Commentary on Judges 7:7

Verse: "And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place." (Judges 7:7)

Introduction

This pivotal verse in the Book of Judges highlights God's method of delivering Israel from oppression, emphasizing His power and sovereignty through seemingly weak instruments. The three hundred men who lapped water at the brook serve as a stark contrast to the vast army of the Midianites and elucidate the theological theme of reliance on divine strength rather than human might.

Commentary Insights

Divine Selection of a Remnant

Matthew Henry observes that God's choice to save Israel through a mere three hundred men illustrates a central theme of Scripture: God often works through a remnant. This remnant signifies purity and commitment to God’s purpose, standing against the majority who may not reflect His will. Henry draws attention to the fact that this small group, chosen from a larger assembly, underscores the importance of divine election in the narrative of redemption.

Significance of the Lapping Test

Albert Barnes provides an analysis of the 'lapping' described in this passage. He notes that the manner in which the men drank water revealed their vigilance and readiness for battle, indicative of the characteristics God seeks in His servants. By filtering out those who were complacent or distracted by their thirst, God ensured that only those who remained alert and prepared for action were selected. Barnes emphasizes that this lapping represents a spiritual vigilance, important for leaders and followers alike.

God’s Sovereignty and Deliverance

Adam Clarke notes the profound theological implications of God's deliverance through a minuscule number of men. He asserts that this act demonstrates God's sovereignty, as He is capable of saving and delivering apart from human strength or large numbers. Clarke remarks on the paradox of grace, where God's weakness is manifest in strength, aligning with New Testament themes exemplified in 1 Corinthians 1:27.

God's Purpose in Weakness

• Manifestation of Power: The Lord's choice of a small army serves to magnify His power in the sight of Israel and the nations. Through the deliverance of Israel, Yahweh's supremacy is affirmed.
• Encouragement to Faith: Pastors and theologians can draw encouragement from this narrative, recognizing that God can accomplish great things through seemingly inadequate resources. This can be comforting to congregations facing mission challenges.
• A Lesson for Leadership: Leaders are reminded that influence often flows through humility and dependence on God, rather than through credentials or societal standing.

Application for Believers Today

For modern believers, the account of Gideon's army serves as a powerful reminder of several key principles:

• Dependence on God: Believers are called to trust in God’s provision and guidance, especially in challenging circumstances.
• Pursuit of Holiness: The characteristics of the chosen individuals reflect the need for vigilance and preparedness in living a life that honors God.
• Value of Community: The gathering of a community, focused on God’s mission, can yield significant impact even against overwhelming odds.

Conclusion

Judges 7:7 epitomizes the grand narrative of the divine-human relationship where God’s sovereignty is juxtaposed with human frailty. The minimalistic military strategy led by Gideon not only led to Israel's physical salvation but echoed a deeper spiritual truth about reliance on God's strength. This scriptural episode encourages pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars to reflect on their personal callings and the collective purpose of the church in the contemporary context. The implications of faith in the face of adversity resonate even today, inviting all believers to witness God’s mighty hand at work through the seemingly insufficient means available to them.