Judges 7:11 - You will hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be strengthened to go down into the camp.” Then went he down with Purah his servant to the outermost part of the armed men who were in the camp.
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What does "Judges 7:11" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Gideon in the Book of Judges, where God is preparing him to defeat a massive Midianite army with a tiny force. Let's break it down:
"You will hear what they say...": God instructs Gideon to go down to the Midianite camp and eavesdrop on their conversations. This is a risky and unconventional strategy. The point is for Gideon to gain crucial information and assurance.
"...and afterward your hands will be strengthened to go down into the camp.": God promises that after hearing what the Midianites are saying, Gideon will feel encouraged and emboldened to proceed with the battle plan. It's about bolstering his courage and faith. The strengthening of his hands symbolizes his increased capacity for action and leadership.
"Then went he down with Purah his servant to the outermost part of the armed men who were in the camp.": Gideon, accompanied by his servant Purah, cautiously approaches the Midianite camp. They go to the outermost part, indicating they're trying to avoid immediate detection. The mention of "armed men" emphasizes the danger and the size of the enemy force.
Overall Meaning and Significance
God's Strategy: The verse highlights God's unconventional strategy. Instead of providing Gideon with weapons or a larger army, God gives him psychological and spiritual reinforcement through information. It underscores the idea that victory comes from God's plan and not solely from human strength.
Gideon's Faith: Gideon's willingness to follow God's instructions, even though they seem strange, shows his faith. He trusts that God's plan will work.
Psychological Warfare: Eavesdropping on the enemy can be considered a form of psychological warfare. What Gideon hears will give him insight into their fears and weaknesses, which he can then exploit.
In the following verses (Judges 7:13-15), Gideon hears a Midianite telling a dream about a barley loaf tumbling into the camp and destroying it. This dream is interpreted by another Midianite as a sign that Gideon and his Israelite army will defeat them. Hearing this dream and its interpretation gives Gideon the confidence he needs to lead his small force into battle. The verse you provided is a crucial step in that process of building Gideon's faith and preparing him for victory.
Judges 7:11 - You will hear what they say; and afterward your hands will be strengthened to go down into the camp.” Then went he down with Purah his servant to the outermost part of the armed men who were in the camp.
What does "Judges 7:11" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Gideon in the Book of Judges, where God is preparing him to defeat a massive Midianite army with a tiny force. Let's break it down:
"You will hear what they say...": God instructs Gideon to go down to the Midianite camp and eavesdrop on their conversations. This is a risky and unconventional strategy. The point is for Gideon to gain crucial information and assurance.
"...and afterward your hands will be strengthened to go down into the camp.": God promises that after hearing what the Midianites are saying, Gideon will feel encouraged and emboldened to proceed with the battle plan. It's about bolstering his courage and faith. The strengthening of his hands symbolizes his increased capacity for action and leadership.
"Then went he down with Purah his servant to the outermost part of the armed men who were in the camp.": Gideon, accompanied by his servant Purah, cautiously approaches the Midianite camp. They go to the outermost part, indicating they're trying to avoid immediate detection. The mention of "armed men" emphasizes the danger and the size of the enemy force.
Overall Meaning and Significance
God's Strategy: The verse highlights God's unconventional strategy. Instead of providing Gideon with weapons or a larger army, God gives him psychological and spiritual reinforcement through information. It underscores the idea that victory comes from God's plan and not solely from human strength.
Gideon's Faith: Gideon's willingness to follow God's instructions, even though they seem strange, shows his faith. He trusts that God's plan will work.
Psychological Warfare: Eavesdropping on the enemy can be considered a form of psychological warfare. What Gideon hears will give him insight into their fears and weaknesses, which he can then exploit.
In the following verses (Judges 7:13-15), Gideon hears a Midianite telling a dream about a barley loaf tumbling into the camp and destroying it. This dream is interpreted by another Midianite as a sign that Gideon and his Israelite army will defeat them. Hearing this dream and its interpretation gives Gideon the confidence he needs to lead his small force into battle. The verse you provided is a crucial step in that process of building Gideon's faith and preparing him for victory.