Judges 7:6 - The number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men; but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water.
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What does "Judges 7:6" mean?
This verse from Judges 7:6 is a key part of the story of Gideon's army. It describes a selection process used to drastically reduce the size of his fighting force. Let's break down the meaning:
"The number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men...": These men are described as lapping up the water like dogs, bringing the water to their mouths with their hands while remaining alert and watchful. This suggests they were cautious, disciplined, and aware of their surroundings. They didn't relax and get comfortable while drinking.
"...but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water.": This refers to the majority of the soldiers who knelt down to drink directly from the water source. This suggests a lack of vigilance or discipline. They were more focused on quenching their thirst and less aware of potential danger.
Interpretation and Significance:
The purpose of this seemingly strange test was to identify soldiers with a specific set of qualities:
Alertness and Vigilance: The men who lapped the water remained aware of their surroundings, suggesting they were more likely to be prepared for a surprise attack.
Discipline and Restraint: They didn't indulge themselves in drinking deeply. They showed a level of self-control that was seen as desirable in a soldier.
God's Choice: Ultimately, the shrinking of the army was to make it clear that the victory would be due to God's power, not human strength. By choosing a small, seemingly insignificant force, God demonstrated that He was the one who would deliver Israel from the Midianites.
In essence, the verse highlights a selection process that favored alertness, discipline, and faith in God over sheer numbers. It emphasizes that God's power is often displayed through the weak and unexpected. The 300 men chosen were not necessarily "better" fighters, but they possessed qualities that God deemed important for His purpose.
Judges 7:6 - The number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men; but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water.
What does "Judges 7:6" mean?
This verse from Judges 7:6 is a key part of the story of Gideon's army. It describes a selection process used to drastically reduce the size of his fighting force. Let's break down the meaning:
"The number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men...": These men are described as lapping up the water like dogs, bringing the water to their mouths with their hands while remaining alert and watchful. This suggests they were cautious, disciplined, and aware of their surroundings. They didn't relax and get comfortable while drinking.
"...but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water.": This refers to the majority of the soldiers who knelt down to drink directly from the water source. This suggests a lack of vigilance or discipline. They were more focused on quenching their thirst and less aware of potential danger.
Interpretation and Significance:
The purpose of this seemingly strange test was to identify soldiers with a specific set of qualities:
Alertness and Vigilance: The men who lapped the water remained aware of their surroundings, suggesting they were more likely to be prepared for a surprise attack.
Discipline and Restraint: They didn't indulge themselves in drinking deeply. They showed a level of self-control that was seen as desirable in a soldier.
God's Choice: Ultimately, the shrinking of the army was to make it clear that the victory would be due to God's power, not human strength. By choosing a small, seemingly insignificant force, God demonstrated that He was the one who would deliver Israel from the Midianites.
In essence, the verse highlights a selection process that favored alertness, discipline, and faith in God over sheer numbers. It emphasizes that God's power is often displayed through the weak and unexpected. The 300 men chosen were not necessarily "better" fighters, but they possessed qualities that God deemed important for His purpose.