Judges 7:1 - Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early, and encamped beside the spring of Harod. Midian’s camp was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
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What does "Judges 7:1" mean?
This verse sets the scene for the pivotal battle between Gideon (also called Jerubbaal) and the vast Midianite army. Let's break it down:
"Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon..." This clarifies that Jerubbaal and Gideon are the same person. This dual name highlights Gideon's previous act of tearing down the altar of Baal, which earned him the name "Jerubbaal" (meaning "Let Baal contend"). The use of both names reinforces both his identity as a rebel against idolatry and his divinely appointed role as a deliverer.
"...and all the people who were with him, rose up early..." This indicates Gideon and his men were proactive and disciplined. Rising early suggests readiness and a desire to seize the advantage.
"...and encamped beside the spring of Harod." They set up camp at a strategic location: the spring of Harod. Water was a crucial resource for an army, and this location provided a reliable source. "Harod" might also suggest "trembling" or "fear," foreshadowing the winnowing of Gideon's army and the nature of the men that would remain.
"Midian’s camp was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley." This gives us the Midianite's position in relation to Gideon's. Being on the north side and near the hill of Moreh indicates a formidable presence, seemingly overlooking Gideon's smaller force. The valley suggests they were in a low-lying area, potentially offering them some protection or concealment. The description emphasizes the size and positioning of the Midianite army, making Gideon's task appear daunting.
In essence, the verse establishes the geographical context of the battle and highlights the disparity in size and location between Gideon's small Israelite force and the massive Midianite army. It's a prelude to the miracle about to unfold, where God's power will be evident through the victory of a seemingly outmatched army.
Judges 7:1 - Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early, and encamped beside the spring of Harod. Midian’s camp was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
What does "Judges 7:1" mean?
This verse sets the scene for the pivotal battle between Gideon (also called Jerubbaal) and the vast Midianite army. Let's break it down:
"Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon..." This clarifies that Jerubbaal and Gideon are the same person. This dual name highlights Gideon's previous act of tearing down the altar of Baal, which earned him the name "Jerubbaal" (meaning "Let Baal contend"). The use of both names reinforces both his identity as a rebel against idolatry and his divinely appointed role as a deliverer.
"...and all the people who were with him, rose up early..." This indicates Gideon and his men were proactive and disciplined. Rising early suggests readiness and a desire to seize the advantage.
"...and encamped beside the spring of Harod." They set up camp at a strategic location: the spring of Harod. Water was a crucial resource for an army, and this location provided a reliable source. "Harod" might also suggest "trembling" or "fear," foreshadowing the winnowing of Gideon's army and the nature of the men that would remain.
"Midian’s camp was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley." This gives us the Midianite's position in relation to Gideon's. Being on the north side and near the hill of Moreh indicates a formidable presence, seemingly overlooking Gideon's smaller force. The valley suggests they were in a low-lying area, potentially offering them some protection or concealment. The description emphasizes the size and positioning of the Midianite army, making Gideon's task appear daunting.
In essence, the verse establishes the geographical context of the battle and highlights the disparity in size and location between Gideon's small Israelite force and the massive Midianite army. It's a prelude to the miracle about to unfold, where God's power will be evident through the victory of a seemingly outmatched army.