Judges 7 - God delivers the Midianites into Gideon's hands

Click to read Judges 7

Synopsis

To prevent the attitude of self sufficiency amongst the soldiers, God told Gideon to limit the number of men to attack the enemy. From tens of thousands in the army, God eventually reduced the final attacking party to just 300 men. In this way, neither Gideon nor his men can take the credit away from God.

Knowing that Gideon needed assurance, especially when God had reduced the size of his army, God arranged for him and his servant Purah to slip into the enemy's camp to overhead a conversation that would give him courage. God put a dream into the enemy and also gave them an interpretation to encourage Gideon.

Finally, like when Joshua surrounded Jericho, Gideon and his 300 men surrounded the Midianite camp. All they did was to sound the trumpet and break the jars. The commotion created panic in the enemy camp and the confusion caused them to kill each other. Gideon and his men simply watched God delivering the enemy to Israel.

Major Verses

V2-7 - God told Gideon that with so many men in the army, they would think that they were self sufficient and thus, need not depend on God. As such, Gideon was to reduced the number. At just one instance, 22,000 men left the army because they were afraid. God finally reduced the number to just 300 and clearly told Gideon that he was to obey Him in His selection.

What I learn

God wants and delights in us for completely depending upon Him. Self-sufficiency is our enemy as it causes us to believe that we can do what needs to be done in our own strength. To have success in what ever we do, we must first learn to completely depend on Him. We can be confident of victory only if we put our trust and confidence in God and not ourselves.

V10-11 - Gideon was facing overwhelming odds. The Midianite army was strong and had many fighting men and camels. Knowing the fears that Gideon had, God arranged to encourage him. God caused the enemy to dream that they were going to be slaughtered by Gideon and his men. Hearing it directly from them allowed Gideon to rise up in confidence to trust God completely.

What I learn

God understands all our weaknesses. He does not despise us for them. On the contrary, He will provide means to encourage and assure us so that we can laid our complete trust in Him. Don't be surprise when He intervenes and helps us. Don't be startled at the way that He will do it. Like Gideon, we must listen to God and be ready to take the first step. Only then, will we find the courage to move ahead.

V20-22 - Gideon and his band simply blew their trumpets as God directed. They did not lay hand on the enemy. God caused the enemy to be confused and to kill each other. Gideon and his men simply watch God delivered victory into their hands.

What I learn

God demonstrated to Israel that victory depended not on strength or numbers but on obedience and commitment to Him. We must learn to obey and commit our ways to Him too. By so doing, we will be assured of a victorious path for life.

Summary

God's love for us remains the same always. Just as He had delivered Jericho to Joshua, He delivered the Midianites into Gideon's hand. Indeed, it was not by strength nor might, but by the power of God that the enemy was defeated. It is the same for us today and forever.

Up next.....
The adventures of Gideon continues. We have more to learn....coming up on 9th July.