Judges 7:20

KJV

And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow [withal]: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the three {H7969} companies {H7218} blew {H8628} the trumpets {H7782}, and brake {H7665} the pitchers {H3537}, and held {H2388} the lamps {H3940} in their left {H8040} hands {H3027}, and the trumpets {H7782} in their right {H3225} hands {H3027} to blow {H8628} withal: and they cried {H7121}, The sword {H2719} of the LORD {H3068}, and of Gideon {H1439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All three companies blew the shofars, broke the pitchers and held the torches in their left hands, keeping their right hands free for the shofars they were blowing; and they shouted, "The sword for ADONAI and for Gid'on!"

Berean Standard Bible

The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!”

American Standard Version

And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the torches in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands wherewith to blow; and they cried, The sword of Jehovah and of Gideon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:20 vividly captures the climactic moment of Gideon's unconventional assault on the Midianite camp, where his 300 men, divided into three companies, simultaneously executed God's precise instructions. The shattering of earthenware pitchers, the sudden blaze of hidden lamps, the piercing blast of trumpets, and the unified, terrifying cry of "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon!" unleashed a psychological shockwave that plunged the vast enemy host into chaos and self-destruction, securing a miraculous victory attributed solely to divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 7:20 stands as the dramatic crescendo of the narrative arc established in the preceding verses of [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory Over Midian"). The chapter opens with Gideon's initial muster of 32,000 men, which God progressively reduces to a mere 300 through two distinct tests of fear and discernment, ensuring that the victory would be unequivocally God's, not Israel's ([Judges 7:2-7](/judges/7-2-7 "Judges 7:2-7 - God Reduces Gideon's Army")). Verses 9-15 recount God's direct reassurance to Gideon through a dream in the Midianite camp, solidifying his faith and courage for the daunting task ahead. Verses 16-19 detail Gideon's meticulous preparation and deployment of his small, hand-picked force, each man equipped with a trumpet, an empty pitcher, and a lamp concealed within. Verse 20 describes the synchronized execution of this extraordinary plan, immediately followed by the Midianites' panic and internal strife in verses 21-22, leading to their complete rout. Thus, this verse is the pivotal moment, transitioning from meticulous divine preparation to miraculous deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 12th-11th century BCE) was characterized by cycles of Israelite apostasy, foreign oppression, and divine deliverance through divinely appointed "judges." At this specific juncture, Israel was suffering under severe oppression from the Midianites, Amalekites, and other "people of the East," who annually raided their land, destroying crops and livestock, leaving Israel impoverished and demoralized ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")). The Midianite army was formidable, described as "like grasshoppers in multitude" and their camels "without number" ([Judges 7:12](/judges/7-12 "Judges 7:12 - Midianite Multitude")). Military tactics of the era typically involved large-scale, direct engagements, making Gideon's strategy profoundly counter-intuitive. The use of trumpets (shofars) was common in ancient warfare, not only for signaling but also for psychological impact, often associated with divine presence or a call to holy war. Lamps provided light, but their sudden revelation from within pitchers at night would have created a disorienting flash, amplifying the chaos. The night attack itself was a common, high-risk maneuver, but Gideon's specific method was unprecedented, relying entirely on deception and psychological terror rather than direct combat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Divine Victory**, where the Lord demonstrates His ability to deliver His people through seemingly impossible odds, ensuring that "the victory belongs to the LORD" ([Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory Belongs to the Lord")). This highlights **God's Power in Weakness**, as a mere 300 men, armed with unconventional "weapons," achieve what a vast army could not, echoing the principle that God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the strong ([1_corinthians/1-27](/1-corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak and Foolish")). The narrative also underscores the critical importance of **Obedience and Faith** in God's unconventional commands, as Gideon and his men's unwavering trust in the Lord's bizarre strategy is the catalyst for their success. Finally, the element of **Psychological Warfare** employed by God through Gideon's actions demonstrates how divine wisdom can confound human might, turning the enemy's strength against itself. The battle cry "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon" also emphasizes the partnership between divine initiative and human instrumentality, where God works through His chosen vessels.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trumpets (Hebrew, _shôwphâr'_):** (H7782) These refer to ram's horn trumpets (shofars), instruments with deep religious and military significance in ancient Israel. A `shôwphâr` is described as a "cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn." They were used to announce new moons, call assemblies, mark sacred occasions, and signal in battle. Their loud, piercing sound was not merely a signal but a terrifying blast, often associated with the presence or intervention of God (e.g., at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - Trumpet Blast at Sinai") or [Jericho](/joshua/6-4 "Joshua 6:4 - Trumpets at Jericho")). In this context, the simultaneous blowing of 300 shofars would have created an overwhelming, disorienting cacophony, suggesting a much larger attacking force and invoking divine terror.
* **Pitchers (Hebrew, _kad'_):** (H3537) These were earthenware jars, typically described as a "pail" or "jar for domestic purposes," used for carrying water or storing grain. Here, they served a crucial military purpose: concealing the lamps. Their fragility was key to the tactic; their sudden shattering produced a loud, sharp noise, adding to the sensory assault, and simultaneously revealed the bright, unexpected light. This mundane, easily broken object became an instrument of God's victory, highlighting the paradoxical nature of God's chosen means, often using the weak to confound the strong.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** (H2719) While Gideon's men did not wield physical swords in the initial assault, the battle cry "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon" is profoundly significant. A `chereb` is defined as "a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement." In this context, it declares that the true weapon and source of victory is God Himself. The "sword of the LORD" represents divine judgment, power, and active intervention in battle (cf. [Deuteronomy 32:41](/deuteronomy/32-41 "Deuteronomy 32:41 - God's Sword of Judgment")). Gideon's name is included, not as an equal, but as the human instrument through whom God's "sword" is wielded, emphasizing that the victory is ultimately God's, though accomplished through His chosen servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the three companies blew the trumpets":** This describes the synchronized, sudden blast from all 300 men, divided into three tactical units surrounding the Midianite camp. The immediate, overwhelming sound would have shattered the night's silence, creating instant alarm and confusion among the sleeping enemy, leading them to believe they were under attack by a massive, unseen army.
* **"and brake the pitchers":** Concurrent with the trumpet blast, each man smashed his earthenware pitcher. The sharp, cracking sound of 300 breaking jars amplified the noise, adding another layer of sensory assault. This act also served the vital function of revealing the hidden lamps, transitioning the scene from darkness to sudden, flashing light, further disorienting the enemy.
* **"and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow [withal]":** This detail illustrates the precise, coordinated action of Gideon's men. Each man was fully engaged in the two-pronged sensory attack: light (from the lamps, now uncovered) and sound (from the trumpets). The specific hand placement (lamps in left, trumpets in right) indicates a pre-arranged, disciplined maneuver, allowing for simultaneous execution and maximizing the psychological impact. The lamps, likely torches, would have flickered and moved, creating an illusion of countless attackers advancing from all sides.
* **"and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.":** This unified shout was the final, terrifying element of the psychological assault. It was a declaration of divine judgment and Gideon's role as God's instrument. The repetition of this cry from 300 voices, combined with the noise and light, would have instilled profound terror and disorientation, leading the Midianites to turn their swords against one another in the ensuing panic ([Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Midianites Turn on Each Other")). It unequivocally attributes the victory to God's intervention, not human might.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:20 is rich with **Symbolism**, **Irony**, and **Contrast**. The **lamps** symbolize light overcoming darkness, divine revelation, and the presence of God's truth dispelling the enemy's ignorance and fear. They represent God's illuminating power breaking through the spiritual and literal darkness. The **trumpets** symbolize divine proclamation, a call to holy war, and the irresistible power of God's voice to shatter human resistance and instill terror. The **broken pitchers** symbolize the fragility of human vessels, yet their destruction paradoxically brings forth light and contributes to victory, illustrating how God uses the weak and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His grand purposes. There is profound **Irony** in the fact that a vast, numerically superior enemy is defeated not by conventional weapons, but by light, sound, and a shout—elements that are typically non-lethal. The **Contrast** between the initial silence and darkness of the night and the sudden, overwhelming burst of light and sound creates a terrifying, disorienting experience for the Midianites. The narrative also employs **Repetition** of the battle cry, "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon," which reinforces the theological message that the victory is divinely orchestrated and executed, a testament to God's active involvement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:20 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness, and that true victory comes not through human might or strategic brilliance, but through divine intervention in response to obedient faith. This event serves as a profound object lesson that God often chooses unconventional means and seemingly inadequate instruments to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that all glory redounds to Him alone. The Midianites' self-destruction underscores God's ability to turn the enemy's own power against itself, a recurring theme in salvation history, demonstrating His ultimate control over all circumstances.

* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength in Weakness")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:20 is a stirring testament to the power of God to work through seemingly insignificant means and obedient faith. It challenges our human tendency to rely on visible strength, large numbers, or conventional wisdom. In our own lives, we often face "Midianite" challenges—overwhelming problems, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or personal weaknesses that appear to disqualify us from success. This verse reminds us that our resources are not the limiting factor for God. What God requires is our humble obedience to His often-unconventional leading, our willingness to step out in faith even when the path seems illogical or inadequate. The "trumpets, pitchers, and lamps" in our lives might be our vulnerabilities, our simple acts of faith, or our willingness to follow God's call even when it makes no sense to the world. When we submit our "300" to God, He promises to fight our battles and ensure that His glory is revealed, often in ways that defy human explanation. The victory is always the Lord's, and He delights in demonstrating His power through our weakness, transforming our limitations into platforms for His miraculous intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Midianite" challenges in your life are you tempted to face with your own strength rather than relying on God's unconventional methods?**
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to an act of obedience that seems illogical or inadequate by human standards?**
* **How does the story of Gideon's victory encourage you to trust God more deeply with your weaknesses and limitations?**
* **What does "the sword of the LORD" mean for your personal battles and spiritual warfare today, and how do you wield it?**

### FAQ

**Why did God instruct Gideon to use trumpets, pitchers, and lamps instead of traditional weapons?**

Answer: God's instruction for Gideon to use unconventional items like trumpets, pitchers, and lamps was primarily to ensure that the victory would be unequivocally attributed to Him, rather than to human strength or military prowess. By reducing Gideon's army to a mere 300 men and equipping them with non-lethal items, God removed any possibility of Israel boasting in their own might ([Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God Reduces Gideon's Army")). The tactic itself was a brilliant act of psychological warfare: the sudden simultaneous blast of 300 trumpets, the shattering of 300 pitchers, and the flashing of 300 hidden lamps in the dead of night created an overwhelming sensory assault. This disoriented and terrified the sleeping Midianite army, leading them to believe they were surrounded by a massive force, causing them to turn their swords on one another in panic and confusion ([Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Midianites Turn on Each Other")). It was a profound demonstration of God's power to deliver through seemingly weak and foolish means, highlighting His sovereignty over all human endeavors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 7:20, with its depiction of a seemingly weak force achieving a miraculous victory through unconventional means, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God through Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon's 300 men, armed with light and sound, brought about the defeat of a vast enemy, so too did Christ, appearing in the "weakness" of human flesh and dying on a cross, achieve the decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The "sword of the LORD" in Gideon's cry finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, whose words are described as a "sharp two-edged sword" ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")) and who will ultimately defeat His enemies with the "sword that comes from his mouth" ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Sword of Judgment")). The light revealed from the broken pitchers points to Christ, the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), whose body was "broken" on the cross, yet through that breaking, the glorious light of salvation shone forth, dispelling the spiritual darkness that held humanity captive. His victory was not achieved through military might or human armies, but through humility, sacrifice, and resurrection, demonstrating that God's power is perfected in weakness ([2_corinthians/12-9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength in Weakness")). Ultimately, Gideon's triumph serves as a vivid Old Testament picture of the greater spiritual victory won by 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 the World")).

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

Isaiah 27:13

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 15:52

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Joshua 6:16

And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.

Numbers 10:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 10:10

Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I [am] the LORD your God.

Joshua 6:20

So the people shouted when [the priests] blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.