Judges 7:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jerubbaal {H3378}, who is Gideon {H1439}, and all the people {H5971} that were with him, rose up early {H7925}, and pitched {H2583} beside the well of Harod {H5878}: so that the host {H4264} of the Midianites {H4080} were on the north side {H6828} of them, by the hill {H1389} of Moreh {H4176}, in the valley {H6010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeruba'al, that is, Gid'on, and all the people with him, got up early and set up camp by 'Ein-Harod; the camp of Midyan was north of them, by Giv'at-Moreh, in the valley.

Berean Standard Bible

Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.

American Standard Version

Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and encamped beside the spring of Harod: and the camp of Midian was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:1 opens the decisive phase of Gideon's campaign against the Midianite oppressors, meticulously setting the scene for a pivotal confrontation. This verse details the strategic positioning of the Israelite forces under Gideon—also known by his prophetic name, Jerubbaal—at the Well of Harod. It simultaneously establishes the overwhelming presence of the Midianite host, encamped to the north by the Hill of Moreh in the valley. This precise geographical and numerical contrast immediately highlights the immense odds facing Israel, thereby laying the groundwork for God's miraculous intervention and ensuring that the ensuing victory would be unequivocally attributed to divine power rather than human might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 7:1 serves as a crucial transition point in the narrative, moving from Gideon's divine commissioning and initial acts of obedience in [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Early Acts") to the direct military engagement. Prior to this verse, Gideon had already been called by God (despite his initial doubts and requests for signs), and had demonstrated his faith by tearing down his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole, an act that earned him the name "Jerubbaal" (meaning "let Baal contend") as recounted in [Judges 6:32](/judges/6-32 "Judges 6:32 - Gideon Receives the Name Jerubbaal"). The preceding chapter also describes the initial gathering of 32,000 Israelite soldiers in response to Gideon's call. This verse then precisely locates these forces in preparation for battle, setting the stage for God's dramatic reduction of the army in the subsequent verses ([Judges 7:2-8](/judges/7-2-8 "Judges 7:2-8 - God Reduces Gideon's Army")), a divine strategy designed to prevent Israel from boasting in their own strength and to ensure God alone received the glory for the victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 12th-11th centuries BC) was characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. For seven years, the Midianites, allied with the Amalekites and other "people of the East," had severely afflicted Israel, raiding their crops and livestock, forcing the Israelites to retreat to mountain strongholds and caves ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression and Israel's Distress")). These nomadic raiders were formidable, known for their vast numbers and effective camel-mounted warfare, which allowed them to sweep across the land quickly. The strategic locations mentioned—the Well of Harod and the Hill of Moreh—are situated in the Jezreel Valley (also known as the Valley of Esdraelon or Megiddo), a historically significant and fertile plain in northern Israel. This valley was a prime location for large-scale military engagements due to its flat terrain. Encamping by a well was a practical necessity for water supply for both soldiers and animals, while the adjacent hill provided a natural defensive position and vantage point.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 7:1 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Strategic Planning**. Even the precise geographical positioning of the armies is part of God's meticulous design, setting up a scenario where His power will be undeniably displayed. Secondly, the verse highlights **Human Obedience and Faithfulness** in the face of overwhelming odds. Gideon, despite his earlier hesitations, diligently obeys God's command to gather and position the army. Thirdly, and most significantly, this verse initiates the theme of **God's Glory Through Human Weakness**. By emphasizing the vastness of the Midianite "host" and the initial numerical disparity, the narrative prepares the reader for the radical reduction of Israel's army, ensuring that the miraculous victory would be solely attributed to Yahweh, preventing any human boasting, a principle explicitly stated in [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God's Reason for Reducing the Army"). This sets up a powerful demonstration that God saves "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit" ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jerubbaal (Hebrew, _Yᵉrubbaʻal'_):** This name, meaning "Baal will contend" or "let Baal contend," was given to Gideon in [Judges 6:32](/judges/6-32 "Judges 6:32 - Gideon Receives the Name Jerubbaal") after he courageously destroyed his father's altar to Baal. Its inclusion here, alongside his given name Gideon, serves as a powerful reminder of his decisive break from idolatry and his public alignment with Yahweh. It marks him as a champion for God's covenant, directly challenging the pagan deities worshipped by the surrounding nations and even within Israel. The name underscores his transformation from a timid individual to a divinely appointed leader, whose very identity now signifies a confrontation with false gods.
* **Harod (Hebrew, _ʻÊyn Chărôd'_):** The "Well of Harod" (עֵין חֲרֹד) translates literally to "fountain of trembling." This etymology is profoundly significant and functions as a subtle yet powerful **foreshadowing** device within the narrative. It alludes to the "trembling" or "dread" that would soon afflict the 22,000 fearful Israelite soldiers who would depart from this very location at God's command in [Judges 7:3](/judges/7-3 "Judges 7:3 - The Fearful Depart"). Furthermore, it also hints at the trembling and panic that would ultimately seize the Midianite host in their miraculous defeat. Thus, the geographical setting is not merely descriptive but carries deep symbolic weight, pointing to the divine sifting of Gideon's army and the terror of the enemy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jerubbaal, who [is] Gideon, and all the people that [were] with him, rose up early,"**: This opening clause immediately identifies the leader, Gideon, using both his original name and his new, prophetic name, "Jerubbaal," emphasizing his transformed identity and divine commission. The phrase "rose up early" (from the Hebrew root _shâkam_, H7925) denotes diligence, promptness, and an eager readiness for action. It signifies that Gideon and his initial contingent of 32,000 men were decisive and prepared to execute God's command, demonstrating their commitment and anticipation of the impending conflict.
* **"and pitched beside the well of Harod:"**: This specifies the precise location of the Israelite encampment. To "pitch" (from the Hebrew root _chânâh_, H2583) means to set up a military camp, indicating their readiness for battle and their intention to hold this strategic position. The "Well of Harod" was a vital and well-known water source in the Jezreel Valley, making it a logical and necessary point for an army's encampment. The symbolic meaning embedded in the name "Harod" (fountain of trembling) adds a layer of divine intentionality to this strategic placement, subtly hinting at the events soon to unfold.
* **"so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley."**: This clause provides the crucial geographical context of the enemy's position relative to Gideon's forces, establishing the battle lines. The "host of the Midianites" (from the Hebrew _machăneh_, H4264, meaning encampment or army) emphasizes their vast numbers and formidable presence. Locating them "on the north side" (from the Hebrew _tsâphôwn_, H6828, meaning north) by the "hill of Moreh" (from the Hebrew _gibʻâh_, H1389, meaning hillock, and _Môwreh_, H4176, a Canaanite name or hill) in the "valley" (from the Hebrew _ʻêmeq_, H6010, meaning vale or broad depression) creates a vivid visual of the two opposing armies. This precise detail highlights the immediate proximity and the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy, setting the dramatic stage for God's miraculous intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to set the scene and build narrative tension. **Geographical Detail** is paramount, with the specific naming of the Well of Harod, the Hill of Moreh, and the valley. These are not merely background elements but function as critical components of the narrative, emphasizing the strategic importance of the location and subtly hinting at future events. The very name "Harod" embodies **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the "trembling" of the fearful soldiers who would soon depart or the terror of the Midianites in their impending defeat. Furthermore, the verse establishes a stark **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** between Gideon's army and the "host of the Midianites." While Gideon's initial army is still large (32,000), the sheer scale implied by "host" and their strategic positioning in the vast valley creates a visual and psychological contrast that is crucial for building suspense and highlighting the overwhelming odds. This contrast serves to magnify the miraculous nature of God's impending victory, ensuring His glory. The precise spatial relationship ("on the north side of them") also contributes to a palpable sense of impending confrontation and dramatic tension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:1, though seemingly a simple logistical and geographical statement, is profoundly theological. It meticulously sets the stage for God to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty in warfare, emphasizing that true victory is never dependent on human might, numerical superiority, or strategic genius, but solely on divine power and intervention. The close proximity of the two armies, with the Midianites vastly outnumbering the Israelites, creates a scenario where any victory for Israel would be undeniably and exclusively attributed to God. This verse introduces a foundational biblical principle: God often chooses to work through the weak, the few, or the seemingly disadvantaged to accomplish His purposes, precisely to ensure that His glory is fully revealed and that humanity cannot boast in its own strength or achievements. It stands as a powerful testament to the truth that God's ways and strategies far transcend human understanding, and His power is perfected in human weakness.

* [Deuteronomy 20:1-4](/deuteronomy/20-1-4 "Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - God Fights for Israel in Battle")
* [1 Samuel 14:6](/1_samuel/14-6 "1 Samuel 14:6 - Jonathan's Faith in God's Power")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power, But by My Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:1 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that spiritual battles, much like the physical ones depicted, demand both diligent preparation and an unwavering, absolute reliance on God. Gideon "rose up early" and "pitched" his camp strategically, demonstrating human diligence, obedience, and readiness. Yet, the overwhelming odds presented by the Midianite "host" underscore a vital truth: our ultimate victory in any challenge—be it spiritual strongholds, seemingly insurmountable personal struggles, or professional obstacles—does not stem from our own strength, resources, or numerical advantage. Instead, it flows entirely from God's power working through our acknowledged weakness and steadfast faith. This verse calls us to honestly assess the "hosts" we face in our lives and to remember that God delights in demonstrating His power precisely when our human capabilities are clearly insufficient. Our role is to be obedient, to position ourselves according to His revealed will, and then to trust Him completely to fight the battle, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hosts" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing in your life that seem to outnumber your strength or resources?**
* **In what specific areas might God be calling you to "rise up early" and take a step of faith, even when the odds appear stacked against you?**
* **How does the strategic positioning of Gideon's army, in stark contrast to the enemy, encourage you to trust God's wisdom over your own calculations and perceived limitations?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully rely on God's power rather than your own in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jerubbaal, and why is he also called Gideon in this verse?**

Answer: Jerubbaal was a new, symbolic name given to Gideon in [Judges 6:32](/judges/6-32 "Judges 6:32 - Gideon Receives the Name Jerubbaal") after he courageously tore down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole. The name literally means "let Baal contend" or "Baal will contend," signifying a direct challenge to the pagan deity and Gideon's public commitment to Yahweh. The biblical text uses both names ("Jerubbaal, who is Gideon") in Judges 7:1 to ensure the reader understands that this is the same individual. This dual naming highlights the significance of his transformation from a hesitant farmer to a divinely appointed leader, emphasizing his decisive break from idolatry and his new identity as a champion for the Lord.

**What is the significance of the "Well of Harod" as Gideon's encampment?**

Answer: The "Well of Harod" (עֵין חֲרֹד, _ʻÊyn Chărôḏ_) was a vital water source in the Jezreel Valley, making it a logical and strategic location for an army to camp. However, the name "Harod" itself is profoundly significant, deriving from a root meaning "to tremble" or "to be in dread." This name serves as a powerful piece of **foreshadowing** within the narrative. It alludes to the "trembling" of the 22,000 fearful Israelite soldiers who would depart from this very well in [Judges 7:3](/judges/7-3 "Judges 7:3 - The Fearful Depart") after God's instruction to send home the afraid. It also subtly hints at the terror and panic that would ultimately grip the Midianite host during their miraculous defeat. Thus, the location is not merely geographical but carries deep symbolic weight, pointing to the divine sifting of Gideon's army and the ultimate victory God would achieve.

**Why are the geographical details (Well of Harod, Hill of Moreh, valley) so important in Judges 7:1?**

Answer: The precise geographical details in Judges 7:1 are crucial for several reasons, serving both practical and theological purposes. Firstly, they establish the **strategic reality** of the impending battle, showing the close proximity and relative positions of the two armies in the historically significant Jezreel Valley. Secondly, they powerfully highlight the **overwhelming numerical superiority** of the Midianites, who occupied the vast valley by the Hill of Moreh, contrasting starkly with Gideon's position. This stark visual contrast is essential for the narrative's theological purpose: to demonstrate that the victory would be achieved not by human strength, tactical advantage, or numerical might, but solely by God's miraculous intervention. The specificity underscores the divine orchestration of events, setting the stage for a victory that would unmistakably glorify God alone, as explicitly articulated in [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God's Reason for Reducing the Army").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 7:1, with its vivid depiction of a seemingly insurmountable enemy and a divinely positioned, yet initially large, army, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon, whose very name "Jerubbaal" signifies a direct challenge to false gods and a champion for Yahweh, was God's chosen deliverer against the oppressive Midianites, so too is Jesus the true and ultimate deliverer from the oppression of sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil. The dramatic contrast between Gideon's forces and the "host of the Midianites" mirrors the vastness and formidable nature of the spiritual forces of evil that humanity faces, against which no human strength or strategy is sufficient. Christ, however, did not come with an earthly army or rely on human might, but as the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating that true victory comes not through power and might, but through divine humility, self-sacrifice, and resurrection. His victory on the cross, seemingly a defeat, was the ultimate triumph over the "host" of sin, Satan, and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Like Gideon's army, which was radically reduced to ensure God received all the glory, Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice ensures that salvation is entirely God's work, received by faith, so that [no one may boast](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). We, as believers, are called to stand with Christ, not relying on our own strength or resources, but on the power of His resurrection, knowing that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 6:32

Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.

Genesis 12:6

¶ And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite [was] then in the land.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Genesis 22:3

¶ And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Deuteronomy 11:30

[Are] they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?

Joshua 3:1

¶ And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

Joshua 6:12

And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.