College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Judges 7 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 7
Selection of Gideon's three hundred. Gideon started out with thirty-two thousand men in his army. When he allowed everyone who was fearful to return, twenty-two thousand turned back. God indicated this was still too large a force. He devised a test whereby Gideon took with him the men who lapped the water as dogs lap it. These men were prepared for battle, and with these chosen three hundred Gideon drove out the Midianites.
The enemy soldier's dream. Gideon overheard an enemy soldier telling of his dream. The interpretation was clear to the enemy warriorGod was going to deliver the Midianites into the hand of Gideon. Such a revelation must have struck fear in the hearts of the Midianites; and at the same time, it must have given courage to Gideon.
Israel's rout of the Midianites. The Midianites, Amalekites, and children of the East had gathered themselves together to war against Israel. By the use of a divided force and by giving the impression they had surrounded the enemy, Gideon and his men were able to defeat the oppressing forces completely.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Many are called; few are chosen. Gideon started out with thirty-two thousand, Twenty-two thousand were allowed to return when they indicated they were afraid. The remaining ten thousand were reduced to three hundred by a test which God directed. It does not matter to the Lord whether He saves by few or by many. In like manner, not every soldier who enlists in the army of the Lord will receive the crown of life. Many are called, but few are chosen.
2.
God speaks in different ways. The opening verse of the book of Hebrews declares God spoke in times past unto the fathers by the prophets in divers portions and sundry manners (Hebrews 1:1). The dream of the enemy soldier must have been revealed and interpreted largely for Gideon's benefit, but the effect would have been great on the enemy as well. Those who heard it must have been gripped by fear and left with little courage to fight. God has spoken primarily to us through His Son by the written Word. At the same time, the heavens declare His glory, and the firmament showeth His handiwork (Psalms 19:1). When God speaks to our hearts, we should be quick to obey.
3.
For God and for His people. The Midianite soldier declared that the meaning of his dream dealt with the sword of the Lord and of Gideon. He knew that Gideon was God's man. If a victory were achieved it would be to the glory of God, but it would also bring recognition to Gideon. What is done today in the church should be done for the glory of God, but victory will also bring glory to His church and to His people.
TEN QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER 7
1.
What was Gideon's other name?
2.
Where was the army of Israel when they fought Midian?
3.
How many soldiers did Gideon have at the outset of the battle?
4.
How many were fearful and returned home?
5.
To what number was the army finally reduced?
6.
What was the name of Gideon's servant?
7.
What was destroyed by the barley cake in the soldier's dream?
8.
What was the battle cry of the soldiers of Israel?
9.
What were the names of the two princes of Midian slain by Gideon's men?
10.
What other people were with the Midianites in the battle?