The sword. These words are supplied by Figure of speech Ellipsis from Judges 7:20 . But some codices, with Aram, and Syriac, read these words in the text. Literally "For Jehovah and for Gideon". read more
Judges 7:18. The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon— Though the word sword is not in the Hebrew in this place, yet, as it is read in the 20th verse, our translators have very properly added it. It is evident, says Houbigant, that in these words Gideon alludes to the interpretation of the dream given in the 14th verse. As the three hundred men were divided into three companies, detached to different parts of the Midianitish camp, Gideon, as appears from the next verse, was attended only by one... read more
16-22. he divided the three hundred men into three companies—The object of dividing his forces was, that they might seem to be surrounding the enemy. The pitchers were empty to conceal the torches, and made of earthenware, so as to be easily broken; and the sudden blaze of the held-up lights—the loud echo of the trumpets, and the shouts of Israel, always terrifying ( :-), and now more terrible than ever by the use of such striking words, broke through the stillness of the midnight air. The... read more
The mobilizing of Gideon’s band in faith 7:15-18Upon hearing this interpretation Gideon received courage to believe that God would indeed grant him victory (Judges 7:15)."No character in the book receives more divine assurance than Gideon and no one displays more doubt. Gideon is, significantly, the only judge to whom God speaks directly, though this privilege does not allay his faintheartedness." [Note: Exum, p. 416.] Gideon’s strategy was so effective that the Lord must have revealed it to... read more
The Rout of Midian1-7. Gideon’s choice of his Followers.1. The sites here mentioned are doubtful. Moreh] said to be near Shechem (Genesis 12:6; Deuteronomy 11:30). After the battle Gideon crosses the Jordan by the fords one would take if travelling from Shechem eastwards. 3. Gilead] is E. of the Jordan: some other locality must be meant. For the return of the timid, cp. Deuteronomy 20:8.5. Probably an arbitrary test. It is as easy to find abstract reasons for choosing those who stooped down as... read more
(16) Into three companies.—See Judges 9:43. This division of the attacking force was a common stratagem. We find it in Job 1:17—“the Chaldæans made out three bands “—and it was adopted by Saul against the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:11), and by David against Absalom (2 Samuel 18:2). (Comp. Genesis 14:15.)A trumpet.—Hearing the sound of three hundred rams’ horns, the Midianites would naturally suppose that they were being attacked by three hundred companies.Pitchers.—The Hebrew word is caddim, which... read more
(17) Look on me.—He showed all the three hundred the way in which he wished them, at a given signal, to break the pitchers, wave the torches, and shout. The signal would be given by the one hundred whom he himself headed. read more
(18) The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.—Literally, for Jehovah and for Gideon (LXX., Τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ τῷ Γεδεων; Vulg., clangite et conclamate Domino et Gedeoni), but the particle le often has the meaning of, as in “a Psalm to David,” which is found at the beginning of many Psalms. Our version here understands the word “sword” (chereb) from Judges 6:20, as is also done in some MSS. of the LXX. It is better to omit it. The watchword and war-cry, then, resembles that given by Cyrus to his... read more
Judges 7:7 Nothing is done effectually through untrained human nature; and such is ever the condition of the multitude.... Every great change is effected by the few, not by the many; by the resolute, undaunted, zealous few. Doubtless, much may be undone by the many, but nothing is done except by those who are specially trained for action. Newman. The Three Hundred Men That Lapped (a Church Guild Sermon) Judges 7:7 Here is one of these battles of God which are being waged in century after... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Judges 7:16
lamps = torches, which smoulder till waved in the air. read more