Judges 7:12

KJV

And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels [were] without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Midianites {H4080} and the Amalekites {H6002} and all the children {H1121} of the east {H6924} lay {H5307} along in the valley {H6010} like grasshoppers {H697} for multitude {H7230}; and their camels {H1581} were without number {H4557}, as the sand {H2344} by the sea {H3220} side {H8193} for multitude {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Midyan, 'Amalek and all the others from the east had settled in the valley as thick as locusts; their camels too were beyond counting, like the sand on the seashore.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.

American Standard Version

And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is upon the sea-shore for multitude.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:12 presents a stark visual of the overwhelming numerical superiority of Israel's enemies—the Midianites, Amalekites, and "children of the east"—describing them as innumerable as "grasshoppers for multitude" and their camels "as the sand by the sea side." This vivid imagery amplifies the seemingly impossible odds faced by Gideon's drastically reduced army, setting the stage for a miraculous divine intervention that would undeniably showcase God's power over human strength and numbers, ensuring that all glory for the impending victory would be attributed solely to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 7:12 immediately follows the dramatic reduction of Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men, a deliberate act by God to ensure that the impending victory would be attributed solely to divine power rather than human might. The preceding verses detail this process, first by sending home those who were fearful ([Judges 7:3](/judges/7-3 "Judges 7:3 - The Fearful Depart")), then by a unique test at the water to select only the most vigilant ([Judges 7:4-7](/judges/7-4 "Judges 7:4-7 - The Water Test")). This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial narrative pivot, starkly contrasting the smallness of Israel's force with the terrifying immensity of the enemy, thereby heightening the tension and magnifying the miracle that is about to unfold. It establishes the "impossible" scenario against which God's omnipotence will be displayed, underscoring why God needed to reduce Israel's forces: to prevent them from boasting that their own hand had saved them ([Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God's Reason for Reducing the Army")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For seven years, Israel had suffered under the oppressive raids of the Midianites, Amalekites, and other nomadic "children of the east" (often referring to desert tribes from regions like Transjordan and the Arabian Peninsula). These groups were known for their swift, devastating incursions, typically during harvest times, to plunder crops and livestock, leaving Israel impoverished and demoralized ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian")). Their mode of warfare relied heavily on camels, which provided a mobile advantage for rapid raids and retreats, making them a formidable and elusive enemy. The description of their vast numbers and countless camels in Judges 7:12 reflects the very real threat they posed to Israel's survival and livelihood, illustrating the widespread nature of their oppression and the desperation of the people. This context highlights the dire need for divine intervention and the human impossibility of overcoming such a formidable, well-equipped, and numerous foe.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, demonstrating that God's power is not limited by human weakness or overwhelming odds, but rather is magnified through them. The greater the enemy, the clearer God's hand in victory. Secondly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, even when Israel is unfaithful, by raising up deliverers like Gideon in response to their cries for help. Thirdly, it reinforces the principle of **Humility and Dependence on God**, as the drastic reduction of Gideon's army, immediately followed by the terrifying sight of the enemy, was designed to prevent human boasting and instill absolute reliance on divine strength, echoing the sentiment that "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")). The sheer scale of the enemy forces serves as the ultimate test of faith, preparing the ground for God's miraculous intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _rov'_):** This word, appearing twice in the verse ("for multitude"), signifies an overwhelming quantity or abundance. It is used here to emphasize the sheer, uncountable number of both the enemy soldiers and their camels, creating a sense of dread and human impossibility. In biblical contexts, _rov_ often highlights a numerical advantage that only divine intervention can overcome, underscoring the vast disparity between human capacity and God's boundless power.
* **Grasshoppers (Hebrew, _'arbeh'_):** This term specifically refers to locusts, known for their swarming behavior and the devastating impact of their countless numbers on crops and vegetation. The comparison of the enemy forces to locusts vividly conveys not only their immense numerical strength but also their destructive nature and how they blanket the land, making any resistance seem futile. It's a powerful metaphor for an innumerable, consuming host, emphasizing the overwhelming presence of the enemy across the valley.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley":** This opening clause identifies the specific, formidable coalition of enemies that Israel faced. "Lay along in the valley" paints a picture of their vast encampment, stretching across the landscape, suggesting their readiness for battle and their complete dominance of the terrain. This geographical detail emphasizes their physical presence and the immediate, pervasive threat they posed to Gideon's small force.
* **"like grasshoppers for multitude":** This vivid simile immediately establishes the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy soldiers. The comparison to "grasshoppers" (locusts) evokes an image of an uncountable, swarming mass that covers the ground, conveying a sense of dread, inevitability, and the sheer impossibility of human resistance against such a force. It highlights the vast disparity between the two armies.
* **"and their camels [were] without number":** This clause further amplifies the scale of the enemy's presence by focusing on their logistical and military assets. Camels were crucial for these nomadic tribes, enabling their rapid movements, carrying plunder, and providing a tactical advantage. The declaration that they were "without number" underscores the vastness of their resources and their preparedness for sustained warfare, making them an even more formidable opponent.
* **"as the sand by the sea side for multitude":** This second hyperbole reinforces the theme of immeasurable quantity, specifically applied to the camels. The imagery of "sand by the sea side" is a classic biblical idiom for an uncountable multitude, often used to describe God's promises of innumerable descendants (e.g., Abraham's seed). Here, it is ironically applied to Israel's enemies, highlighting the seemingly insurmountable odds and the complete human inability to contend with such a force.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:12 is rich in **Imagery** and employs powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the overwhelming nature of the enemy. The most prominent devices are **Simile** and **Hyperbole**. The text uses two distinct similes: the enemy soldiers are "like grasshoppers for multitude," and their camels are "as the sand by the sea side for multitude." Both comparisons are classic examples of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally. The intent is to impress upon the reader the sheer, unimaginable scale of the Midianite-Amalekite coalition, making the upcoming victory by Gideon's small band all the more miraculous. This vivid imagery creates a stark contrast between the enemy's vastness and Israel's meager numbers, thereby magnifying the divine power that is about to be displayed. The repetition of "for multitude" further emphasizes the uncountable nature of the forces, driving home the point of human impossibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine power. By vividly portraying an enemy so vast that it is humanly unconquerable, the text sets the stage for God to demonstrate His omnipotence not *through* human strength, but *in spite of* human weakness. It is a testament to the biblical principle that God often chooses the weak and the few to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that all glory redounds to Him. The overwhelming odds described here are not a deterrent to God's plan but a necessary backdrop against which His miraculous intervention will shine most brightly, revealing that victory belongs to the Lord, regardless of the numerical advantage of the opposition. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, reminding believers that God delights in using seemingly insignificant means to achieve mighty ends, thereby building faith and discouraging self-reliance.
* [Deuteronomy 32:30](/deuteronomy/32-30 "Deuteronomy 32:30 - One shall chase a thousand")
* [1 Samuel 14:6](/1_samuel/14-6 "1 Samuel 14:6 - Nothing restrains the Lord")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No king is saved by the multitude of an army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:12 challenges us to re-evaluate our perspective on seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our own lives. Just as Gideon and his men faced an enemy that was "without number," we too often encounter situations—whether personal struggles, professional challenges, or spiritual battles—that appear overwhelming and beyond our capacity to overcome. This verse reminds us that the size of our problem is never a measure of God's ability to deliver. Instead, it often serves as an invitation for God to display His power in ways that leave no doubt about His authorship of the victory. When we feel like the odds are stacked against us, we are called not to despair, but to remember that God delights in working through weakness to manifest His strength. Our role is to trust, obey, and step forward in faith, knowing that the God who defeated countless Midianites with 300 men is more than capable of handling the "multitudes" in our lives. This passage encourages a deeper reliance on divine strategy and power, rather than human calculation or strength, fostering a robust faith that looks beyond present circumstances to the limitless power of our sovereign God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "multitudes" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing that seem impossible to overcome?**
* **How does the imagery of "grasshoppers" and "sand by the sea" challenge your reliance on human strength or resources?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust God to work through your weakness, believing He will display His power?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "children of the east" mentioned alongside the Midianites and Amalekites?**

Answer: The "children of the east" (Hebrew: _b'nei qedem_) was a general term used in the Old Testament to refer to various nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes inhabiting the desert regions to the east of Israel, primarily in Transjordan and the Arabian Peninsula. These groups often engaged in raiding and plunder, particularly during harvest seasons, making them a persistent threat to agricultural societies like Israel. In the context of Judges, they were allied with the Midianites and Amalekites, forming a formidable coalition that oppressed Israel for seven years prior to Gideon's deliverance ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian")). Their inclusion emphasizes the widespread nature of the threat and the vastness of the enemy forces, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the oppression Israel faced.

**Why does the verse specifically mention the camels, describing them as "without number"?**

Answer: The mention of camels is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the **mobility and economic power** of the Midianites and their allies. Camels were essential for these desert-dwelling, nomadic peoples, enabling them to travel vast distances, carry plunder, and conduct swift raids. Their "without number" presence signifies not just military strength but also the immense wealth and resources these raiding parties possessed, accumulated through their oppressive activities. Secondly, it underscores the **tactical challenge** they posed. An army with countless camels could move quickly, strike unexpectedly, and retreat efficiently, making them difficult to corner or defeat by conventional means. Finally, the sheer number of camels, like the soldiers likened to "grasshoppers," serves to amplify the **hyperbolic description of the enemy's overwhelming scale**, further emphasizing the human impossibility of overcoming such a force and magnifying the miraculous nature of God's impending victory. This detail reinforces the theme that God's power is displayed precisely when human resources are utterly insufficient.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 7:12, with its vivid depiction of an overwhelmingly vast enemy, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's kingdom through seemingly weak means—culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon's small band faced an innumerable foe, humanity faced an insurmountable enemy in sin and death, a "multitude" that no human strength or wisdom could overcome. The seemingly impossible odds presented in this verse find their ultimate fulfillment in the cross, where the Son of God, appearing in weakness and humility, confronted and decisively defeated the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing over them by the cross")). Christ's victory was not achieved through a mighty army or overwhelming force, but through His sacrificial death and resurrection, a demonstration of divine power perfected in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - My strength is made perfect in weakness")). He is the true 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")), conquering the "multitude" of human sin and its consequences not by might, but by His Spirit and His perfect obedience. Thus, Judges 7:12, while a historical account, points forward to the greater spiritual battle won by the "few" (the faithful remnant, the Church) through the power of the "one" (Christ), ensuring that all glory belongs to God alone ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God has highly exalted Him")).

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 8:10

Now Zebah and Zalmunna [were] in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand [men], all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.

Judges 6:5

For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; [for] both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.

Judges 6:3

And [so] it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;

Joshua 11:4

And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that [is] upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.

Psalms 3:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 118:10

All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.