Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionGideon's Army of Three Hundred is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's power and sovereignty in delivering Israel from oppression. This account is found in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, and highlights themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. Historical Context The account of Gideon takes place during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and subsequent rescue by judges raised by God. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, had been oppressing Israel for seven years, devastating the land and impoverishing the Israelites (Judges 6:1-6). The Call of Gideon Gideon, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Despite his initial hesitance and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was reassured by a divine encounter and signs from God, including the famous fleece test (Judges 6:11-40). Reduction of the Army Gideon initially gathered an army of 32,000 men to fight against the Midianites. However, God instructed Gideon to reduce the number of soldiers to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. The first reduction came when God told Gideon to send home anyone who was fearful, leaving 10,000 men (Judges 7:2-3). God further reduced the number by instructing Gideon to bring the men to the water and observe how they drank. Those who lapped the water with their hands to their mouths were chosen, totaling 300 men. The rest were sent home (Judges 7:4-7). The Battle With only 300 men, Gideon devised a strategy under God's guidance. He divided the men into three companies, each equipped with trumpets, empty jars, and torches inside the jars. At Gideon's signal, the men blew their trumpets, broke the jars, and shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:16-20). The sudden noise and sight of torches caused confusion and panic among the Midianites, who turned on each other in the chaos. The enemy fled, and the Israelites pursued them, securing a decisive victory (Judges 7:21-23). Significance Gideon's Army of Three Hundred serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to save and deliver His people through seemingly impossible circumstances. The reduction of the army emphasizes reliance on God's strength rather than human might. This narrative also underscores the importance of faith and obedience in fulfilling God's purposes. Legacy Gideon's victory over the Midianites brought peace to Israel for forty years during his lifetime (Judges 8:28). His account is often cited as an example of faith and divine intervention, inspiring believers to trust in God's power and guidance in their own lives. Subtopics Gideon: Angel Attests the Call To, by Miracle Gideon: Avenges Himself Upon the People of Succoth Gideon: He Destroys the Altar of Baal, and Builds One to the Lord Gideon: Israel Desires to Make Him King; he Refuses Gideon: Leads an Army Against and Defeats the Midianites Gideon: Makes an Ephod Which Becomes a Snare to the Israelites Gideon: Promises of the Lord To Gideon: Reproaches the Ephraimites for not Joining in the Campaign Against the Midianites Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Gideon Related Terms |