Question 1

What is the meaning of the phrase "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon"?

Accepted Answer

The shout, “The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon,” shows that the battle belongs to God, but He is using Gideon as His servant. The victory is God’s work, yet it comes through human obedience. God had already promised to hand Midian over, and Gideon now steps forward in faith, leading the 300 men as God’s chosen instrument. The phrase keeps both truths together: God is the real warrior, and Gideon and his men are tools in His hand, not heroes in their own strength.

Question 2

Why did Gideon worship after hearing the enemy’s dream and its interpretation?

Accepted Answer

When Gideon heard the Midianite soldier tell his dream and the clear interpretation that God would give Midian into Gideon’s hand, he understood that God was confirming His promise. Gideon had been afraid and outnumbered, but this unexpected sign inside the enemy camp showed that God was already at work. His first response was to bow in worship. He praised God before any victory was seen, then went back to the camp full of courage, ready to act on what God had said.

Question 3

Why did Gideon use trumpets, pitchers, and lamps instead of normal weapons?

Accepted Answer

Gideon’s 300 men carried trumpets, clay pitchers, and torches instead of swords in their hands. This strange plan made the small group seem like a huge army surrounding the camp, with sudden light and loud noise in the dark. It brought shock and confusion at the moment the guards were changing. This way, everyone could see that the victory did not come from Israel’s strength or skill. God used weak, simple things to frighten a vast army and show that He Himself was fighting for His people.

Question 4

How did God give victory with only 300 men against a huge Midianite army?

Accepted Answer

God had already reduced Gideon’s army so Israel would not boast that they had saved themselves. With only 300 men, the odds were humanly impossible. God then guided Gideon’s plan to strike at night, at the beginning of the middle watch. When the trumpets sounded, the jars broke, and the torches flashed, panic swept the camp. God “set every man’s sword against his fellow,” so the Midianites attacked each other and fled. The small band began the attack, but God turned it into a complete victory.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is in control even when His people seem weak and outnumbered. He knows their fears and gives timely encouragement, like the dream Gideon overheard. God does not need large numbers or impressive weapons. He can use a small, obedient group and simple objects to bring down a strong enemy. It also shows that God involves His people in His work. He wins the battle, but He calls them to trust Him, follow His lead, and then join fully in what He is doing.

Question 6

What was happening in Israel when Gideon attacked the Midianite camp at night?

Accepted Answer

Israel had been badly oppressed, and the Midianites and their allies had gathered in great numbers in the valley. God had already called Gideon, cut his army down to 300, and promised that Midian would be handed over. After hearing the dream, Gideon went down to the edge of the camp at night, during the change of the middle watch when people would be drowsy and unprepared. At that moment, the sudden noise, light, and shouting threw the camp into fear and confusion, starting the rout.

Question 7

Why did the Midianites turn their swords on each other and flee?

Accepted Answer

When the trumpets blasted, the jars broke, and the torches shone all around the camp, the Midianites thought a huge army had surrounded them. In the dark and panic, they could not tell friend from foe. God used that confusion so that they turned their swords against one another. This was not just clever tactics, but God’s direct action in the battle. The enemy camp broke apart, people ran in fear, and the fleeing army was then chased by the men of Israel who had been called to pursue.

Question 8

How did the rest of Israel, including Ephraim, take part in the victory?

Accepted Answer

After the first panic in the Midianite camp, Gideon did not act alone. He sent messengers throughout the area, calling men from Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh to join the pursuit. He also called the men of Ephraim to come down and block the fords of the Jordan near Beth-barah, cutting off the enemy’s escape. The Ephraimites captured and killed two Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb. This shows how God’s people were drawn together to share in the victory that God had already begun.

Question 9

How can Gideon’s obedience and courage speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

Gideon started out fearful and unsure, but when God confirmed His promise, he worshiped and then acted. He told his men, “Look on me, and do likewise,” showing that faith leads to visible steps of obedience. For believers today, this passage encourages trusting God’s word even when we feel small or overwhelmed. It reminds us that God may use simple means and weak people, but He asks us to listen, worship, and then move forward in faith, knowing that the real strength is His, not ours.

Judges 7:15

¶ And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

Gideon Defeats Midian

metadata.crossReferences

Judges 7:15

¶ And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

Gideon Defeats Midian

metadata.crossReferences