Judges 7:10

KJV

But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:

KJV (with Strong's)

But if thou fear {H3373} to go down {H3381}, go {H3381} thou with Phurah {H6513} thy servant {H5288} down {H3381} to the host {H4264}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you are afraid to attack, go down with your servant Purah;

Berean Standard Bible

But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah

American Standard Version

But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Purah thy servant down to the camp:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:10 unveils a moment of profound divine compassion and strategic foresight, where God, understanding Gideon's lingering apprehension despite previous miraculous assurances, offers a practical, faith-bolstering step. Rather than rebuking his fear, the Lord instructs Gideon to descend to the Midianite encampment with his servant Phurah. This seemingly minor directive is a crucial component of God's overarching plan to strengthen Gideon's courage, enabling him to overhear a conversation that will decisively confirm God's sovereign power and ensure that the impending victory is unequivocally attributed to divine intervention, not human might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 7:10 is strategically placed within the dramatic narrative of Gideon's leadership, immediately following God's radical reduction of Israel's army. In [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Early Actions"), Gideon is called by the Angel of the Lord, initially displaying significant doubt and repeatedly seeking signs, including the famous fleece tests, to confirm God's presence and promise of deliverance. As the narrative progresses into [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Army and Victory"), Gideon has mustered 32,000 men, but God, determined to demonstrate His exclusive power, systematically prunes the army first to 10,000 (those who feared) and then drastically to a mere 300 (those who lapped water like dogs). This astonishing reduction, detailed in [Judges 7:7](/judges/7-7 "Judges 7:7 - God Chooses the 300"), leaves Gideon facing an immense enemy host with a seemingly impossible force. Verse 10, therefore, functions as a compassionate interlude, a final divine accommodation to Gideon's persistent human fear before the decisive battle, meticulously setting the stage for the specific, faith-confirming encounter in the Midianite camp that immediately follows in [Judges 7:11-15](/judges/7-11-15 "Judges 7:11-15 - Gideon Overhears the Dream").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 1200-1000 BC) was a tumultuous era in Israel's early history, characterized by a recurrent cycle of apostasy, divine judgment manifested as foreign oppression, Israel's desperate cry for help, and God raising up a "judge" to deliver them. The Midianites, allied with the Amalekites and "people of the East," were formidable nomadic raiders who, for seven years, had severely oppressed Israel, devastating their crops and livestock and forcing the Israelites to seek refuge in caves and mountain strongholds, as vividly described in [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression and Israel's Distress"). Their "host" (מַחֲנֶה, *machăneh*) would have been a vast, intimidating encampment, typical of nomadic armies, sprawling across the valley floor. Such an encampment would comprise not only warriors but also their families, tents, and immense herds of livestock, creating an overwhelming spectacle of numerical superiority. The sheer disparity between this massive, experienced raiding force and Gideon's tiny, divinely chosen army of 300 would have instilled profound terror in any human leader, thereby highlighting the extraordinary and supernatural nature of God's impending intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 7:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes foundational to the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates **Divine Accommodation and Compassion**, revealing a God who intimately understands and patiently addresses human weakness and fear, even in His chosen leaders. He does not condemn Gideon's apprehension but provides a specific, practical means to strengthen his faith, demonstrating His tender care. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Faith Over Fear**, showing that while fear is a natural human emotion, God consistently provides the resources and circumstances for His servants to transcend it, transforming initial trepidation into resolute trust. Thirdly, it is a powerful testament to **God's Strategic Planning and Sovereignty**. This seemingly small instruction is a crucial, meticulously designed element in God's intricate plan for victory, ensuring that the battle's outcome is undeniably a divine triumph, not a human one, thereby magnifying His glory. Finally, the inclusion of Phurah subtly introduces the theme of **The Value of Companionship**, demonstrating how God can use a trusted, even quiet, presence to provide moral support and serve as a vital witness to His mighty works, reinforcing the idea that we are not meant to face daunting challenges alone.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_):** The Hebrew word יָרֵא (*yârêʼ*) primarily means "to fear," "be afraid," or "dread." While it can also denote reverence or awe (as in "the fear of the Lord"), in this immediate context, it unequivocally describes Gideon's apprehension and trepidation in the face of the overwhelming Midianite forces. It acknowledges a very human, visceral reaction to an impossible situation, highlighting that even divinely appointed leaders are not immune to fear. God's response to this *yârêʼ* is not rebuke but empathetic provision and a pathway to overcome it.
* **Go down (Hebrew, _yârad_):** The verb יָרַד (*yârad*) is a primitive root meaning "to descend," "to go downwards," or "to fall." This seemingly simple directional verb carries significant theological and strategic weight here. It implies a physical descent from the higher ground where Gideon's camp was likely situated to the lower valley where the Midianites were encamped. This physical descent into the enemy's territory symbolizes a step into vulnerability and potential danger, a direct confrontation with the source of Gideon's fear, albeit under divine instruction and protection. It is a movement from perceived safety to the very heart of the threat.
* **Host (Hebrew, _machăneh_):** The Hebrew term מַחֲנֶה (*machăneh*) refers to an "encampment," "camp," or "army." In this context, it denotes the vast, sprawling military encampment of the Midianites and their allies. The sheer scale implied by "the host" emphasizes the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy, making Gideon's 300 men appear utterly insignificant and underscoring the miraculous nature of the impending victory. It represents the formidable obstacle that only divine intervention could overcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thou fear to go down,"**: This opening clause profoundly reveals God's intimate understanding of Gideon's inner state. Despite the previous signs, the dramatic reduction of the army, and the divine promises, Gideon's human fear (from *yârêʼ*) persists. God, in His compassion and perfect knowledge, acknowledges this apprehension rather than condemning it, setting the stage for a divine intervention designed specifically to address Gideon's lingering doubt and bolster his courage. It underscores that God knows our weaknesses, meets us where we are, and provides grace in our moments of vulnerability.
* **"go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:"**: This is God's specific, practical, and compassionate instruction. Instead of commanding Gideon to go alone, or simply to "trust Me" without further provision, God provides a trusted companion, Phurah. The command to "go down" (from *yârad*) implies a direct, physical confrontation with the source of his fear—the massive enemy "host" (*machăneh*). This reconnaissance mission is not primarily for intelligence gathering but fundamentally for Gideon's spiritual and psychological preparation, allowing him to witness God's work firsthand in a way that will solidify his faith for the battle ahead and remove any doubt about the divine origin of the victory.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:10 employs several powerful literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Divine Accommodation** is prominently featured, as God, with perfect insight into Gideon's fear, provides a specific, compassionate allowance rather than demanding blind, unwavering obedience. This demonstrates God's tender care for His servant's psychological and emotional state, meeting him in his weakness. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: Gideon, the divinely appointed leader of Israel's army, is permitted to embark on a reconnaissance mission not primarily for strategic military intelligence, but for his own spiritual encouragement and faith-building, highlighting that the true battle is not one of human strength or cunning, but of divine power and human faith. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is present in Phurah's role; he is not merely a servant but a silent, supportive companion, symbolizing God's provision of human comfort, witness, and accountability even in the most daunting, divinely appointed tasks. The very act of "going down" into the enemy camp functions as a potent **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the specific, faith-building encounter Gideon is about to experience, which will turn his fear into resolute courage and ensure the glory belongs to God alone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:10 is a profound testament to God's compassionate leadership and His intimate knowledge of human frailty. It illustrates that God does not demand a faith devoid of struggle or doubt, but rather provides specific, often unexpected, means to strengthen our resolve. This divine accommodation for Gideon's fear underscores God's sovereignty over human emotions and His meticulous planning, where even a leader's apprehension becomes an opportunity for a deeper revelation of His power and faithfulness. The episode teaches that true courage often begins with acknowledging fear, and that God's strategies frequently involve seemingly small, personal steps that lead to monumental outcomes, ensuring that His glory alone is magnified. It is a powerful reminder that God is not distant from our anxieties but actively engages with them to build our trust.

* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:10 offers deeply comforting and challenging lessons for believers navigating their own fears and uncertainties today. Just as God knew Gideon's heart and provided a specific remedy for his apprehension, so too does He understand our anxieties. We are not expected to be fearless, but to bring our fears before Him, trusting that He will provide the necessary guidance, strength, and even companionship to move forward. This verse encourages us to be open with God about our doubts, knowing that His response is often one of compassionate provision rather than condemnation. It reminds us that God's plans are often realized through means that defy human logic, requiring us to step out in faith, even when we feel weak. Our "Phurahs" might be trusted friends, wise mentors, or even an unexpected word from Scripture, all divinely appointed to bolster our courage when the "host" of our challenges seems overwhelming. Ultimately, the passage calls us to trust God's process, even when it feels uncomfortable or counterintuitive, knowing that He is meticulously preparing us for the victory He has already ordained and that His power is made perfect in our weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hosts" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing that evoke fear or apprehension in your life?**
* **In what specific ways has God shown compassion and provided practical steps to address your fears in the past?**
* **Who are the "Phurahs" in your life—the trusted companions God has provided to support you in moments of doubt or spiritual challenge?**
* **How does Gideon's experience encourage you to be honest with God about your fears, rather than trying to hide or suppress them?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Gideon to be afraid, even after so many signs?**

Answer: God, in His perfect knowledge and profound understanding of the human condition, recognizes the natural response to overwhelming odds. Gideon's fear was not necessarily a sign of a complete lack of faith in principle, but a very real human apprehension in the face of an immense, visible threat. God allowed this fear to persist not to punish Gideon, but to demonstrate His compassion and to set the stage for a unique, personal encounter that would solidify Gideon's faith in a way that mere commands or previous signs had not. It highlights that God often works *through* our weaknesses, transforming them into opportunities for His glory and for a deeper revelation of His power, as seen in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness").

**Who was Phurah, and why was his presence important?**

Answer: Phurah was Gideon's servant, a seemingly minor character who plays a crucial, though quiet, role in this pivotal moment. His presence was important for several reasons: Firstly, he provided companionship, offering a human comfort and moral support in a terrifying situation. Gideon was not sent alone into the enemy camp. Secondly, Phurah served as a vital witness. What Gideon was about to hear was so significant that having a second person present would confirm its reality and impact, preventing Gideon from dismissing it as a mere figment of his imagination. His presence subtly underscores the biblical principle that "a cord of three strands is not quickly broken" ([Ecclesiastes 4:12](/ecclesiastes/4-12 "Ecclesiastes 4:12 - The Strength of Companionship")). He represents God's provision of human support and affirmation in times of divine calling and daunting tasks.

**Was Gideon's fear a sin?**

Answer: The Bible does not present Gideon's fear in this context as a sin. Rather, it is portrayed as a natural human emotion in the face of an impossible situation and overwhelming odds. God's response is not condemnation but compassionate provision, offering a specific, practical step to bolster Gideon's courage and confirm His presence. While persistent, unbelieving fear that leads to disobedience can be sinful, the initial apprehension Gideon experienced was a normal, understandable reaction. God's grace is profoundly evident in how He met Gideon in his weakness, using it as an opportunity to reveal His power and faithfulness, much like He understands our struggles, as described in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 7:10, with its portrayal of God's compassionate accommodation to Gideon's fear, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where Gideon was a human leader prone to fear and doubt, Jesus is the perfect leader, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who perfectly trusted the Father, even unto the agonizing reality of death on a cross. Yet, He is also our High Priest who can [sympathize with our weaknesses](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"), having been tempted in every way, yet without sin. He understands our fears not by observation alone, but by direct experience in His humanity, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane where He faced the overwhelming "host" of sin and death, praying with intense anguish ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness was achieved not through a mighty army, but through His own seemingly weak, solitary sacrifice on the cross, mirroring God's strategy with Gideon's 300. He is the ultimate "Phurah," the ever-present companion who promises, "[I am with you always, even to the end of the age](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")" and offers His perfect peace in the face of the world's troubles ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). Through Christ, we are empowered by the [Spirit of power, love, and self-control](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control"), enabling us to overcome fear and trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that "[in the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")." He is the one who transforms our fear into faith, leading us to victory.

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

Exodus 4:10

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I [am] not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I [am] slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

Exodus 4:14

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, [Is] not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

Judges 4:8

And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, [then] I will not go.

Judges 4:9

And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.