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
Judges 7:16 Gideon went down into the battle with only three hundred men, with only trumpets, pitchers and lights for weapons, and the mighty hosts of Amalek and Midian fled before him, and were driven from the land. More than a thousand years afterwards St. Paul remembered this story, and said: "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." St. Paul was writing of the sufferings which he and his fellow-workers had to endure. He and... 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 7:16 And he divided the three hundred men [into] three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. Ver. 16. A trumpet in every man’s hand.] As if there had been so many troops as were trumpets. By a like stratagem, Pompey overcame Mithridates in Asia. With empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. ] Hereunto the apostle seemeth to allude, when, speaking of the light of the gospel, he saith, "We have this treasure in earthen... read more
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Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Judges 7:16
Into three companies; to make a show of a vast army encompassing them. Lamps, or, torches, made of such materials as would quickly take fire, and keep it for some time. Within the pitchers; partly to preserve the flame from the violence of wind and weather; and partly to conceal it, and surprise their enemy with sudden and unexpected flashes of light. read more