Bethbera, "the house of corn." (Serarius) --- Many take it to be Bethabera, "the house of passage," or the ford of the Jordan. The river was fordable on camels at any time. But in summer, people might cross the Jordan in many places on foot. (Calmet) read more
23-25 Two chief commanders of the host of Midian were taken and slain by the men of Ephraim. It were to be wished that we all did as these did, and that where help is needed, that it were willingly and readily performed by another. And that if there were any excellent and profitable matter begun, we were willing to have fellow-labourers to the finishing and perfecting the same, and not, as often, hinder one another. read more
The Defeat of the Midianites v. 9. And it came to pass the same night that the Lord said unto him, Gideon, Arise, get thee down unto the host, in a sudden night attack upon the enemy ; for I have delivered it into thine hand. v. 10. But if thou fear to go down, to make the attack at once, go thou with Phurah, thy servant, down to the host, on a scouting expedition; v. 11. and thou shalt hear what they say, find out the state, disposition, and attitude of the enemy; and afterward shall... read more
Gideon and his attendant secretly visit the hostile camp. The dream of the soldier and its interpretation. The night-surprise, confusion, and pursuitJudges 7:12-2512And the Midianites, and the Amalekites, and all the children [sons] of the east, lay along in the valley like grasshoppers [locusts] for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea-side for multitude. 13And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold,... read more
a Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath Judges 7:24-25 ; Judges 8:1-12 The fleeing host made for the three fords of the Jordan, and with all haste Gideon summoned the tribes to anticipate them. The way of the victor was not without its drawbacks and discouragements. Ephraim was wroth; Succoth and Penuel were contemptuous; his own men were faint, though pursuing. But the faith that had won the great victory never wavered. Gideon “endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” From the eternal source of... read more
This is the story of perhaps one of the most remarkable conflicts in the whole history of the people. As we have seen, it was a time when they had been cruelly oppressed as the result of disobedience. It was of the utmost importance that their deliverance should be evidently by divine action. Nothing would have been more disastrous at that time than for them to have imagined that they were able to extricate themselves from the circumstances in the midst of which they were suffering. ... read more
Gideon, a Hero of the Faith Judges 7:1-25 INTRODUCTORY WORDS Hebrews eleven classes Gideon with the heroes of the faith. This may well have been done. We need to remember, however, that Gideon lived in a day when faith was at low tide; he faced a condition of gloom, and almost of despair among his contemporaries. In addition, Gideon was, by nature, a good deal of a coward. He had been threshing down in a valley, for fear of the Midianites. He possessed no signal sign of faith, when God first... read more
‘And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, come down against Midian and take before them the waters as far as Bethbarah, even the Jordan.’ Not wanting the enemy to escape too easily Gideon sent fast messengers to Ephraim and asked them to move down and guard the fords. The flight would take time, for some would at some point stand and fight, others would make for the hills until the way seemed clear, while their panic meant that they had not been ready for... read more
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
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Judges 7:23-24
Though the Lord would not suffer victory to be wrought by more than three hundred, yet all Israel shall be called to the spoil. And thus, when Jesus accomplished salvation for his church and people, the whole of his train are invited to the feast of joy. See Revelation 19:11-18 . read more