Judges 7:7

KJV

And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the [other] people go every man unto his place.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Gideon {H1439}, By the three {H7969} hundred {H3967} men {H376} that lapped {H3952} will I save {H3467} you, and deliver {H5414} the Midianites {H4080} into thine hand {H3027}: and let all the other people {H5971} go {H3212} every man {H376} unto his place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Gid'on, "I will use the three hundred men who lapped the water to save you; I will hand Midyan over to you. Let all these others go back home."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thy hand; and let all the people go every man unto his place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:7 serves as the divine confirmation of God's audacious strategy for Israel's deliverance from the oppressive Midianite forces. Following a dramatic reduction of Gideon's army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men, the Lord explicitly declares that He will achieve victory through this small, carefully selected contingent. This pivotal verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His ability to save through seemingly inadequate means, and His unwavering intention to ensure that the glory for the impending triumph belongs solely to Him, rather than to human strength, numbers, or strategic brilliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 7:7 stands as the conclusive divine declaration following a meticulously orchestrated winnowing process initiated by God Himself. The narrative in [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Early Acts") introduces Gideon and the initial assembly of a large Israelite force. As the story progresses into [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Army Reduced and Midianite Defeat"), God systematically reduces the army's size in two distinct stages. First, in [Judges 7:3](/judges/7-3 "Judges 7:3 - The Fearful Sent Home"), 22,000 fearful men are sent home, leaving 10,000. Subsequently, in [Judges 7:4-6](/judges/7-4-6 "Judges 7:4-6 - The Water Test"), God institutes a peculiar test at the water, where only 300 men are chosen based on their vigilant method of drinking. Verse 7, therefore, is God's definitive affirmation to Gideon, declaring that this tiny, seemingly insufficient force is precisely the instrument He will employ. This divine pronouncement sets the stage for the miraculous and decisive victory against the vast Midianite and Amalekite coalition, vividly described in [Judges 7:12](/judges/7-12 "Judges 7:12 - Midianite Numbers").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 1200-1000 BC) was a turbulent era in Israel's history, marked by a recurring cycle of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, the Israelites' cry for deliverance, and God raising up a "judge" or deliverer. The Midianites, often allied with the Amalekites and other "people of the East," were formidable nomadic raiders who, for seven years, had severely oppressed Israel, devastating their crops and livestock and forcing them to hide in caves ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")). Their military strength was overwhelming, described as "without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude" ([Judges 7:12](/judges/7-12 "Judges 7:12 - Midianite Numbers")). Within this context, an army of 300 men facing such an immense force was not merely a numerical disadvantage but, by any human military standard, an act of suicidal folly. This stark contrast between human capability and divine power profoundly highlights God's counter-cultural methodology, which directly challenged the prevailing cultural expectations of large, strong armies as prerequisites for victory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It is a powerful demonstration of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, unequivocally asserting that God alone is the source of salvation and victory, entirely independent of human strength or numbers. The drastic reduction of the army ensures that "Israel might not vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me" ([Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God's Purpose for Reducing the Army")), thus underscoring God's unwavering commitment to receiving all **Glory for His Deliverance**. Furthermore, Gideon's continued obedience despite the seemingly illogical and terrifying command to reduce his forces exemplifies the theme of **Faith and Obedience** in the face of daunting circumstances. The selection process itself, particularly the "lapping" method, subtly introduces a theme of **Vigilance and Readiness**, suggesting that God chooses those who are attentive, disciplined, and prepared for His service, even in seemingly mundane actions, for His unconventional purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gideon (Hebrew, _Gidʻôwn'_):** From the root meaning "to fell" or "to cut down," this name (H1439) carries the connotation of a "feller" or "warrior." While Gideon initially appeared as a timid individual threshing wheat in a winepress ([Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - Gideon's Call")), his name foreshadows the decisive action God will accomplish through him. In Judges 7:7, God's address to "Gideon" reaffirms His choice of this specific individual, despite his initial insecurities, to be the instrument of His powerful felling of the Midianite oppressors.
* **Lapped (Hebrew, _lâqaq'_):** This primitive root (H3952) means "to lick or lap," describing the action of bringing water to the mouth with the hand, similar to how a dog drinks. It implies a quick, alert, and perhaps less comfortable method of drinking compared to kneeling down and burying one's face in the water. While scholarly debate exists regarding the precise theological significance of this action (some suggest vigilance, others humility, or simply a practical differentiator), its primary function in the text is as the specific, God-ordained criterion for selecting the 300 men. It highlights God's prerogative to choose His instruments based on His own, often inscrutable, standards, emphasizing that human logic is irrelevant to divine selection.
* **Save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3467) means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor," encompassing the concepts of deliverance, help, preservation, and salvation. Here, it is God's direct declaration: "I will save you." This signifies a comprehensive act of liberation from oppression and danger. The emphasis is squarely on God as the active agent of salvation, not Gideon or the army. This divine initiative underscores that Israel's deliverance is a work of grace and power, not a result of human military might or numerical superiority.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word (H3027) refers to "a hand," specifically the open one, and is used extensively in both literal and figurative senses to denote power, means, direction, and authority. When God declares, "deliver the Midianites into thine hand," it signifies a complete transfer of power and authority. It is not merely a prediction but an active orchestration by God, ensuring the enemy's utter defeat and vulnerability before Gideon, as God's chosen instrument. This phrase powerfully conveys God's sovereign control over the outcome, making Gideon the recipient and executor of divine victory.
* **Go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root (H3212) means "to walk" (literally or figuratively), and causatively, "to carry." In this context, "let... go" signifies a definitive dismissal and departure. This command reinforces God's unwavering commitment to His plan of using only the 300 men. It ensures that no human glory can be claimed for the impending victory, as the vast majority of the initial army is sent away, making the triumph undeniably attributable to divine intervention alone. It also highlights the absolute obedience required from Gideon, even in letting go of potentially useful forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Gideon":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It underscores that the ensuing strategy is not a product of Gideon's military genius or human wisdom, but a direct, sovereign communication from God. This divine voice provides the ultimate validation for Gideon's seemingly irrational actions and the unconventional plan.
* **"By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you":** This is the core declaration, directly linking the specific, small, and unconventionally selected group of 300 men to God's promised salvation. The preposition "by" (בְּ, _bə_) indicates that these men are the chosen means or instrument through which God will act. It explicitly states that the victory is not *because* of the men's inherent strength or numbers, but *through* them, as God's chosen vessels. The emphatic "I will save you" reiterates God's active, personal, and omnipotent role as the sole deliverer.
* **"and deliver the Midianites into thine hand":** This clause specifies the nature of the salvation: the complete defeat and subjugation of the formidable enemy. The phrase "into thine hand" signifies Gideon's role as the human agent through whom God's power will be manifested. It is a concrete promise of total victory, where the overwhelming Midianite force will be "given over" to Gideon, implying their utter defeat, vulnerability, and subjection to God's chosen instrument.
* **"and let all the [other] people go every man unto his place":** This final command confirms the complete dismissal of the remaining 9,700 men who did not meet God's unique criterion. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His plan of using only the 300, ensuring that no human glory can be claimed for the victory. This action makes the triumph undeniably attributable to divine intervention alone and highlights the radical obedience required from Gideon, even in releasing forces that, by human standards, would be considered essential.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as God deliberately chooses the weakest and most improbable means—a mere 300 men against an innumerable host—to achieve an overwhelming victory. This directly subverts human expectations of military might and creates a powerful contrast between human weakness and **Divine Omnipotence**, showcasing God's ability to work powerfully through apparent inadequacy. The verse also functions as a **Divine Fiat**, a direct, authoritative declaration from God that establishes His sovereign will and guarantees its fulfillment, leaving no room for doubt about the outcome. The selection method of "lapping" serves as a subtle **Symbolism** for vigilance, readiness, or perhaps even humility, distinguishing those who are truly prepared for God's unconventional work. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Foreshadowing**, as this divine decree sets the stage for the miraculous and decisive victory that immediately follows, building suspense and anticipation for the spectacular demonstration of God's unmatched power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:7 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His profound commitment to ensuring that all glory for salvation belongs to Him alone. It reveals a consistent divine pattern throughout Scripture: God frequently chooses the weak, the few, and the seemingly foolish things of the world to confound the strong and the wise, precisely so that no human being can boast before Him. This principle is not limited to military victories but extends to all forms of divine deliverance, the establishment of His kingdom, and the empowerment of His servants. The verse profoundly challenges human reliance on conventional strength, numerical superiority, or worldly wisdom, redirecting faith entirely to the omnipotent God who delights in demonstrating His power through unexpected and often counter-intuitive means, thereby magnifying His name.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God chooses the weak to shame the strong")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's strength perfected in weakness")
* [Psalm 33:16](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No king is saved by the size of his army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:7 offers profound encouragement and a vital lesson for believers navigating life's overwhelming challenges. When we face situations where our resources, strength, or numbers seem utterly insufficient compared to the magnitude of the problem, this verse calls us to shift our gaze from our limitations to God's limitless power. It reminds us that our perceived weakness or inadequacy is precisely the canvas upon which God loves to display His perfect strength. The call to let "all the other people go" can be a powerful metaphor for releasing our reliance on human strategies, worldly wisdom, or even our own capabilities and instead, fully trusting in God's often counter-intuitive instructions. Our obedience, even when it seems illogical or even foolish to the world, becomes the conduit for God's miraculous intervention. This passage urges us to step out in faith, knowing that God will provide the victory and receive all the glory when we align ourselves with His divine plan, no matter how small or ill-equipped we may feel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "overwhelming odds" are you currently facing that might be an opportunity for God to display His power through your perceived weakness?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength, intellect, or resources rather than fully trusting God's unconventional methods?**
* **How does the story of Gideon's 300 men challenge your understanding of what true strength and effective strategy look like in God's kingdom?**
* **What "other people" or human securities might God be asking you to "let go" of in order to rely more fully and exclusively on Him?**

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

Answer: God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men for a singular, crucial reason: to ensure that the victory over the Midianites would be undeniably attributed to Him alone, and not to human strength or numbers. As stated in [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God's purpose for reducing the army"), God explicitly declared, "Lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me." This radical reduction prevented any boasting or self-glory on the part of Israel, making it abundantly clear that salvation and deliverance came from divine power, not military might. It served as a powerful, enduring object lesson in divine sovereignty and the necessity of absolute dependence on God.

**What was the significance of the "lapping" method of drinking water?**

Answer: The precise significance of the "lapping" method (bringing water to the mouth with the hand, like a dog) is a subject of scholarly debate, but it served as a practical and immediate discriminator for God's selection process. Some interpret it as a sign of vigilance and alertness, suggesting that those who drank this way remained aware of their surroundings, ready for battle, unlike those who knelt down to drink, perhaps becoming more vulnerable. Others suggest it indicated humility, self-control, or a less conventional, more disciplined approach to a basic need. Regardless of the exact interpretation, its primary significance lies in the fact that it was God's chosen, seemingly arbitrary, criterion to select the specific 300 men He intended to use. This further emphasizes that God's ways are not man's ways ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's thoughts and ways are higher")), and His choices are sovereign, often defying human logic to highlight His own power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 7:7, with its profound emphasis on God achieving victory through seemingly weak and unconventional means, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God chose a mere 300 men to deliver Israel from overwhelming odds, so too did He choose the ultimate "weakness" of the cross to accomplish the greatest salvation for all humanity. The world, steeped in its reliance on power, might, and worldly wisdom, would never have conceived of a suffering Messiah who would conquer sin, death, and the grave through His own humiliation and death. Yet, it was precisely through the "foolishness of God" (as [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The foolishness of God is wiser than men") describes the cross) that true divine power was supremely displayed. Jesus, the Lamb of God, did not gather a vast army or wield earthly weapons; instead, He came in profound humility, ultimately allowing Himself to be "delivered into the hands of sinful men" ([Matthew 26:45](/matthew/26-45 "Matthew 26:45 - Jesus in Gethsemane")). His apparent defeat on the cross was, in fact, God's sovereign plan to "save" humanity and "deliver" us from the dominion of sin and the power of death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's triumph over powers")). The victory over evil was not achieved by human strength, numbers, or conventional warfare, but by the perfect obedience and sacrificial love of the Son, ensuring that all glory belongs eternally to God, just as in Gideon's story. This echoes the profound New Testament truth 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")), a principle profoundly embodied and eternally secured in Christ's redemptive work.

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 Samuel 14:6

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for [there is] no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 41:16

Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, [and] shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Judges 7:18

When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that [are] with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, [The sword] of the LORD, and of Gideon.

Judges 7:22

And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.