The account of Gideon and the miraculous defeat of the Midianites is a profound demonstration of God's power working through His chosen servant. This narrative is found in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 to 8, and highlights themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention.

Background and Call of Gideon

The Israelites, having turned away from God, found themselves oppressed by the Midianites. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel, destroying crops and livestock, leaving the Israelites impoverished and desperate (Judges 6:1-6). In response to their cries, God chose Gideon, a man from the tribe of Manasseh, to deliver Israel from this oppression.

Gideon's call is marked by a divine encounter. The Angel of the LORD appeared to him while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel addressed him, saying, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial hesitance and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was assured of God's presence and promised victory over the Midianites.

The Sign of the Fleece

To confirm God's promise, Gideon requested a sign involving a fleece of wool. He asked that the fleece be wet with dew while the ground remained dry, and God granted this request. The following night, Gideon asked for the opposite—a dry fleece with dew on the ground—and God again complied (Judges 6:36-40). These signs bolstered Gideon's faith, preparing him for the task ahead.

Reduction of Gideon's Army

In a remarkable display of divine strategy, God instructed Gideon to reduce his army to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Initially, Gideon had assembled 32,000 men, but God commanded that all who were fearful should return home, leaving 10,000. God further reduced the number to 300 men based on how they drank water at a spring (Judges 7:2-7). This small band of warriors was to face the vast Midianite army, emphasizing that the battle belonged to the LORD.

The Defeat of the Midianites

Equipped with trumpets, empty jars, and torches, Gideon's 300 men surrounded the Midianite camp at night. At Gideon's signal, they blew the trumpets, smashed the jars, and shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20). The LORD caused confusion among the Midianites, who turned on each other with their swords. The enemy fled, and the Israelites pursued them, securing a decisive victory (Judges 7:21-23).

Aftermath and Legacy

Following the defeat of the Midianites, Gideon pursued the fleeing kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, capturing and executing them (Judges 8:10-21). The land had peace for forty years during Gideon's lifetime. Despite his reluctance to become king, Gideon was recognized as a judge and leader in Israel.

Gideon's account is a testament to God's ability to use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes. It underscores the importance of faith and obedience, demonstrating that victory is achieved not by might, but by the Spirit of the LORD.Judges 7:16-22
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... "Now when he was gone out, his servants came; and ... I will sing praise to the Lord,
the God of Israel ... were accustomed almost every year to pass through the region ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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