Judges 7:17

KJV

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be [that], as I do, so shall ye do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, Look {H7200} on me, and do {H6213} likewise: and, behold, when I come {H935} to the outside {H7097} of the camp {H4264}, it shall be that, as I do {H6213}, so shall ye do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to them, "Watch me, and do what I do. When I get to the edge of the camp, whatever I do, you do the same.

Berean Standard Bible

“Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:17 captures Gideon's pivotal command to his 300 men, instructing them to observe and precisely imitate his actions as they approach the Midianite camp. This verse underscores Gideon's leadership by example and the imperative for absolute, synchronized obedience, which was critical for the success of God's divinely orchestrated, unconventional strategy against a vastly superior enemy force. It sets the stage for a miraculous victory that would undeniably demonstrate the Lord's power over human might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 7:17 is situated at a crucial juncture in the narrative of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites. Preceding this verse, God has dramatically reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men, explicitly stating that this reduction was to prevent Israel from boasting that their own strength had saved them, rather than acknowledging the Lord's deliverance (see [Judges 7:2-7](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2-7 - God Reduces Gideon's Army")). This divine pruning ensured that the impending victory would be unequivocally attributed to God. Immediately before Gideon issues this command, he has received a profound assurance of victory by secretly overhearing a Midianite soldier recount a dream about a barley cake overturning their tent, interpreted as God delivering the Midianites into Gideon's hand ([Judges 7:13-15](/judges/7-13 "Judges 7:13-15 - Gideon Overhears the Dream")). This divine confirmation emboldens Gideon, leading him to divide his small force into three companies, equipping each man with a trumpet, an empty pitcher, and a torch concealed within the pitcher ([Judges 7:16](/judges/7-16 "Judges 7:16 - Gideon Equips His Men")). Verse 17 then serves as the direct, precise instruction for the synchronized execution of this extraordinary battle plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a period in Israel's history characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and God raising up a "judge" to rescue them. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and "people of the East," had severely oppressed Israel for seven years, raiding their land and destroying their crops, leaving them impoverished and terrified ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression of Israel")). This constant harassment forced the Israelites to hide in caves and strongholds, reflecting a deep state of national despair and military weakness. In this context, Gideon's small, seemingly ill-equipped force stands in stark contrast to the vast, experienced Midianite army. The battle strategy—involving noise (trumpets), light (torches), and sudden action (breaking pitchers)—was not a conventional military maneuver but a divinely inspired psychological warfare tactic. It was designed to create maximum confusion, panic, and self-destruction within the enemy camp, leveraging the darkness of night and the element of surprise rather than direct combat.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 7:17 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Leadership by Example**, as Gideon does not merely issue commands but explicitly states he will be the first to act, setting the standard for his men to follow. This fosters trust and ensures unified action in a high-stakes situation. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Absolute Obedience** to divine instruction; the success of God's unconventional strategy hinged entirely on the precise and simultaneous execution of every man's actions, leaving no room for deviation. This echoes the biblical principle that [obedience is better than sacrifice](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice"). Thirdly, it underscores **Divine Strategy and Reliance on God's Power**, demonstrating that victory comes not from human might or conventional warfare, but from God's supernatural intervention. This aligns with the prophetic word, "[Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")". Finally, the men's willingness to follow such an unusual and seemingly illogical plan showcases **Faith in Action**, a profound trust in Gideon's leadership and, more importantly, in God's ability to deliver, even through unconventional means. This act of faith is implicitly celebrated among the heroes of faith in [Hebrews 11:32](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32 - Gideon Among the Heroes of Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Look (Hebrew: רְאוּ, _re'u'_):** This is an imperative verb, plural, derived from the root ראה (_ra'ah_), meaning "to see," "to perceive," "to observe." In this context, it carries the force of a direct command to pay close attention, to visually fixate on Gideon's actions. It implies not just casual observation but active, focused watching, crucial for the precise imitation that follows.
* **Likewise / So shall ye do (Hebrew: כֵּן, _ken_):** This adverb means "thus," "so," "in the same manner," or "accordingly." Its repetition in the verse ("do likewise" and "so shall ye do") strongly emphasizes the exact replication required. It signifies not merely a general instruction but a demand for absolute conformity and synchronization, indicating that the success of the plan depended on every man mirroring Gideon's actions with perfect precision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them":** This phrase introduces Gideon's direct address to his 300 chosen men, highlighting the personal nature of his leadership and the direct communication of his instructions. It sets the tone for a moment of critical command and expectation.
* **"Look on me, and do likewise":** This is the core of Gideon's command, an imperative for visual imitation. It means "Observe what I do, and replicate it exactly." This instruction establishes Gideon as the immediate leader and model, demanding not just obedience to a verbal order but a precise mirroring of his physical actions.
* **"and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp":** This clause specifies the critical timing and location for the execution of the command. "Behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _v'hineh_) draws attention to the imminent and important event. The "outside of the camp" refers to the Midianite encampment, indicating the precise moment and place where the synchronized attack will commence, ensuring the element of surprise and maximum disorienting effect.
* **"it shall be [that], as I do, so shall ye do":** This reiterates and reinforces the previous command with emphatic certainty. The repetition of "as I do, so shall ye do" underscores the absolute necessity of precise, simultaneous action. It leaves no room for individual interpretation or deviation, emphasizing the unified and disciplined execution required for the success of God's unconventional strategy.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:17 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Repetition** is prominently used through the phrase "as I do, so shall ye do," which echoes the initial command "Look on me, and do likewise." This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute precision and synchronization required, underscoring the critical nature of the instruction. The verse is delivered in **Direct Address** and the **Imperative Mood** ("Look," "do"), creating a sense of urgency and direct command from Gideon to his men. This directness highlights Gideon's authoritative leadership in a moment of high tension. Furthermore, the instruction embodies **Symbolism** in the broader narrative, where Gideon's actions (breaking pitchers, blowing trumpets, shouting) are not merely physical acts but symbolic of God's unconventional power overturning human strength. The verse itself, as a command for precise imitation, also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the chaotic and disorienting effect their synchronized actions will have on the Midianites, leading to their ultimate defeat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:17 serves as a powerful theological statement about God's methods and the nature of faith and obedience. It illustrates that God often chooses to work through means that defy human logic and conventional wisdom, ensuring that the glory for victory belongs solely to Him. Gideon's command for precise imitation underscores the principle that divine strategies, no matter how unconventional, demand absolute and unified obedience from those who would be used by God. This narrative reinforces the idea that true strength lies not in numbers or military prowess, but in humble reliance on God's power and a willingness to follow His specific instructions, even when they seem counterintuitive. The men's obedience, though seemingly simple, was an act of profound faith that unlocked God's miraculous intervention.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")
* [Hebrews 11:32](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32 - Gideon, a Hero of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's instruction in Judges 7:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world that often values self-reliance, strategic planning, and overwhelming resources, this passage reminds us that God's ways are often counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. We are called to cultivate a spirit of radical obedience and trust in His unconventional methods, even when they challenge our understanding or seem to defy logic. Just as Gideon's men had to set aside their conventional military training and simply "look and do likewise," so too are we invited to lay down our own plans and wisdom, trusting that God's seemingly weak or foolish strategies are ultimately wiser and stronger than any human endeavor. This verse also speaks to the power of leadership by example within the church and in our daily lives. When those in positions of influence model faithful obedience and reliance on God, it inspires and empowers others to follow suit, fostering unity and effectiveness in God's mission. Our greatest victories, both personal and corporate, will often come not from our own strength or cleverness, but from our simple, precise, and unified obedience to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or conventional wisdom rather than trusting God's unconventional ways?**
* **How does Gideon's "look on me, and do likewise" challenge your understanding of leadership and discipleship?**
* **Can you recall a time when God asked you to do something that seemed illogical or counter-intuitive, and what was the outcome of your obedience or disobedience?**
* **What specific actions or attitudes might God be calling you to "mirror" from His Word or from the example of Christ today?**

### FAQ
**Why was Gideon's army reduced to only 300 men before this command?**

Answer: God deliberately reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men to ensure that the victory over the Midianites would be undeniably attributed to divine power and not to Israel's military strength or numbers. As stated in [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God's Reason for Reducing the Army"), the Lord said, "The people with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'" This strategic reduction was a theological statement, highlighting God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver through seemingly impossible odds, preventing human boasting.

**What was the significance of Gideon's specific instructions for his men to "look on me, and do likewise"?**

Answer: Gideon's instruction emphasized absolute precision, synchronization, and leadership by example. In a night attack designed to create chaos and panic, every man's action had to be perfectly coordinated. By commanding them to "look on me, and do likewise," Gideon ensured that his men would precisely mirror his actions—blowing the trumpet, breaking the pitcher, and shouting—at the exact same moment. This unified, sudden, and overwhelming sensory assault (sound and light) was crucial for the psychological impact on the Midianite camp, making it seem as if they were surrounded by a vast army, leading to internal confusion and self-destruction. It also built trust and confidence among Gideon's men, as their leader was not just giving orders but leading the charge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's command, "Look on me, and do likewise," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Gideon was a fallible human leader, called to deliver Israel from physical oppression, Jesus is the perfect, divine Leader who came to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Christ Himself is the supreme example, not merely of military strategy, but of righteous living, sacrificial love, and perfect obedience to the Father's will. He calls His disciples not simply to follow a set of rules, but to "take My yoke upon you and [learn from Me](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Learn from Jesus"), for I am gentle and lowly in heart." Jesus declared, "[I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus' Example of Service")," particularly in humble service. The call to imitate Christ is central to Christian discipleship, urging believers to "[let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5 - The Mind of Christ")," who humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. Our victory over spiritual enemies and the challenges of life comes not from our own strength or cleverness, but by precisely mirroring Christ's life of faith, obedience, and reliance on God, knowing that "[He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He Who is in You")". Just as Gideon's men found victory by following their leader, believers find ultimate triumph and spiritual fulfillment by fixing their eyes on Jesus, the "[author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith")," and doing likewise.

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

1 Corinthians 11:1

¶ Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.

Matthew 16:24

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Judges 9:48

And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that [were] with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid [it] on his shoulder, and said unto the people that [were] with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, [and] do as I [have done].

1 Peter 5:3

Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

Hebrews 13:7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.