Then the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many people. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go. But if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go." Then the LORD said to Gideon,This phrase highlights the direct communication between God and Gideon, emphasizing the personal relationship and divine guidance provided to the leaders of Israel. It reflects the theocratic nature of Israel during the time of the Judges, where God directly intervened in the affairs of His people. This divine communication is consistent with other instances in the Old Testament where God speaks to His chosen leaders, such as Moses ( Exodus 3:4) and Samuel ( 1 Samuel 3:10). “There are still too many men.
God's statement underscores the principle that victory comes not by human strength or numbers but by divine power. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:6, where Jonathan declares that the LORD can save "by many or by few." It also prefigures the New Testament teaching that God's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Take them down to the water,
The water serves as a place of testing and separation. In biblical symbolism, water often represents purification and testing (e.g., the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14 and the Jordan River in Joshua 3). This setting provides a practical means for God to demonstrate His sovereignty in choosing the right men for the task. and I will sift them for you there.
The sifting process indicates a divine selection, separating those who are fit for battle from those who are not. This echoes the idea of God refining His people, as seen in passages like Malachi 3:3, where God is described as a refiner and purifier. It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of God testing and refining believers (1 Peter 1:7). If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go.
This phrase emphasizes obedience to God's specific instructions. It reflects the necessity of following divine guidance without question, a principle seen throughout Scripture, such as in the call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4) and the instructions given to Joshua (Joshua 1:7-9). But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”
The exclusion of certain men highlights God's sovereign choice and the importance of reliance on His wisdom rather than human judgment. This principle is mirrored in the New Testament, where Jesus chooses His disciples (John 15:16) and where believers are reminded that God’s ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who guides and directs Gideon in the battle against the Midianites, emphasizing His sovereignty and power. 3. The Water TestA divine method used by God to reduce Gideon's army, ensuring that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. 4. MidianitesThe oppressive enemy of Israel during Gideon's time, representing the challenges and adversities faced by the Israelites. 5. The Army of IsraelInitially large, but reduced by God to ensure that the victory would demonstrate His power and not human might. Teaching Points Divine Selection and SovereigntyGod chooses and equips those He calls, often in ways that defy human logic. Trust in His selection process, even when it seems counterintuitive. Faith Over NumbersSuccess in God's kingdom is not determined by numbers or human strength but by faith and obedience to His commands. Testing and RefinementGod often tests and refines His people to prepare them for His purposes. Embrace these times as opportunities for growth and reliance on Him. Obedience to God's VoiceLike Gideon, we must be attentive and obedient to God's instructions, trusting His wisdom over our understanding. God's Glory in Our WeaknessGod uses our weaknesses to display His glory. Be willing to step out in faith, knowing that His power is made perfect in our limitations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the reduction of Gideon's army demonstrate God's sovereignty and purpose? Reflect on a time when God asked you to trust Him beyond your understanding. 2. In what ways does the account of Gideon challenge our reliance on human strength and resources? How can this be applied in your current life situation? 3. How does the concept of divine selection in Judges 7:4 relate to the New Testament teaching on being chosen by God? Consider how this impacts your identity in Christ. 4. What are some modern-day "water tests" that God might use to refine and prepare us for His purposes? How can you respond faithfully to these tests? 5. How can the principle of God's power being made perfect in weakness (as seen in Gideon's account) encourage you in areas where you feel inadequate or overwhelmed? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 14Jonathan's victory over the Philistines with a small force, illustrating that God can save by many or by few. Zechariah 4:6The principle that success comes "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," reinforcing the theme of divine intervention. 2 Corinthians 12:9Paul's teaching on God's power being made perfect in weakness, paralleling the reduction of Gideon's army to highlight God's strength. | A Sifting Among the Defenders of the Faith | R. A. Watson, M. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Backing Out of God's Service | Marcus Dods, D. D. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Divinely-Ordained Tests | A.F. Muir | Judges 7:1-8 | | Fit Men for the Fight | A. Maclaren, D. D. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon and the Three Hundred | J. B. Brown, B. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Army | Sermons by the Monday Club | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Army | Edward B. Mason. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Band | R. J. Campbell, B. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Three Hundred | T. Kelly. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Gideon's Three Hundred | J. McNeill. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Pride Excluded | G. A. Rogers, M. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Testing-Points in Life | R. A. Watson, M. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Best Work of the World Done by the Few | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Reduced Army | A. Roberts, M. A. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Revelation of Character | Christian Age | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Sifting | W. W. Duncan, M. A | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Three Hundred Men that Lapped | Canon Newbolt. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Trial of Gideon's Army by the Proclamation | F. Elwin. | Judges 7:1-8 | | The Trial of Gideon's Army by the Water | F. Elwin. | Judges 7:1-8 | | Why Were the Fearful Dismissed | A. Maclaren, D. D. | Judges 7:1-8 |
People Abel, Amalek, Amalekites, Asher, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Oreb, Phurah, ZeebPlaces Abel-meholah, Beth-barah, Beth-shittah, Harod, Jordan River, Midian, Mount Gilead, Ophrah, Tabbath, ZererahTopics Bring, Gideon, Necessary, Refine, Sift, Test, Try, Whomsoever, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 7:4 5530 sifting Judges 7:1-8 5266 conscription Judges 7:4-7 5955 strength, divine
8832 testing 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 IscariotAugust 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.
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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 7:4 NIVJudges 7:4 NLTJudges 7:4 ESVJudges 7:4 NASBJudges 7:4 KJV
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