Purah is a minor yet significant figure in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. He is mentioned in the context of the narrative surrounding Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. Purah's role, though brief, is pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for the deliverance of Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.

Biblical Reference:

Purah is mentioned in Judges 7:10-11. The Berean Standard Bible states: "But if you are afraid to go down, then go with your servant Purah to the camp, and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp." This passage highlights Purah as Gideon's servant, who accompanies him on a reconnaissance mission to the Midianite camp.

Context and Role:

During the period of the Judges, Israel was subject to repeated cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, had been oppressing Israel, leading to a cry for deliverance. God raised up Gideon to deliver His people, but Gideon was initially hesitant and fearful.

In Judges 7, God instructs Gideon to reduce his army to a mere 300 men to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Despite this assurance, Gideon still harbors fear about the impending battle. It is at this juncture that Purah's role becomes crucial. God instructs Gideon to take Purah with him to the enemy camp to overhear a conversation that would bolster his courage.

Significance:

Purah's presence serves as a source of support and companionship for Gideon during a moment of vulnerability. The act of taking Purah along underscores the importance of fellowship and support in fulfilling God's commands. It also highlights the human aspect of Gideon's character, showing that even divinely appointed leaders can experience fear and doubt.

The narrative does not provide further details about Purah's background or his actions beyond this event. However, his willingness to accompany Gideon into a potentially dangerous situation speaks to his loyalty and faithfulness. Purah's role, though small, is a testament to how God uses individuals in various capacities to accomplish His purposes.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Purah's involvement in the account of Gideon illustrates the theme of divine providence and reassurance. God often provides signs and encouragement to His servants to strengthen their faith and resolve. The inclusion of Purah in this narrative serves as a reminder that God equips His people with the necessary support to carry out His will.

Moreover, Purah's role emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan. By accompanying Gideon, Purah participates in the unfolding of a significant victory for Israel, demonstrating that even seemingly minor roles can have a profound impact in the divine narrative.

In summary, while Purah is a minor character in the biblical text, his contribution to Gideon's mission is a vital component of the account of Israel's deliverance from the Midianites. His presence underscores themes of companionship, courage, and divine encouragement in the face of overwhelming odds.PURAH

pu'-ra (purah, "branch"): Gideon's "servant," literally, "young man," i.e. armor-bearer (Judges 7:10, the King James Version "Phurah").

6513. Purah -- a servant of Gideon
... 6512, 6513. Purah. 6514 . a servant of Gideon. Transliteration: Purah
Phonetic Spelling: (poo-raw') Short Definition: Purah. Word ...
/hebrew/6513.htm - 6k

6333b. purah -- wine press
... 6333a, 6333b. purah. 6334 . wine press. Transliteration: purah Short Definition:
measures. ... 6333a, 6333b. purah. 6334 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6333b.htm - 5k

6333a. purah -- boughs
... 6333, 6333a. purah. 6333b . boughs. Transliteration: purah Short Definition:
boughs. ... 6333, 6333a. purah. 6333b . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6333a.htm - 5k

6517. parur -- a pot
... a pot. Transliteration: parur Phonetic Spelling: (paw-roor') Short Definition: pot.
Word Origin from the same as purah Definition a pot NASB Word Usage pot (3). ...
/hebrew/6517.htm - 6k

Purah (2 Occurrences)
...PURAH. pu'-ra (purah, "branch"): Gideon's "servant," literally, "young man,"
ie armor-bearer (Judges 7:10, the King James Version "Phurah"). ...
/p/purah.htm - 7k

Phurah (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PHURAH. fu'-ra (purah, "branch"). See PURAH.
Multi-Version Concordance Phurah (2 Occurrences). Judges ...
/p/phurah.htm - 7k

Attack (221 Occurrences)
... DBY RSV). Judges 7:10 But if you are afraid to go down, go with Purah your
servant down to the camp: (See NIV). Judges 7:11 and you ...
/a/attack.htm - 37k

Pur (3 Occurrences)

/p/pur.htm - 15k

Outposts (2 Occurrences)
... 7:11 and you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened
to go down against the camp." Then he went down with Purah his servant to ...
/o/outposts.htm - 7k

Outermost (10 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:11 and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be
strengthened to go down into the camp." Then went he down with Purah his servant ...
/o/outermost.htm - 10k

Purahs (1 Occurrence)

/p/purahs.htm - 6k

Encouraged (37 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:11 and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be
strengthened to go down into the camp." Then went he down with Purah his servant ...
/e/encouraged.htm - 17k

Strengthened (113 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:11 and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be
strengthened to go down into the camp." Then went he down with Purah his servant ...
/s/strengthened.htm - 37k

Press (57 Occurrences)
... In Isaiah 63:3 the Hebrew has purah, "wine trough" a word found also in Haggai
2:16 where it seems to be a gloss (so, apparently, the American Standard Revised ...
/p/press.htm - 46k

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