Judges 7:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:11 serves as a pivotal moment in Gideon's campaign, illustrating God's compassionate accommodation to Gideon's lingering apprehension despite the dramatic reduction of his army. God instructs Gideon to take his servant, Phurah, and stealthily approach the Midianite camp to overhear their conversations. This divine directive is not primarily for tactical intelligence but functions as a direct, tangible act of grace designed to bolster Gideon's courage and solidify his faith, thereby empowering him to lead Israel's small force against the overwhelming Midianite host.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 7:11 is strategically placed immediately after God's drastic and counter-intuitive reduction of Gideon's army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men, a measure detailed in [Judges 7:2-7](/judges/7-2-7 "Judges 7:2-7 - God Reduces Gideon's Army to 300"). This severe reduction was designed to ensure that Israel would attribute victory solely to God, preventing any boasting in human strength. Despite having received clear divine commands and witnessed miraculous signs, such as the dew on the fleece in [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36-40 "Judges 6:36-40 - The Sign of the Fleece"), Gideon still harbored understandable fear when confronted with the vast Midianite and Amalekite forces. The preceding verse, [Judges 7:10](/judges/7-10 "Judges 7:10 - God's Reassurance to Gideon"), explicitly reveals God's tender awareness of Gideon's human weakness: "But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host." Verse 11 then describes Gideon's immediate obedience to this specific, personalized command, setting the stage for the crucial overheard conversation in [Judges 7:13-14](/judges/7-13-14 "Judges 7:13-14 - The Dream of the Barley Cake and Its Interpretation"), which directly confirms God's plan and decisively strengthens Gideon's resolve.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, roughly spanning the 12th to 11th centuries BC, was marked by a cyclical pattern of Israel's apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, and subsequent deliverance by divinely raised judges, as comprehensively outlined throughout [the Book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Apostasy and Deliverance"). At this time, Israel was under severe oppression from the Midianites and Amalekites, nomadic desert tribes renowned for their devastating raids that left the land barren and impoverished, as vividly depicted in [Judges 6:3-6](/judges/6-3-6 "Judges 6:3-6 - Midianite Oppression and Israel's Distress"). The Midianite army, described as "like grasshoppers for multitude" in [Judges 7:12](/judges/7-12 "Judges 7:12 - The Vast Midianite Host"), represented an overwhelming and existential threat. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the psychological factors of fear and morale were paramount. Dreams and omens were widely regarded as potent conveyors of divine messages or portents, and their interpretation held significant sway over a soldier's or army's resolve. God's strategic use of a Midianite soldier's dream to bolster Gideon's faith is a brilliant demonstration of His sovereignty, extending even to the beliefs and fears within the enemy's camp.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the narrative of Gideon and the broader theological message of [the Book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Apostasy and Deliverance"). Firstly, it profoundly illustrates **Divine Compassion and Accommodation**, as God, despite His omnipotence and unwavering purpose, condescends to meet Gideon precisely in his moment of fear, providing a personalized and tangible sign of assurance. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty over Human Weakness**. Gideon's fear is not dismissed but acknowledged, and God's plan is not derailed; instead, God works through and strengthens Gideon's weakness, demonstrating the timeless truth that "the battle is the Lord's," as declared in [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord"). Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **Obedience as a Prerequisite for Divine Empowerment**. Gideon's willingness to obey the unusual and potentially perilous command to stealthily approach the enemy camp in the dark is foundational to his reception of the promised strengthening. Finally, it showcases **God's Strategic Providence**, utilizing seemingly small, indirect means—such as an overheard conversation—to achieve His mighty purposes and confirm His word, a pattern evident throughout the entire narrative of [Gideon's miraculous victory](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory Over Midian").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696. A primitive root, meaning "to arrange," but primarily used figuratively (of words) "to speak." It encompasses expressing thoughts, commanding, declaring, or telling. In this context, "what they say" refers to the specific words spoken by the Midianite soldiers. God's instruction for Gideon to "hear what they say" highlights the divine orchestration of a conversation that would directly address Gideon's apprehension, demonstrating God's meticulous control over even the seemingly mundane interactions within the enemy's camp.
* **Strengthened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** H2388. A primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." In the phrase "shall thine hands be strengthened," this verb signifies far more than mere physical might. It refers to a profound inner fortification, a renewal of courage, resolve, and confidence. This is a divine infusion of morale and conviction, enabling Gideon to overcome his pervasive fear and decisively lead the small Israelite force against an overwhelming enemy. The strengthening is primarily spiritual and psychological, leading to practical, bold action.
* **Host (Hebrew, _machăneh'_):** H4264. From the root *chanah*, meaning "to encamp." This noun refers to an encampment (of travelers or troops), and by extension, an army. In Judges 7:11, *machăneh* emphasizes the immense size and formidable nature of the combined Midianite and Amalekite forces. The phrase "unto the outside of the armed men that [were] in the host" vividly portrays Gideon's perilous proximity to the very heart of the enemy's strength, underscoring the extreme danger of his reconnaissance mission and the courage divinely imparted to undertake it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt hear what they say;":** This initial clause presents God's precise and purposeful instruction to Gideon. The divine objective is not for Gideon to gather conventional military intelligence, but for him to personally witness and hear something specific that will directly address his deep-seated fear. It implies a divinely orchestrated encounter, where God has already prepared the exact conversation Gideon is about to overhear, showcasing His meticulous sovereignty over all circumstances, even the seemingly casual chatter within an enemy encampment.
* **"and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host.":** This is the explicit divine promise and the core purpose of the reconnaissance mission. The act of hearing the predetermined conversation will serve as the direct catalyst for Gideon's inner fortification. "Thine hands be strengthened" idiomatically signifies the bolstering of his resolve, courage, and confidence, preparing him psychologically and spiritually to initiate the attack. The phrase "to go down unto the host" highlights the imminent and direct confrontation, emphasizing the crucial transition from apprehension and hesitation to decisive, faith-filled action.
* **"Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that [were] in the host.":** This clause describes Gideon's immediate and courageous obedience to God's specific command. Phurah, identified as Gideon's servant, accompanies him, providing a trusted companion and perhaps a measure of comfort and a witness in this perilous undertaking. The precise detail "unto the outside of the armed men" underscores the stealth and extreme danger involved in approaching the very perimeter of the enemy's armed forces. This act of obedience, despite the inherent vulnerability, serves as a testament to Gideon's growing faith and his willingness to trust God's unconventional plan.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Irony** is strikingly evident in God's strategic use of the enemy's own words and fears to strengthen Gideon; the very adversaries Israel fears become unwitting instruments of God's encouragement and confirmation. This highlights God's absolute sovereign control over all things, extending even to the internal thoughts and casual conversations of His adversaries. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Gideon's act of listening directly precedes the dramatic revelation of the Midianite soldier's dream and its interpretation in [Judges 7:13-14](/judges/7-13-14 "Judges 7:13-14 - The Dream of the Barley Cake and Its Interpretation"), which serves as a divine confirmation of Israel's impending victory. The narrative skillfully uses **Contrast** between Gideon's initial, palpable fear and the promised, divinely imparted strengthening, thereby emphasizing the transformative power of God's personal assurance. Finally, the vivid detail of Gideon "going down" stealthily into the enemy camp, despite the inherent danger, functions as **Symbolism** for the necessary step of vulnerable faith and obedience required to receive and experience God's empowering grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:11 profoundly illustrates God's intimate knowledge of and compassionate response to human weakness, even in His chosen leaders. It teaches that God does not merely issue commands, but also graciously equips and reassures, often providing tangible, personalized signs to bolster faith when fear threatens to paralyze. This divine condescension, meeting Gideon precisely in his specific need for reassurance, powerfully demonstrates God's personal involvement in the lives of His servants and His unwavering commitment to seeing His purposes fulfilled, not through overwhelming human might or strategic brilliance, but through His own power made perfect in weakness. The verse underscores the profound theological truth that true strength for God's service comes not from inherent human ability, impressive numbers, or self-confidence, but from a divinely imparted courage rooted in absolute trust and obedient reliance upon God alone.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength Perfected in Weakness")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Hebrews 11:32-34](/hebrews/11-32-34 "Hebrews 11:32-34 - The Faith of Gideon and Other Heroes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:11 offers profound and timeless encouragement for believers navigating their own "battles" and moments of fear, doubt, or overwhelming circumstances. Just as God provided a specific, personalized sign to strengthen Gideon's hands and heart, He continues to offer reassurance and empowerment to us when we feel overwhelmed by daunting challenges, whether they be spiritual, relational, professional, or deeply personal. This divine strengthening often manifests not through a direct, thunderous miracle, but through unexpected confirmations, through the profound wisdom found in God's Word, through the timely encouragement of fellow believers, or even through seemingly ordinary circumstances that unmistakably reveal God's providential hand at work. The lesson is clear: when we are weak, God is undeniably strong, and our willingness to obey, even in small, fearful steps, positions us to receive His empowering grace. We are called to trust that God understands our deepest anxieties and will provide exactly what we need to fulfill His purposes, equipping us perfectly for the challenges that lie ahead.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hosts" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing that cause you significant fear or apprehension?**
* **In what specific ways has God provided you with unexpected "overheard conversations" or personalized reassurances to strengthen your faith in the past?**
* **What small, seemingly insignificant step of obedience might God be calling you to take, even in the face of fear, to experience His strengthening power?**
* **How does Gideon's reliance on God's specific and unconventional instruction, rather than his own military strategy, challenge your typical approach to difficult situations?**

### FAQ
**Why did God need Gideon to overhear a conversation to strengthen him? Couldn't God just tell him directly?**

Answer: While God certainly possesses the power to directly speak to Gideon and instantly instill courage, His chosen method here demonstrates His profound understanding of human psychology and His compassionate accommodation to Gideon's specific need for tangible assurance. Gideon had already received direct commands and witnessed miraculous signs, such as the fleece in [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36-40 "Judges 6:36-40 - The Sign of the Fleece"). However, facing an overwhelmingly superior enemy force after his own army had been drastically reduced, his fear was deeply human and entirely understandable. Overhearing the Midianite soldier's dream and its interpretation, as precisely described in [Judges 7:13-14](/judges/7-13-14 "Judges 7:13-14 - The Dream of the Barley Cake and Its Interpretation"), provided an external, undeniable, and highly culturally relevant confirmation directly from the enemy's own camp. This was a powerful, undeniable sign that God was indeed with him and was actively working on his behalf, even within the enemy's ranks. It wasn't about God's inability to speak directly, but about His divine wisdom in providing the most effective and impactful form of reassurance for Gideon's specific state of mind and the cultural context of the time.

**What does it mean for Gideon's "hands to be strengthened"?**

Answer: The phrase "thine hands be strengthened" is a powerful Hebrew idiom that extends far beyond mere physical ability. It refers to a profound bolstering of Gideon's inner resolve, courage, and confidence. In ancient Hebrew thought, the "hands" often symbolized one's capacity for action, power, and effectiveness. Therefore, for his hands to be "strengthened" means that his spirit would be emboldened, his fear would dissipate, and he would be empowered with the necessary conviction and unwavering resolve to lead the charge against the Midianite army. It signifies a spiritual and psychological strengthening that directly translates into practical, decisive leadership, enabling him to fulfill God's command to "go down unto the host." This divine empowerment is absolutely crucial because, humanly speaking, Gideon's situation was utterly hopeless, as starkly highlighted by the vast disparity in numbers between his 300 men and the "multitude" of the Midianites, described in [Judges 7:12](/judges/7-12 "Judges 7:12 - The Vast Midianite Host").

**Who was Phurah, and why was he mentioned?**

Answer: Phurah is identified simply as Gideon's servant. While the biblical text provides no further biographical details about him, his inclusion in this verse is highly significant. Firstly, his presence underscores the very real danger and gravity of Gideon's mission; Gideon did not go alone but took a trusted companion, perhaps for moral support in a terrifying situation or as an independent witness to the events. Secondly, Phurah's role as a servant highlights Gideon's established position as a leader, even in his moments of profound fear and vulnerability. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, Phurah's presence ensures that there was an independent witness to the remarkable event of Gideon overhearing the Midianite soldier's dream and its interpretation. This adds crucial credibility and weight to the narrative, confirming the divine orchestration of the event. His name, though not elaborated upon, serves to ground the story in a specific, historical context, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of God's interaction with Gideon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 7:11, with its profound emphasis on divine strengthening in the face of overwhelming odds, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Gideon's desperate need for reassurance and empowering courage before facing a physical enemy powerfully foreshadows humanity's universal and desperate need for spiritual strength to overcome the far greater spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Where Gideon received a temporary strengthening for a specific, earthly battle, Christ offers a permanent, indwelling power and courage to all who believe. The "overheard conversation" that bolstered Gideon's faith points to the ultimate "Word" of God, Jesus Christ Himself, through whom God has spoken definitively and fully to humanity, as declared in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son"). In Christ, believers are not merely strengthened for a single battle, but are given the Holy Spirit, who empowers them for all of life's challenges, enabling them to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")). Jesus, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), faced the ultimate "host" of spiritual darkness, not with 300 men, but alone on the cross. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He secured the definitive and eternal victory, offering true and lasting peace, courage, and overcoming power to all who trust in Him, enabling them to overcome the world, for He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In Me You May Have Peace")).

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

Ephesians 6:10

¶ 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.