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When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 A story that inspires faith Heb 11:32-34 First 4 names listed = “judges” Details that fit with Gideon’s heroic efforts For our own spiritual growth & edification vv. 39-40

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 This chapter will reveal specific plans God has for Gideon leading Israel in overcoming the heavy Midianite oppression They must learn to completely trust the wisdom of God Isa 55:8-11 Always the lesson man must learn

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 God’s response to troop build-up vv. 2-8 Gideon had been successful in gathering up forces to fight against Midian 6:33-35 It was good that 32,000 volunteers came from Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, & Naphtali But, God said it was too many men v. 2a

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 God’s response to troop build-up vv. 2-8 God didn’t want Israel to win with 32,000 soldiers…they would think it was all because of them Deut 8:7-17 1 Cor 2:1-5 All who were afraid could go home…with 22,000 leaving, that left 10,000 That was still too many for God v. 4a

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 God’s response to troop build-up vv. 2-8 God told Gideon to bring his 10,000 men to the water to “test” them vv. 4b-5 All who lapped like a dog numbered 9,700 Those who lapped from their hands totaled 300…these would be the ones God would use to fight the Midianites vv. 6-8

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 God’s response to troop build-up vv. 2-8 Much has been made (even preached) that the 300 who lapped from their hands were better soldiers (more alert, prepared, etc.) This was why God chose them This might make sense re: human wisdom, but the text makes no such claim

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 Gideon’s initial efforts vv. 9-14 God told him to go to the Midianite camp…if he was afraid to go alone, he could take his servant Purah with him vv. 9-10 He would hear what the Midianites were saying among themselves re: the pending battle…it would strengthen him v. 11

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 Gideon’s initial efforts vv. 9-14 At the Midianite camp, Gideon overheard a soldier relate a dream re: the destruction of Midian v. 13 The other soldier attributed such actions to Gideon and his God v. 14

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 Gideon’s battle plans vv. 15-22a Gideon’s scouting trip did “strengthen” him…he bowed low and worshiped God He would need strengthening…he would have to overcome 135,000 men 8:10 No thought was ever proposed to defeating the Midianites with sheer force v. 15

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 Gideon’s battle plans vv. 15-22a He divided his 300 men into 3 companies Each man was given a trumpet & “pitcher” (cover for a torch) At Gideon’s cue, each man would blow his trumpet & break his pitcher, displaying his torch vv. 17-18

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 Gideon’s battle plans vv. 15-22a The appearance was to make the Midianites think they were surrounded on all sides by 300 companies Hearing “A sword for the Lord & for Gideon!” sent the Midianites into mass confusion

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 Gideon’s battle plans vv. 15-22a The Midianites slew one another…they didn’t know friend from foe It was a great victory for Israel

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 The battle’s aftermath vv. 22b-25 Midianites not slain in the camp began to flee…probably in the direction of the Jordan River v. 22b Men from Manasseh, Asher, & Naphtali were summoned for help…most likely, the ones dismissed earlier vv. 2-8a 6:35

Gideon’s Judgeship Judg 7:1-25 The battle’s aftermath vv. 22b-25 Gideon sent a request to Ephraim for men to seize the Jordan River…an effort to prevent the Midianites from crossing & going east Ephraim captured and executed 2 Midianite princes (Oreb & Zeeb) and brought their heads to Gideon

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