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Commentary on Judges 7 verses 16–22
Here is, I. The alarm which Gideon gave to the hosts of Midian in the dead time of the night; for it was intended that those who had so long been a terror to Israel, and had so often frightened them, should themselves be routed and ruined purely by terror.
1.The attack here made was, in many circumstances, like that which Abraham made upon the army that had taken Lot captive. The number of men was much the same: Abraham had 318, Gideon 300; they both divided their forces, both made their attack by night, and were both victorious under great disadvantages (Gen 14:14, Gen 14:15); and Gideon is not only a son of Abraham (so were the Midianites by Keturah) but an heir of his faith. Gideon, (1.) Divided his army, small as it was, into three battalions (Jdg 7:16), one of which he himself commanded (Jdg 7:19), because great armies (and such a one he would make a show of) were usually divided into the right wing, and left wing, and the body of the army. (2.) He ordered them all to do as he did, Jdg 7:17. He told them now, it is very likely, what they must do, else the thing was so strange that they would scarcely have done it of a sudden, but he would, by doing it first, give notice to them when to do it, as officers exercise their soldiers with the word of command or by beat of drum: Look on me, and do likewise. Such is the word of command which our Lord Jesus, the captain of our salvation, gives his soldiers; for he has left us an example, with a charge to follow it: As I do, so shall you do. (3.) He made his descent in the night, when they were secure and least expected it, which would put them into great consternation, and when the smallness of his army would not be discovered. In the night all frights are most frightful, especially in the dead of the night, as this was, a little after midnight, when the middle watch began, and the alarm would wake them out of their sleep. We read of terror by night as very terrible (Psa 91:5), and fear in the night, Sol 3:8. (4.) That which Gideon aimed at was to frighten this huge host, to give them not only a fatal rout, but a very shameful one. He accoutred his army with every man a trumpet in his right hand, and an earthen pitcher, with a torch in it, in his left, and he himself thought it no disparagement to him to march before them thus armed. He would make but a jest of conquering this army, and goes out against them rather as against a company of children than against a host of soldiers. The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn, Isa 37:22. The fewness of his men favoured his design; for, being so few, they marched to the camp with the greater secresy and expedition, so that they were not discovered till they were close by the camp; and he contrived to give the alarm when they had just mounted the guards (Jdg 7:19), that the sentinels, being then wakeful, might the sooner disperse the alarm through the camp, which was the best service they could do him. Three ways Gideon contrived to strike a terror upon this army, and so put them into confusion. [1.] With a great noise. Every man must blow his trumpet in the most terrible manner he could and clatter an earthen pitcher to pieces at the same time; probably each dashed his pitcher to his next man's, and so they were broken both together, which would not only make a great crash, but was a figure of what would be the effects of the fright, even the Midianites' killing one another. [2.] With a great blaze. The lighted torches were hid in the pitchers, like a candle under a bushel, until they came to the camp, and then, being taken out all together of a sudden, would make a glaring show, and run through the camp like a flash of lightning. Perhaps with these they set some of the tents on the outside of the camp on fire, which would very much increase the confusion. [3.] With a great shout. Every man must cry, For the Lord, and for Gideon, so some think it should be read in Jdg 7:18, for there the sword is not in the original, but it is in Jdg 7:20, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. It should seem, he borrowed the word from the Midianite's dream (Jdg 7:14): it is the sword of Gideon. Finding his name was a terror to them, he thus improves it against them, but prefixes the name of Jehovah, as the figure without which his own was but an insignificant cypher. This would put life into his own men, who might well take courage when they had such a God as Jehovah, and such a man as Gideon, both to fight for, and to fight for them; well might those follow who had such leaders. It would likewise put their enemies into a fright, who had of old heard of Jehovah's great name, and of late of Gideon's. The sword of the Lord is all in all to the success of the sword of Gideon, yet the sword of Gideon must be employed. Men the instruments, and God the principal agent, must both be considered in their places, but men, the greatest and best, always in subserviency and subordination to God. This army was to be defeated purely by terrors, and these are especially the sword of the Lord. These soldiers, if they had swords by their sides, that was all, they had none in their hands, but they gained the victory by shouting "The sword." So the church's enemies are routed by a sword out of the mouth, Rev 19:21. 2. These soldiers, if they had swords by their sides, that was all, they had none in their hands, but they gained the victory by shouting "The sword." So the church's enemies are routed by a sword out of the mouth, Rev 19:21.
2.This method here taken of defeating the Midianites may be alluded to, (1.) As typifying the destruction of the devil's kingdom in the world by the preaching of the everlasting gospel, the sounding of that trumpet, and the holding forth of that light out of earthen vessels, for such the ministers of the gospel are, in whom the treasure of that light is deposited, Co2 4:6, Co2 4:7. Thus God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, a barley-cake to overthrow the tents of Midian, that the excellency of the power might be of God only; the gospel is a sword, not in the hand, but in the mouth, the sword of the Lord and of Gideon, of God and Jesus Christ, him that sits on the throne and the Lamb. (2.) As representing the terrors of the great day. So the excellent bishop Hall applies it; if these pitchers, trumpets, and firebrands, did so daunt and dismay the proud troops of Midian and Amalek, who shall be able to stand before the last terror, when the trumpet of the archangel shall sound, the elements shall be on a flame, the heavens pass away with a great noise, and the Lord himself shall descend with a shout!
II. The wonderful success of this alarm. The Midianites were shouted out of their lives, as the walls of Jericho were shouted down, that Gideon might see what he lately despaired of ever seeing, the wonders that their fathers told them of. Gideon's soldiers observed their orders, and stood every man in his place round about the camp (Jdg 7:21), sounding his trumpet to excite them to fight one another, and holding out his torch to light them to their ruin. They did not rush into the host of Midian, as greedy either of blood or spoil, but patiently stood still to see the salvation of the Lord, a salvation purely of his own working. Observe how the design took effect. 1. They feared the Israelites. All the host immediately took the alarm; it flew like lightning through all their lines, and they ran, and cried, and fled, Jdg 7:21. There was something natural in this fright. We may suppose they had not had intelligence of the great diminution of Gideon's army, but rather concluded that since their last advices it had been growing greater and greater; and therefore they had reason to suspect, knowing how odious and grievous they had made themselves and what bold steps had been taken towards the throwing off of their yoke, that it was a very great army which was to be ushered in with all those trumpeters and torch-bearers. But there was more of a supernatural power impressing this terror upon them. God himself gave it the setting on, to show how that promise should have been fulfilled if they had not forfeited it, One of you shall chase a thousand. See the power of imagination, and how much it may become a terror at some times, as at other times it is a pleasure. 2. They fell foul upon one another: The Lord set every man's sword against his fellow, Jdg 7:22. In this confusion, observing the trumpeters and torch-bearers to stand still without their camp, they concluded the body of the army had already entered and was in the midst of them, and therefore every one ran at the next he met, though a friend, supposing him an enemy, and one such mistake as this would occasion many, for then he that slew him would certainly be taken for an enemy, and would be dispatched immediately. It is our interest to preserve such a command of our own spirits as never to be afraid with any amazement, for we cannot conceive what mischiefs we thereby plunge ourselves into. See also how God often makes the enemies of his church instruments to destroy one another; it is a pity the church's friends should ever be thus infatuated. 3. They fled for their lives. Perhaps when day-light came they were sensible of their mistake in fighting with one another, and concluded that by this fatal error they had so weakened themselves that now it was impossible to make any head against Israel, and therefore made the best of their way towards their own country, though, for aught that appears, the 300 men kept their ground. The wicked flee when none pursueth, Pro 28:1. Terrors make him afraid on every side, and drive him to his feet, Job 18:11.
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SUMMARY
Judges 7:21 vividly captures the climactic moment of God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression through Gideon and his divinely reduced army of 300 men. Following a meticulously orchestrated strategy of trumpets, broken pitchers, and shouts, the verse portrays the immediate and overwhelming panic that seized the vast Midianite army, causing them to erupt in chaotic flight, securing a victory entirely attributed to the Lord's intervention rather than human strength or conventional warfare.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Judges 7:21 serves as the dramatic culmination of a carefully constructed narrative detailing God's unconventional strategy for Israel's deliverance. The preceding verses in Judges 7 emphasize God's deliberate reduction of Gideon's army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men, a move designed to ensure that the ensuing victory would be undeniably attributed to divine power and not to human might or numerical superiority (Judges 7:2-8). Gideon, fortified by a confirming dream within the Midianite camp (Judges 7:9-15), meticulously equipped his small force with trumpets, empty pitchers concealing torches, and specific instructions. The immediate preceding verse, Judges 7:20, describes the simultaneous execution of this plan: the blowing of trumpets, the shattering of pitchers, and the unified shout, "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon!" This verse, Judges 7:21, then details the immediate, chaotic, and decisive effect of this strategy on the enemy, leading directly into the pursuit and final defeat of the Midianites in Judges 7:22-25. The entire chapter underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people through means that defy human logic.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Judges chapter 7 are set during a period of intense oppression for Israel, as they suffered under the yoke of the Midianites, Amalekites, and other "people of the East" for seven years. These nomadic invaders would sweep through the land, destroying crops and livestock, leaving Israel impoverished and forcing them to hide in caves and strongholds (Judges 6:1-6). The Midianites were a formidable, numerous people, renowned for their vast numbers and camel cavalry, described as "like locusts for multitude" (Judges 7:12). In contrast, Israel at this time was a decentralized tribal confederation, militarily weak and lacking a standing army. Conventional warfare of the era relied heavily on numerical superiority, chariots, and direct combat. Gideon's strategy, therefore, was entirely counter-cultural and counter-intuitive from a human military perspective. It did not rely on physical engagement but on a psychological assault designed to exploit the enemy's fear and disorganization, a tactic made effective only by divine intervention. The strategic setting was the Valley of Jezreel, specifically near the hill of Moreh, where the Midianite camp was located, and the spring of Harod, where Gideon's men gathered (Judges 7:1).
Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance, highlighting that victory comes from God alone, not from human might or numbers. The entire setup of the battle, from the dramatic reduction of the army to the unconventional strategy, underscores God's active and singular role in delivering His people from overwhelming odds. Closely related is Obedience and Faith, as Gideon and his 300 men demonstrated extraordinary trust and discipline in following God's seemingly illogical commands. Their steadfastness in "standing every man in his place" despite being vastly outnumbered is a profound testament to their faith in God's word. The narrative also emphasizes God's Glory, ensuring that the means of victory were so clearly supernatural that all credit and praise would undeniably belong to the Lord, preventing any human boasting (Judges 7:2). Finally, the strategic use of noise and light to induce panic speaks to the theme of Psychological Warfare, where God uses non-conventional means to sow confusion and defeat among His enemies, turning their own strength and numbers against them.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Judges 7:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey the dramatic impact of God's intervention and the resulting Midianite rout. Contrast is profoundly evident, juxtaposing the disciplined, stationary Israelites who "stood every man in his place" with the chaotic, fleeing Midianite "host [who] ran, and cried, and fled." This stark difference highlights the divine order versus human disarray, and the power of obedience against overwhelming numbers. There is a strong element of Divine Irony, as a tiny, seemingly weak force achieves a decisive victory over a massive, powerful army without direct combat, subverting all conventional expectations of warfare. The cumulative description of "all the host ran, and cried, and fled" uses a form of Climax or Tricolon, building the intensity of the Midianite panic and emphasizing the totality of their rout. The sounds implied by the trumpets and breaking pitchers, leading to the enemy's cries, create a powerful sensory experience, suggesting a narrative focus on the Auditory Imagery that induced the terror. The brevity and directness of the verse also contribute to its dramatic impact, presenting the immediate, undeniable result of God's supernatural power.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:21 serves as a profound theological statement on God's omnipotence and His chosen methods of deliverance. It unequivocally demonstrates that victory belongs to the Lord, not to human strength, numbers, or strategic brilliance. God intentionally orchestrated a scenario where human weakness was magnified, ensuring that His glory would be undeniably evident. This account underscores that God often works through unconventional, counter-intuitive means to accomplish His purposes, challenging human reliance on logic and conventional wisdom. It teaches us that obedience to God's specific commands, no matter how illogical they seem, is paramount, as it creates the conditions for His supernatural intervention. The panic and self-destruction of the Midianites illustrate God's ability to sow confusion among His enemies, turning their own might against them. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, reminding us that His strength is perfected in our weakness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:21 offers a powerful reminder that true victory is ultimately God's, not ours. In a world that often values strength, numbers, and visible resources, this verse calls us to re-evaluate where our trust truly lies. It challenges us to embrace radical obedience to God's leading, even when His instructions seem counter-intuitive or defy human logic. Just as Gideon's men stood firm in their assigned places, we are called to remain steadfast in the positions and callings God has given us, trusting that He will fight our battles. This passage encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God delights in using the weak, the few, and the seemingly foolish to accomplish His mighty purposes, ensuring that all glory redounds to Him. It inspires us to confront our own "Midianite" challenges—whether they be spiritual strongholds, overwhelming circumstances, or personal fears—with a deep conviction that God's power is more than sufficient to bring about deliverance, often in ways we least expect. It teaches us that our role is often one of faithful presence and obedience, allowing God to manifest His power through our yieldedness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How did 300 men defeat such a large army without fighting?
Answer: The victory was not achieved through conventional combat but through a divinely orchestrated psychological warfare campaign. Gideon's 300 men, spread out around the vast Midianite camp, simultaneously blew trumpets, shattered clay pitchers revealing hidden torches, and shouted, "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon!" This sudden, overwhelming assault of light and sound in the dead of night created mass confusion and terror among the sleeping Midianites. Believing they were under attack by an immense army, and disoriented in the darkness, they panicked and turned their swords on each other, leading to a complete rout and self-destruction of their own forces. Judges 7:22 explicitly states that "the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host." This was a testament to God's power to sow confusion and defeat among His enemies through unconventional means.
What is the significance of "every man in his place"?
Answer: The phrase "every man in his place" highlights the crucial elements of obedience, discipline, and strategic positioning. Gideon's 300 men, despite their small number, maintained their assigned positions, forming a complete encirclement of the Midianite camp. This steadfastness was vital for the psychological impact of the strategy, creating the illusion of a vast, encircling army. Their disciplined adherence to God's precise instructions, communicated through Gideon, was key to the success of the plan. It demonstrates that God's power is unleashed through human obedience, even when the task seems overwhelming or the method unconventional. It underscores that God often calls for faithful presence and obedience rather than direct confrontation, allowing Him to work supernaturally.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 7:21, with its depiction of a seemingly weak force achieving a miraculous victory through divine intervention, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ. Just as Gideon's small band was God's chosen instrument to deliver Israel, so too was Jesus, in His humble appearance and apparent weakness on the cross, God's chosen instrument to deliver humanity from the far greater oppression of sin and death. The panic and self-destruction of the Midianites, turning their swords upon each other, serves as a vivid type of the ultimate defeat of spiritual enemies. Christ, through His death and resurrection, disarmed and triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness, not through conventional warfare, but through an "unconventional" act of self-sacrifice and apparent defeat (Colossians 2:15). He entered the domain of the enemy, death itself, and through His own "weakness" on the cross, destroyed him who had the power of death, that is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14-15). The victory of Gideon's 300 ensured God's glory; similarly, Christ's victory on the cross ensured that all glory belongs to God, demonstrating His power to save not by might or by power, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). The chaos and flight of the Midianites anticipate the ultimate judgment and routing of all who oppose God, when the ruler of this world will be cast out (John 12:31). Christ is the true Deliverer, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, whose seemingly humble means brought about the greatest and most decisive victory in history, securing eternal freedom for all who believe.