Judges 7:3

KJV

Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever [is] fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore go to {H4994}, proclaim {H7121} in the ears {H241} of the people {H5971}, saying {H559}, Whosoever is fearful {H3373} and afraid {H2730}, let him return {H7725} and depart early {H6852} from mount {H2022} Gilead {H1568}. And there returned {H7725} of the people {H5971} twenty {H6242} and two {H8147} thousand {H505}; and there remained {H7604} ten {H6235} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, proclaim to the people 'Anyone who is anxious or afraid should go back home, while we stay here on Mount Gil'ad.'" Twenty-two thousand returned, but ten thousand remained.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.

American Standard Version

Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:3 marks the initial, divinely mandated reduction of Gideon's army, a pivotal moment in Israel's confrontation with the Midianite oppressors. After assembling 32,000 men, God declares the force too large, fearing Israel would attribute victory to their own strength rather than divine intervention. This verse details God's first strategic test, inviting all who were "fearful and afraid" to return home, resulting in a dramatic decrease from 32,000 to 10,000 soldiers. This act powerfully underscores God's sovereignty, His unconventional methods for delivering His people, and His unwavering commitment to ensuring that all glory for triumph belongs solely to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 7:3 is situated within the broader narrative of Gideon's judgeship, specifically following his divine call and initial preparations for battle against the Midianite coalition. In [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Altar Destruction"), God commissions Gideon, a humble man from Manasseh, to deliver Israel from seven years of Midianite oppression. After receiving miraculous signs of confirmation (the fleeces), Gideon musters an army of 32,000 men to face the formidable Midianite-Amalekite forces (as depicted in [Judges 6:33-35](/judges/6-33-35 "Judges 6:33-35 - Midianite Oppression and Gideon's Call to Arms")). Immediately preceding this verse, [Judges 7:1-2](/judges/7-1-2 "Judges 7:1-2 - God's Command to Reduce the Army") sets the theological stage: Gideon and his men are encamped by the spring of Harod, and God declares the army "too many" for Him to grant victory, lest Israel boast in their own strength. Judges 7:3 then records the direct implementation of this first divine instruction, followed by the second phase of reduction through the water test in [Judges 7:4-8](/judges/7-4-8 "Judges 7:4-8 - The Water Test and Final Reduction"). Thus, this verse is crucial, initiating the process by which God ensures His glory will be undeniably paramount in the upcoming battle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For seven years, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other "people of the East" had severely oppressed Israel, raiding their crops and livestock, leaving the land desolate and forcing the Israelites to hide in caves and strongholds ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian")). This prolonged period of subjugation had instilled deep fear and desperation among the Israelites, making Gideon's call to arms a daunting proposition. The instruction to dismiss the fearful was not entirely foreign to ancient Israelite warfare; it echoes the provisions found in [Deuteronomy 20:8](/deuteronomy/20-8 "Deuteronomy 20:8 - Dismissal of the Fearful in Battle"), which permitted those who were "fearful and fainthearted" to return home before battle, primarily to prevent the spread of discouragement. In Judges 7:3, however, God's application of this custom transcends mere morale; it serves a profound theological purpose—to drastically reduce the army to highlight divine intervention. The mention of "Mount Gilead" as a place of departure is geographically noteworthy; while Gideon's main encampment was at the spring of Harod (near Mount Gilboa), west of the Jordan, Gilead is a region east of the Jordan. This could imply that some of the mustered men were from that trans-Jordanian region and were returning home, or it might be a general directional reference for their dispersal from the encampment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. **Divine Sovereignty and Strategy** is paramount, as God orchestrates the battle plan, demonstrating that victory is not dependent on human strength or numbers but on His omnipotence. The theme of **Faith Over Fear** is starkly presented, as the test immediately distinguishes between those who possessed genuine trust in God's ability to deliver and those who succumbed to natural human apprehension. Those who remained, though fewer, implicitly demonstrated a greater reliance on God's promise. This directly contributes to the theme of **God's Glory**, as the drastic reduction of the army prevents Israel from claiming victory by their own might, ensuring that God alone receives the praise. This principle is a recurring motif in Scripture, where God often chooses to work through the weak or the few to display His power, as seen in Paul's affirmation in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength Perfected in Weakness") that God's "power is made perfect in weakness." Finally, Gideon's **Obedience and Trust** in executing such an unconventional and seemingly illogical command highlights his growing faith in God's plan, despite its defiance of conventional military wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fearful (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Derived from the root H3373, this word encompasses a broad semantic range, from reverential awe and respect to intense terror. In the context of Judges 7:3, it refers to a profound, paralyzing fear that would render a soldier ineffective in battle. It describes an internal state of dread and apprehension, a lack of courage that undermines military resolve and trust in God's deliverance.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _chârêd'_):** From H2730, this word specifically denotes trembling, quaking, or being deeply disturbed and agitated. It emphasizes the physical manifestation and debilitating effect of fear. While _yârêʼ_ describes the internal state of being afraid, _chârêd_ highlights the outward expression of that fear, suggesting a soldier so overcome by terror that they would be a liability rather than an asset. Together, "fearful and afraid" paints a vivid picture of individuals utterly incapacitated by terror, unfit for the rigors of battle and for participating in a divinely orchestrated victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the direct and immediate nature of God's command to Gideon. The phrase "go to" (Hebrew, _nâʼ'_ H4994) is an imperative of incitement, urging immediate action. The proclamation is public, intended for all the mustered men to hear clearly, leaving no room for misunderstanding or ambiguity. This instruction is not a suggestion but a divine imperative, highlighting God's direct involvement in the military strategy.
* **"Whosoever [is] fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead."**: This is the core of God's first test and culling. It offers a voluntary exit for any soldier whose heart is not fully committed or who is overcome by fear. The phrase "fearful and afraid" (as analyzed above) targets those whose psychological and spiritual state would hinder the army's effectiveness and, more importantly, obscure God's glory in the impending victory. The instruction to "return and depart early" (Hebrew, _shûwb'_ H7725 and _tsâphar'_ H6852) signifies a complete and immediate dismissal from the military campaign, sending them away from the war zone, possibly back towards their homes in the region of Gilead.
* **"And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand;"**: This clause records the astonishing and immediate result of God's proclamation. The vast majority of Gideon's initial army—22,000 out of 32,000—chose to depart. This dramatic reduction underscores the widespread fear among the Israelite forces and highlights the profound impact of God's test. It immediately brings the army to a manageable size for God's purposes, setting the stage for a victory that could not be attributed to human numbers.
* **"and there remained ten thousand."**: This final clause states the precise number of soldiers remaining after the first reduction. This figure of 10,000 is still a significant force, but it represents less than a third of the original army. It sets the stage for the next phase of God's culling process, further emphasizing that human numbers are irrelevant to divine victory and that God's power will be magnified through a small, seemingly inadequate, force.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Irony** is prominent, as conventional military strategy dictates increasing, not decreasing, troop numbers when facing a superior foe; yet, God commands the opposite, highlighting His unconventional methods and the paradoxical nature of divine power. This divine strategy subverts human wisdom. **Contrast** is also evident, primarily between human fear and divine courage, and between human strength (represented by numerical superiority) and God's omnipotence. The departure of 22,000 men starkly contrasts with the remaining 10,000, setting up the subsequent narrative where a much smaller force achieves a monumental victory. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary, divinely orchestrated victory that is to come. The drastic reduction of the army signals that the battle will not be won by conventional means but by a miraculous intervention, thereby foreshadowing the complete and undeniable triumph of God's might over human weakness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:3 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of divine warfare and the necessity of absolute reliance on God. It teaches that God is not limited by human resources or numbers; in fact, He often chooses to work through weakness and scarcity to magnify His glory. The dismissal of the fearful ensures that the ensuing victory cannot be attributed to Israel's military prowess but solely to God's intervention. This principle challenges believers to confront their own fears and anxieties, reminding them that true security and success come from trusting in God's power and plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly against them. It underscores that God's primary concern is not merely victory, but that His people recognize and acknowledge His hand in their deliverance, fostering humility and deepening their worship.

* [Deuteronomy 20:8](/deuteronomy/20-8 "Law Regarding the Fearful in Battle")
* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "The Battle Belongs to the Lord")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Not by Might, Nor by Power")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Weak to Shame the Strong")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:3 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life, compelling us to examine where we place our trust when facing overwhelming odds. Do we instinctively rely on our own strength, resources, or the perceived "numbers" on our side, or do we truly lean into God's sovereign power and unconventional methods? This passage challenges us to confront our fears head-on, recognizing that fear can be a debilitating force that prevents us from participating fully in God's greater purposes. Just as God dismissed the fearful from Gideon's army, we are called to dismiss the fear that hinders our faith, obedience, and willingness to step out in trust. When we choose to trust God despite our anxieties and the seemingly insurmountable nature of our circumstances, we create space for Him to demonstrate His miraculous power, ensuring that when victory comes, all glory is undeniably His. This cultivates a profound sense of humility, deepens our worship, and reminds us that true success is not measured by human achievement but by divine enablement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fears" in your life might be hindering your full participation in God's plans for you?**
* **In what areas are you tempted to rely on your own strength or resources rather than trusting God's unconventional methods?**
* **How does the story of Gideon's army challenge your understanding of what true "strength" means in God's kingdom?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why did God reduce Gideon's army so drastically?**

Answer: God reduced Gideon's army primarily to ensure that the victory against the Midianites would be undeniably attributed to His divine power, not to Israel's military might or numerical superiority. As [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God's Reason for Reducing the Army") explicitly states, God said, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'" This drastic reduction prevented human pride and guaranteed that God alone would receive the glory for the deliverance of His people. It also served to test Gideon's faith and the genuine commitment of the remaining soldiers.

**What is the significance of the phrase "fearful and afraid"?**

Answer: The phrase "fearful and afraid" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ_ and _chârêd_) describes individuals who were overcome by debilitating terror, both internally and externally. While it aligns with the custom in [Deuteronomy 20:8](/deuteronomy/20-8 "Deuteronomy 20:8 - Law Regarding the Fearful in Battle") to dismiss the fainthearted, in [Judges 7:3](/judges/7-3 "Judges 7:3 - The Dismissal of the Fearful"), it also serves as a spiritual test. Soldiers who were truly "fearful and afraid" would not only be ineffective in battle but would also lack the faith necessary to participate in God's miraculous deliverance. Their departure ensured that only those with a measure of trust, however small, remained, making the subsequent victory an even clearer demonstration of God's power working through a dedicated, albeit small, remnant.

**Does "Mount Gilead" refer to the actual region east of the Jordan, or something else?**

Answer: The reference to "Mount Gilead" in [Judges 7:3](/judges/7-3 "Judges 7:3 - The Dismissal of the Fearful") has been a point of scholarly discussion because Gideon's encampment was at the spring of Harod, near Mount Gilboa, which is west of the Jordan River. While Gilead is indeed a region east of the Jordan, it's possible the phrase "depart early from mount Gilead" refers to the direction of return for some of the soldiers who had been mustered from that region. Alternatively, some interpretations suggest "Mount Gilead" might refer to a specific peak or landmark near the gathering point that served as a designated direction for their dispersal, or it could be a textual variant. Regardless of the precise geographical interpretation, the clear meaning is that the fearful soldiers were to leave the army's encampment and return to their homes, effectively removing themselves from the military campaign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 7:3, with its profound emphasis on God working through weakness to achieve victory and receive all glory, powerfully foreshadows the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God deliberately reduced Gideon's army to prevent human boasting, Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness was achieved not through worldly power, military might, or numerical superiority, but through an act that appeared to be profound weakness and defeat: His crucifixion. The cross, seemingly a sign of weakness and shame, became the very means by which God disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) and securing salvation. Jesus, the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly embodies the principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength Perfected in Weakness")). His kingdom is not of this world, not built on human armies or political maneuvering ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), but on divine authority and humble servanthood. Furthermore, Christ's call to discipleship often involves overcoming fear and radical trust, echoing the faith required of Gideon's remaining 300. He assures His followers, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul" ([Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Do Not Fear Man")), inviting them to participate in His mission not by their own strength, but by His Spirit, ensuring that all glory belongs to God alone.

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

Deuteronomy 20:8

And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man [is there that is] fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

Luke 14:25

¶ And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

Luke 14:33

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Matthew 13:21

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.