Judges 7:1-23

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Study Guide > Judges 7:1-23
As Gideon viewed the task ahead of him, the sheer size of the enemy would have been discouraging. Before any reducing was done, the Midianites outnumbered the Isrealites 4 to 1.
[Read Judges 7:1-23]
Gideon needed comfort and assurance when his army was 32’000 men, imagine how his heart would’ve sank when 22’000 of those went home! What might Gideon have been thinking?

They were now outnumbered 13 to 1. Then another 9’700 were sent home! That’s 300 against 135’000. NOW they were outnumbered 400 to 1. Impossible odds?

In v1-8, we see God reducing down Isreal’s army. Why?

In Deut 20:8 and in v3 here, we see that any afraid soldiers are sent home. What could be the reasons for this?

How would the remaining 10’000 have felt as 22’000 went back home?

Was this 2nd test just another means of reducing numbers or was there more to it?

Why did God tell Gideon to take Purah along?

V13-14 shows dreams and interpretations. This is quite common in the OT. Can you think of other examples?

The use of barley bread was because it was considered an inferior grain and only half the value of wheat. Why might this be significant?

Why was the “beginning of the middle watch” a good strategic time to attack?

The 300’s “weapons” were jars, torches, and trumpets. What would they think of these weapons?

What would the 300 think of the “battle plan”? How would you feel in this situation?

Why did the 300 go along with the plan?