Question 1

Why did God say Gideon’s army was too big?

Accepted Answer

God told Gideon his army was too big because He did not want Israel to boast that they had saved themselves. If a large army had won, people could easily think it was their own strength, skill, or numbers that brought victory. By cutting the army from thirty‑two thousand to only three hundred, God made it obvious that no human plan could explain the win. This teaches that God wants His people to see Him as the one who saves, and to stay humble instead of proud when things go well.

Question 2

What is the meaning of the test at the water where some lapped and some knelt?

Accepted Answer

At the water, the men were separated by how they drank. Most knelt down to drink, but three hundred scooped water with their hands and lapped it. God told Gideon to keep those three hundred. Many readers see this as showing which men stayed more alert and ready, even while taking a drink. The point is not that one style of drinking is holy, but that God used this simple act to choose a small, watchful group through whom He would work in power.

Question 3

What was the barley bread dream that Gideon heard in the Midianite camp?

Accepted Answer

Gideon overheard a Midianite soldier telling a dream: a cake of barley bread rolled into the camp, hit a tent, and knocked it flat. Barley was poor people’s bread, so the picture is of something small and unlikely bringing down something strong. The other soldier said this dream meant that God had given Midian into Gideon’s hand. Hearing the enemy themselves confess this showed Gideon that God was already at work, and it strengthened his courage to obey and move forward.

Question 4

How did Gideon’s 300 men defeat such a huge Midianite army?

Accepted Answer

Gideon’s three hundred did not win by normal battle skills or weapons. They went at night, divided into three groups, each man holding a trumpet, a jar, and a hidden torch. At Gideon’s signal they blew the trumpets, smashed the jars, raised the lights, and shouted, “The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.” God then caused panic in the Midianite camp so the soldiers turned their swords on each other and ran. The story keeps repeating that it was the LORD who made the enemy flee.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about God’s power and human weakness?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God often chooses to work through small numbers and weak people so His power is clear. Gideon starts with a large army, but God keeps cutting it down until only three hundred remain, facing enemies like “grasshoppers for multitude.” The victory comes after God speaks, guides, and encourages a fearful leader. Human strength is not the main thing; God’s promise and presence are. This helps us see that our limits can become places where God’s strength is shown.

Question 6

Why did God tell Gideon to send home the fearful soldiers?

Accepted Answer

God told Gideon to send home anyone who was fearful and afraid, and twenty‑two thousand left. Fear can spread quickly and weaken others. By allowing the fearful to go, God left a smaller group who were willing to stay. This also made the army weaker in human terms, which fit God’s plan to show that victory would not come from numbers or bravery alone. It reminds us that God knows our hearts and can use even a small band who trust Him to carry out His purposes.

Question 7

How did God encourage Gideon when he was still afraid?

Accepted Answer

God knew Gideon was afraid, so He gave him a kind gift. He told Gideon, if he was scared to attack, to go down to the enemy camp with his servant Phurah and listen. There Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation that pointed to his victory. This was not a rebuke but gentle encouragement. After hearing it, Gideon worshiped God and went back to his men full of courage. It shows that God does not ignore our fears, but often gives fresh reasons to trust Him.

Question 8

What is the significance of the trumpets, jars, and torches in Gideon’s plan?

Accepted Answer

The three hundred men did not carry swords in their hands. Instead each had a trumpet, a jar, and a torch inside the jar. When they broke the jars and blew the trumpets, the noise, light, and shouting made it seem like a huge army surrounding the camp. These simple objects highlight that God chose an unusual, weak‑looking method so that the victory clearly came from Him. The men obeyed the strange instructions, and God used their obedience, not impressive weapons, to bring about rescue.

Question 9

How can Gideon’s story of the 300 apply to my life today?

Accepted Answer

Gideon’s story speaks to times when you feel too small or weak for what is in front of you. God reduced his resources until he had no choice but to lean fully on God’s word and presence. You may feel outnumbered by problems, pressured, or under‑equipped. This passage invites you to bring that weakness to God, listen to what He says, and obey even when His way seems strange. It also warns against pride, reminding us to thank God, not ourselves, when help or victory comes.

Judges 7:1

Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

Gideon’s Army of Three Hundred

The Sword of Gideon

Gideon Defeats Midian

Gideon’s Army of Three Hundred

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Judges 7:1

Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

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Gideon’s Army of Three Hundred

The Sword of Gideon

Gideon Defeats Midian

Gideon’s Army of Three Hundred

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