For though two hundred of his men were placed on other sides of the camp; yet they were so disposed, that some person or persons, set as watchmen, might see what was done, and give notice to the rest to follow the example. read more
He mentions his own name, together with God’s, not out of vain ostentation or arrogance, as if he would equal himself with God; for he mentions God in the first and chief place, and himself only as his minister; but from prudent policy, because his name was grown formidable to them, and so was likely to further his design, and their flight, as it did. read more
MAIN HOMILETICS.—Judges 7:15-25I. The Hand of the Lord visible in this deliverance.It is quite manifest that the overruling Providence of God was at work in all this to bring out the result. This is seen—I. In the general effect produced. Victory was gained in a few minutes, and without striking a blow—Israel did not need to lift sword or spear. There was no battle—only a rout, disastrous and complete. Not a single man was lost of Gideon’s men—not a wound or scar was given. They did not need to... read more
Judges 6-8 In the first words of Gideon we find the key to his character. (1) He was a man who felt deeply the degradation of his people. He could not enjoy his own harvest while the Midianites were robbing all around; he had the patriot's wide sympathy. (2) He was a man also of the strongest common sense, accustomed to look through words to things, and to look the facts of life fair in the face. (3) He was a man of abundant personal valour, but yet unwilling to move a step until he was sure... read more
Chapter 7So in chapter seven,[when] Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early, and they pitched beside the well of Harod ( Judges 7:1 ):Now the well of Harod is still there today. It is at the base of Mount Gilboa or in the range of Gilboa, actually Gilead is all a part of that range and there at the base is this beautiful little spring with water that comes flowing forth. There's a kibbutz there now and the people at the kibbutz had made a neat big swimming... read more
Judges 7:1 . The well of Harod; equivalent to terror, from the panic of the Midianites. It is situate on the south side of Gilboa. Judges 7:2 . The people with thee are too many, while human fears said, we are too few. The Lord having come to give them the victory, would not allow the Hebrews to boast that their own arm had gained it. Assuredly, no trait in history can be more consolatory to an invaded nation. Judges 7:5-6 . Lappeth, of the water putting their hand to their mouth, ... read more
Judges 7:15-25Arise, for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.Divine Providence overruling the resultI. The hand of the Lord visible in this deliverance.1. In the general effect produced.2. In the use of the particular means employed.II. A picture of the Church’s experience in every age.1. She is still surrounded by enemies numerous as the sand on the sea shore.2. The enemies are a heterogeneous confederation. Science, philosophy, criticism, atheism, agnosticism, etc.3. The... read more
Jdg 7:17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be [that], as I do, so shall ye do. Ver. 17. Look on me, and do likewise. ] He was sure of the victory, and yet giveth military precepts, and useth the means. read more
Jdg 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. Ver. 18. The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. ] Domino et Gideoni; this was the word. a Against Jehovah there was no fighting: and Gideon’s name was now grown terrible to them, as Scipio’s afterwards was to the Carthaginians, Hunniades’s to the Turks, &c. a Tessera et symbolum fuit quo terrerent hostes, et... read more
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Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 7:16-25
Judges 7:16-Lamentations : . The Night Alarm and Rout.— Gideon’ s stratagem consisted in the division of his small force into three companies, who charged the enemy from three sides at once, making an uproar and producing a panic. Judges 7:18 . The battle-cry agreed upon was “ For Yahweh and for Gideon!” When the actual conflict began, many or all prefixed to this “ A sword,” suggested by the gleaming weapons they had unsheathed. The words express with splendid terseness a double loyalty, to... read more