This verse is part of the story of Gideon and his small army preparing to attack the Midianites in Judges chapter 7. It's a critical instruction from Gideon to his men, laying out their battle plan. Let's break down the meaning:
"He said to them, “Watch me, and do likewise." This is the core of the verse. Gideon is establishing himself as the leader and telling his men to literally copy everything he does. This implies a plan based on precise, coordinated action.
"Behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp..." Gideon is specifying the point at which they should start copying his actions. The "outermost part of the camp" is the edge of the Midianite encampment.
"...it shall be that, as I do, so you shall do." This reinforces the first part of the verse. There's no room for improvisation. Gideon wants perfect synchronization. They are to mimic his actions exactly.
In context, Gideon's plan (which is revealed in the following verses) involves:
Blowing trumpets.
Breaking pitchers (clay jars).
Holding torches aloft.
Shouting a battle cry: "For the Lord and for Gideon!"
The significance of this verse is several-fold:
Leadership and Obedience: It highlights Gideon's clear leadership and the necessity for his men to obey without question. He's trusting in God's plan and requires complete compliance to execute it.
Unity and Coordination: The success of the plan hinges on the men acting in unison. The synchronized trumpets, torches, and shouts are meant to create confusion and fear in the Midianite camp, making the army seem much larger than it actually is.
Deception and Psychological Warfare: This is not a standard military tactic. It's designed to create a powerful psychological effect. The sudden, unexpected noise and light are meant to disorient and terrify the enemy.
Faith and Reliance on God: Gideon's confidence comes from his belief that God is with him. The seemingly absurd plan is a testament to his faith and his trust in God's power to deliver Israel.
In essence, the verse is a command for absolute obedience and a precise execution of a plan that relies on unity, deception, and faith in God to achieve victory.
This verse is part of the story of Gideon and his small army preparing to attack the Midianites in Judges chapter 7. It's a critical instruction from Gideon to his men, laying out their battle plan. Let's break down the meaning:
"He said to them, “Watch me, and do likewise." This is the core of the verse. Gideon is establishing himself as the leader and telling his men to literally copy everything he does. This implies a plan based on precise, coordinated action.
"Behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp..." Gideon is specifying the point at which they should start copying his actions. The "outermost part of the camp" is the edge of the Midianite encampment.
"...it shall be that, as I do, so you shall do." This reinforces the first part of the verse. There's no room for improvisation. Gideon wants perfect synchronization. They are to mimic his actions exactly.
In context, Gideon's plan (which is revealed in the following verses) involves:
Blowing trumpets.
Breaking pitchers (clay jars).
Holding torches aloft.
Shouting a battle cry: "For the Lord and for Gideon!"
The significance of this verse is several-fold:
Leadership and Obedience: It highlights Gideon's clear leadership and the necessity for his men to obey without question. He's trusting in God's plan and requires complete compliance to execute it.
Unity and Coordination: The success of the plan hinges on the men acting in unison. The synchronized trumpets, torches, and shouts are meant to create confusion and fear in the Midianite camp, making the army seem much larger than it actually is.
Deception and Psychological Warfare: This is not a standard military tactic. It's designed to create a powerful psychological effect. The sudden, unexpected noise and light are meant to disorient and terrify the enemy.
Faith and Reliance on God: Gideon's confidence comes from his belief that God is with him. The seemingly absurd plan is a testament to his faith and his trust in God's power to deliver Israel.
In essence, the verse is a command for absolute obedience and a precise execution of a plan that relies on unity, deception, and faith in God to achieve victory.