Judges 7:11

And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that [were] in the host.

And thou shalt hear {H8085} what they say {H1696}; and afterward {H310} shall thine hands {H3027} be strengthened {H2388} to go down {H3381} unto the host {H4264}. Then went he down {H3381} with Phurah {H6513} his servant {H5288} unto the outside {H7097} of the armed men {H2571} that were in the host {H4264}.

and after you hear what they are saying, you will have the courage to attack the camp." So with his servant Purah he went down to the outposts of the camp.

and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp.

and thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thy hands be strengthened to go down into the camp. Then went he down with Purah his servant unto the outermost part of the armed men that were in the camp.

Commentary

Context of Judges 7:11

This verse is a crucial moment in the narrative of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites and Amalekites. Following God's dramatic reduction of Israel's army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men (Judges 7:7), Gideon is understandably apprehensive about facing the vast enemy host. In a display of divine compassion and strategic foresight, God offers Gideon a final, personal reassurance. He instructs Gideon to take his servant, Phurah, and stealthily approach the Midianite camp to overhear what they are saying. This act is designed not for military intelligence, but specifically to bolster Gideon's courage and confirm God's presence and plan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Assurance: God knows Gideon's fears and provides a direct, tangible way to build his faith. This demonstrates God's attentiveness to His servants' emotional and spiritual needs, not just their physical actions.
  • Strengthening for Service: The promise "shall thine hands be strengthened" refers to an inner fortitude and courage, empowering Gideon to lead despite overwhelming odds. It's a spiritual strengthening that translates into practical action.
  • Obedience and Trust: Gideon's immediate obedience to this unusual command, even in the darkness and danger of the enemy camp, highlights his growing trust in God. His willingness to act on God's word is foundational to his victory.
  • God's Strategic Providence: This seemingly minor act of listening is part of God's larger plan. The subsequent conversation Gideon overhears (in Judges 7:13-14) directly confirms the Midianites' fear and God's hand in Israel's victory, solidifying Gideon's resolve. This illustrates how God uses unexpected means to achieve His purposes, even through the words of the enemy.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strengthened" is chazaq (Χ—ΦΈΧ–Φ·Χ§), which means to be strong, firm, courageous, or established. In this context, it implies a renewal of confidence and resolve, a bolstering of Gideon's inner spirit rather than just physical might. It speaks to a divine infusion of courage that would enable him to lead the charge against the overwhelming Midianite force. The "host" is machaneh (ΧžΦ·Χ—Φ²Χ ΦΆΧ”), referring to a camp or army encampment, emphasizing the vast numbers of the enemy.

Practical Application

Judges 7:11 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing daunting challenges. Just as God provided specific reassurance for Gideon, He often gives us signs or confirmations to strengthen our faith when we feel overwhelmed. This can come through His Word, through the counsel of trusted friends, or even through unexpected circumstances that reveal His hand at work. The verse teaches us that:

  • God understands our fears and provides personalized encouragement.
  • Sometimes, the way to overcome fear is to take a step of faith, even a small, seemingly insignificant one, in obedience to God's direction.
  • God's strengthening is often an inner empowerment that equips us to face external opposition. When we feel weak, we can remember that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

This passage reminds us that God is actively involved in preparing us for the battles ahead, often by revealing His power and plan in ways that specifically address our personal doubts.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 6:10

    ΒΆ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

  • 1 Samuel 23:16

    And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

  • Ezra 6:22

    And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Isaiah 35:3

    Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

  • Isaiah 35:4

    Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

  • Genesis 24:14

    And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: [let the same be] she [that] thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
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