Judges 7:3 - Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.
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What does "Judges 7:3" mean?
This verse from Judges 7:3 is a key moment in the story of Gideon, where God drastically reduces the size of Gideon's army before a battle against the Midianites. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.’" This is God's instruction to Gideon. God wants Gideon to announce to the army that anyone who is afraid is free to leave.
Why this instruction? The reasoning behind this is crucial:
To demonstrate that victory will come from God, not human strength: God doesn't want Gideon or the Israelites to think they won the battle because they were strong. He wants them to recognize that it was solely through His power and grace. Reducing the army emphasizes this point.
To remove any element of fear: A fearful army is unreliable and can spread panic. God wants an army that is confident and trusting in Him. Removing the fearful ones purges that weakness.
To test the hearts of the people: This command acts as a test of the Israelites' faith and obedience. Those who are truly committed to God and confident in His power will remain, while those who are doubtful or afraid will leave.
"So twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained." This shows the immediate result of Gideon's proclamation. A significant majority of the army (22,000 out of what was likely initially around 32,000) chose to leave because they were afraid. Only 10,000 remained.
In essence, the verse signifies:
God's focus on quality over quantity. He doesn't need a large army to achieve victory.
The importance of faith and courage in serving God. Those who trust in God are more valuable than those who rely on their own strength.
God's intention to receive the glory for the victory. By reducing the size of the army, He makes it clear that the win is a result of His power alone.
This verse sets the stage for the next, even more radical reduction in the army's size through the water-lapping test, further emphasizing God's sovereignty and the role of faith in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Judges 7:3 - Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.
What does "Judges 7:3" mean?
This verse from Judges 7:3 is a key moment in the story of Gideon, where God drastically reduces the size of Gideon's army before a battle against the Midianites. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.’" This is God's instruction to Gideon. God wants Gideon to announce to the army that anyone who is afraid is free to leave.
Why this instruction? The reasoning behind this is crucial:
To demonstrate that victory will come from God, not human strength: God doesn't want Gideon or the Israelites to think they won the battle because they were strong. He wants them to recognize that it was solely through His power and grace. Reducing the army emphasizes this point.
To remove any element of fear: A fearful army is unreliable and can spread panic. God wants an army that is confident and trusting in Him. Removing the fearful ones purges that weakness.
To test the hearts of the people: This command acts as a test of the Israelites' faith and obedience. Those who are truly committed to God and confident in His power will remain, while those who are doubtful or afraid will leave.
"So twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained." This shows the immediate result of Gideon's proclamation. A significant majority of the army (22,000 out of what was likely initially around 32,000) chose to leave because they were afraid. Only 10,000 remained.
In essence, the verse signifies:
God's focus on quality over quantity. He doesn't need a large army to achieve victory.
The importance of faith and courage in serving God. Those who trust in God are more valuable than those who rely on their own strength.
God's intention to receive the glory for the victory. By reducing the size of the army, He makes it clear that the win is a result of His power alone.
This verse sets the stage for the next, even more radical reduction in the army's size through the water-lapping test, further emphasizing God's sovereignty and the role of faith in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.