Question 1

What is happening in this passage about Gideon and the Midianites?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, Gideon leads a small group of 300 men against a huge Midianite army at night. They do not attack in a normal way. Instead, they surround the camp, then blow trumpets, break clay jars, and hold up burning torches while shouting, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.” The sudden noise and lights in the dark fill the Midianites with fear and confusion. God causes them to turn their swords on each other and flee. Other Israelites join in the chase, and the Midianite leaders Oreb and Zeeb are captured and killed, showing a complete victory.

Question 2

Why did Gideon’s men use trumpets, jars, and torches instead of normal weapons?

Accepted Answer

Gideon’s men used trumpets, jars, and torches so it would be clear that the victory came from God, not from their own strength. The sound of many trumpets would make it seem like a huge army was attacking. The breaking of the jars suddenly revealed bright torches all around the camp in the dark of night. This strange attack frightened the Midianites and made them think they were surrounded. The weapons looked weak and simple, but God used them to throw the enemy into panic. It pictures how God can use humble means and obedient people to defeat strong enemies.

Question 3

What does the shout “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon” mean?

Accepted Answer

When the men shout, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon,” they are saying that the battle belongs to God, yet God is also working through Gideon. The real power and victory come from the Lord, who turns the Midianites’ swords against each other. Gideon is God’s chosen leader, so his name is joined with the Lord’s, but in a way that keeps God first. This shows that human leaders and efforts matter, but they only succeed because God is the one fighting for His people. It also hints that God’s true “sword” is His word and command, which brings down His enemies.

Question 4

How does this passage show God’s power in human weakness?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God’s power in human weakness in several ways. Gideon only has 300 men facing an army that covers the land. Their tools are not heavy weapons but trumpets, jars, and torches. They mostly stand in their places instead of rushing into hand-to-hand combat. Yet the enemy is thrown into confusion and destroys itself, because God sets “every man’s sword against his fellow.” The small, fearful nation wins because God is fighting for them. This teaches that God does not need large numbers or strong tools. He often chooses weak people and simple means so that His strength is clearly seen and He gets the honor.

Question 5

Who were Oreb and Zeeb, and why are they mentioned by name?

Accepted Answer

Oreb and Zeeb were princes, or leaders, of the Midianites. Their names mean “raven” and “wolf,” which fits their role as fierce oppressors who had been taking Israel’s food and keeping them in fear. In this passage, men from the tribe of Ephraim capture and kill them, one at a rock later called Oreb, and one at a winepress called Zeeb. Their deaths show that the power of Midian is being fully broken, not just scattered. Mentioning their names and the places where they died turns former places of fear into reminders of God’s deliverance and of how He brings down those who harm His people.

Question 6

What does this story teach about fear and God’s control of events?

Accepted Answer

This story shows how fear can rule people, and how God can turn that fear to carry out His purposes. At first, Israel had been afraid of Midian’s numbers and strength. But when Gideon obeys God, the roles are reversed. God uses the night, the shocking noise, and the lights to fill the Midianite camp with terror. In their panic, they do not think clearly and start attacking each other and running away. The saying, “the wicked flee when none pursues,” fits what happens. God is in control of minds and events, and He can use even the fears and confusion of His enemies to protect and save His people.

Question 7

Why do other Israelite tribes join the fight after Gideon’s 300 men act?

Accepted Answer

After God throws the Midianite camp into confusion through the action of Gideon’s 300 men, the rest of Israel sees that the enemy is fleeing. Men from Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh gather and pursue the Midianites. Gideon also sends word to the tribe of Ephraim, telling them to come down and block the river crossings at the Jordan so the enemy cannot escape. Once God’s work is clearly underway, people who had been hesitant or afraid are stirred up to join in. This shows how one step of faith can awaken courage in others, and how God can use many different people at different stages to complete the victory.

Question 8

What does this passage suggest about spiritual warfare and the light of God’s word?

Accepted Answer

The tools in this story point to spiritual truths. The trumpets picture a bold message going out, and the hidden torches in jars picture light suddenly shining in the dark. When the jars are broken, the light is revealed. In a similar way, God’s word is like a trumpet and a light that exposes spiritual darkness. The shout about “the sword of the Lord” reminds us that God’s word is like a sword from His mouth. The real battle behind what happens on the field is spiritual. God defeats His enemies by His truth, and He uses people who are willing to carry that light, even when they feel small and weak.

Judges 7:19

¶ So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

Gideon Defeats Midian

Confusion of the Enemy

Cross References

Judges 7:19

¶ So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

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Gideon Defeats Midian

Confusion of the Enemy

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