Judges 7:7

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Context

Judges 7:7 is a pivotal moment in the story of Gideon, who was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppressive Midianites. The narrative begins with Gideon assembling a massive army of 32,000 men. However, God, intent on demonstrating that the victory would be His alone and not due to human strength or numbers, dramatically reduced Gideon's forces. First, those who were fearful were sent home, shrinking the army to 10,000. Then, in a final test involving how the men drank water from a stream, only 300 men were chosen—those who lapped water like dogs, remaining vigilant. This verse records God's explicit confirmation of His plan to use this tiny, seemingly inadequate force to achieve a mighty victory.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over outcomes. He declares that He will save Israel "by the three hundred men," emphasizing that the victory is His, not theirs. This highlights that God often uses unconventional and seemingly weak means to accomplish His mighty purposes, preventing human boasting (1 Corinthians 1:27).
  • Faith and Obedience: Gideon’s continued obedience, despite the drastic reduction of his army from 32,000 to a mere 300 against a vast Midianite force, is a testament to his faith. The selection method itself (lapping water) also tested the men's attentiveness and readiness, perhaps symbolizing a deeper spiritual vigilance required for God's work.
  • God's Deliverance: The core promise is "I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand." This underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His commitment to delivering them from their enemies, regardless of the overwhelming odds.

Linguistic Insights

The word "lapped" (Hebrew: lachak) refers to the act of bringing water to the mouth with the hand, much like a dog laps. This specific action, as opposed to kneeling to drink, was the distinguishing characteristic God chose. While commentators debate the precise significance of this method (e.g., vigilance, humility), it served as a practical and immediate discriminator, allowing God to select a specific, small group for His divine purpose.

Practical Application

Judges 7:7 offers profound encouragement for believers facing overwhelming challenges. It teaches us not to rely on our own resources, strength, or numbers, but to place our complete trust in God's power and wisdom. When we feel weak, outnumbered, or ill-equipped, this verse reminds us that God's strength is perfected in weakness. Our obedience to God's often counter-intuitive instructions is more crucial than our perceived capabilities. It encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that God will provide the victory when we follow His lead, demonstrating His glory through our seemingly insufficient means.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 14:6 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (0 votes)

    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 (0 votes)

    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.