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.

When I blow {H8628} with a trumpet {H7782}, I and all that are with me, then blow {H8628} ye the trumpets {H7782} also on every side {H5439} of all the camp {H4264}, and say {H559}, The sword of the LORD {H3068}, and of Gideon {H1439}.

When I and everyone with me blow the shofar, then you blow your shofars all around the whole camp, and shout, "For ADONAI and for Gid'on!"

When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’”

When I blow the trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, For Jehovah and for Gideon.

Commentary

Context of Judges 7:18

Judges 7:18 is a pivotal instruction given by Gideon to his select force of 300 Israelite warriors just before their famous nighttime assault on the vast Midianite, Amalekite, and Eastern peoples' camp. This verse follows God's dramatic reduction of Gideon's army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men, ensuring that the victory would clearly be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Gideon's plan, revealed here, relied on psychological warfare and a demonstration of faith in God's power, rather than conventional military might. The Midianites had been oppressing Israel for seven years, and this battle marked a turning point in God's deliverance of His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Strategy and Obedience: The verse highlights Gideon's meticulous obedience to God's unconventional plan. The strategy of trumpets, broken pitchers, and shouts was divinely inspired, designed to instill panic and confusion among the enemy. It underscores that God's ways are often not man's ways, and victory comes through following His specific instructions.
  • God's Power Overwhelming Odds: This command is part of a larger narrative demonstrating God's ability to deliver His people through a tiny, seemingly inadequate force. The shout, "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon," explicitly attributes the impending victory to God first, acknowledging His sovereignty in battle.
  • The Power of Faith and Declaration: The act of blowing trumpets and shouting a specific phrase was an act of faith. It was a declaration of God's active presence and leadership in the battle, designed to demoralize the enemy and embolden the Israelites.

Linguistic and Symbolic Insights

The phrase "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon" is highly significant. While Gideon carried a physical sword, the primary "sword" here is symbolic of God's active intervention and power. It's a declaration that the battle belongs to the Lord (as seen in 1 Samuel 17:47) and that Gideon is merely His instrument. The trumpet (Hebrew: shofar) was not just a musical instrument but a significant tool in ancient Israel for signaling, assembly, and announcing divine presence or judgment, often associated with the voice of God or a call to spiritual warfare.

Practical Application

Judges 7:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God often uses unconventional methods: When facing overwhelming challenges, we should look to God's wisdom and guidance, rather than relying solely on our own strength or conventional solutions.
  • Obedience is key to victory: Just as Gideon's men followed his specific instructions, our obedience to God's commands, even when they seem illogical, is crucial for experiencing His deliverance.
  • Acknowledge God's sovereignty: Always attribute success and breakthroughs to God first. Like the shout, "The sword of the LORD," our declarations should acknowledge His supreme power and role in our lives and circumstances. This verse encourages us to boldly declare God's truth, even when the odds seem stacked against us, trusting in His ultimate victory.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 20:15 (2 votes)

    And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:17 (2 votes)

    Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye [still], and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD [will be] with you.

  • 1 Samuel 17:47 (2 votes)

    And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.