise attack and the ensuing chaos in the Midianite camp.
· Judges 8:11-12: Chronicles the pursuit and capture of Zebah and Zalmunna.

The account of Gideon and the defeat of the Midianites, including the fall of the 120,000 swordsmen, remains a powerful example of faith and divine deliverance in the biblical tradition.