Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJudges 7

Gideon's Three Hundred MenThis passage describes how Gideon prepared to fight the Midianites with a very small army. Even though Gideon had God’s promise of victory, he worked carefully and quickly, taking practical steps to lead his people well. God also showed that the victory would be His alone by reducing the number of soldiers to just 300. This teaches us that faith in God should make us active, and that God often uses few, humble people to accomplish great things.v. 1: Gideon started early in the morning, eager to begin the battle. He camped near a well so his men would have water, and he took high ground overlooking the valley where the Midianites were camped. This was a good strategic position. Even when we trust God, we must use wisdom and effort in what we do (2 Samuel 5:24 ).

v. 2: Gideon's army had grown to 32,000 men, but God told him there were too many. God wanted only a small number to fight. This showed that God did not need many people to win; He wanted all the praise, not the soldiers. It also challenged the Israelites who had been afraid to fight before. When God is with us, even a few can overcome many. No one should boast, but say, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31 ).

v. 3: God told Gideon to send home anyone who was afraid or weak-hearted. Even though the enemy was large and strong, many Israelites were scared and left. Fear and sin often go together; turning away from God makes people afraid. Those who lack courage are not the right people for God’s work.

v. 4-7: God then told Gideon that even the remaining men were too many. To reduce the number further, Gideon brought the soldiers to a well to drink water. God told him to select only the men who drank water by lapping it with their tongues like dogs, not those who knelt to drink. Only 300 men drank that way. God said that with these 300 men, He would save Israel. These men were strong, eager, and ready to fight quickly. God often chooses the few who are faithful and bold to do great things. These 300 men carried their own food and trumpets but no weapons, showing that God alone would give the victory (Judges 7:8 ).

Gideon Encouraged by a DreamEven after God reduced Gideon's army to just 300 men, Gideon still needed further encouragement to face the overwhelming Midianite forces. In this passage, God provides Gideon with a word of promise and a miraculous sign to build up his faith. Gideon is then able to go forward with confidence, knowing that the victory will come from God's power, not human strength.v. 9: God spoke directly to Gideon, commanding him to "Arise, get down to the camp" and assuring him, "I have delivered it into your hand." This word from the Lord

v. 10-11: However, Gideon was still fearful, so God told him to go down to the Midianite camp with his servant and listen to what they were saying. This would provide further encouragement for Gideon's faith. God knew Gideon's weaknesses and was willing to give him small signs to build him up.

v. 12: When Gideon saw the vast numbers of the Midianite army, it was understandably discouraging. The enemy seemed uncountable, like "grasshoppers for multitude." This was meant to test Gideon's trust in God's promise.

v. 13-14: But then Gideon overheard a Midianite soldier describing a dream in which a barley cake had overthrown a Midianite tent. The other soldier interpreted this as a sign that Gideon would defeat them. This dream and interpretation, coming from the enemy's own mouths, was a clear sign from God that victory was assured.

v. 15: After hearing this, Gideon worshipped God, acknowledging that the Lord

The Midianites SurprisedThis passage describes how Gideon and his small army surprised and defeated the huge Midianite camp. God’s plan was not to defeat the enemy with weapons, but by causing fear and confusion. The attack was carefully planned, but the real victory came from God, who made the enemy destroy themselves. This story shows how God can use weak things—like trumpets, torches, and a few men—to bring about a great victory, so that all the glory goes to Him.v. 16-18: Gideon divided his 300 men into three groups. Each man received a trumpet, a torch hidden in a clay jar, and instructions to watch Gideon and follow his lead (Judges 7:16-17 ). They were to do what he did: break the jars, show the torches, blow the trumpets, and shout, The sword of the Lord

v. 19-20: Just after midnight, when the new guards had taken their posts, Gideon and his men blew their trumpets, smashed the jars, and held up the torches all at once. They shouted loudly, and the sudden sound and light caused panic in the Midianite camp (Judges 7:19-20 ). The soldiers did not attack with swords; instead, they followed God’s instructions and let the enemy defeat themselves.

v. 21-22: Gideon’s men stood in their places around the camp, watching as the Midianite army ran, cried out, and turned on each other in confusion (Judges 7:21-22 ). God caused the enemy to panic so much that they used their swords against their own companions. The Israelites did not chase, but waited and saw the salvation of the Lord

Gideon's VictoryAfter God caused panic in the Midianite camp, the Israelites quickly followed up on this miracle. The men who had been sent home earlier or had been too afraid to fight now joined in the pursuit, chasing the fleeing enemy. God used not only Gideon's 300 men, but also the rest of Israel, to complete the victory. The enemy leaders were caught, and Israel’s enemies were fully defeated. This victory was not just because of human strength, but because the Lord

v. 24: Gideon called on the tribe of Ephraim to help. The Ephraimites took control of the fords of the Jordan River to block the enemy’s escape . This move trapped the fleeing Midianites, making it impossible for them to get away. The enemy fell into “fear, and the pit, and the snare” (Isaiah 24:17 ), just as God had promised would happen to those who oppose Him.

v. 25: The Ephraimites captured and killed two of Midian’s leaders, Oreb and Zeeb. Oreb’s name means “raven” and Zeeb’s means “wolf.” They tried to hide—one in a rocky place and the other near a winepress—but they were found and killed (Judges 7:25 ). The memory of their defeat was kept alive by naming the places after them, serving as a reminder of God’s judgment on Israel’s enemies (Isaiah 2:21; Revelation 6:15 ).