Judges 7 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Judges 7 meaning explained in AI Summary

Defeat of Midian: This chapter recounts Gideon's unconventional tactics using a small band of warriors to surprise and defeat the Midianite army.

Chapter 7 details how Gideon, chosen by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, secures a decisive victory with a drastically reduced army and unconventional tactics.

1. Whittling Down the Army (vv. 1-8): Gideon's initial army of 32,000 is deemed too large by God, who fears Israel will become boastful. Through a two-step process (first dismissing the fearful, then choosing those who lapped water like dogs), the army is reduced to a mere 300 men.

2. Spying on the Enemy & Gaining Confidence (vv. 9-15): God instructs Gideon to scout the Midianite camp with his servant, Purah. They overhear a Midianite soldier recounting a dream where a loaf of barley bread topples their tent, symbolizing Gideon's impending victory. This boosts Gideon's confidence and confirms God's plan.

3. The Midnight Attack (vv. 16-23): Gideon divides his 300 men into three companies, each armed with trumpets, empty jars, and torches hidden inside. They surround the Midianite camp at night. At Gideon's signal, they simultaneously smash the jars, blow the trumpets, and shout battle cries, creating immense confusion and panic among the enemy.

4. Midianite Rout and Pursuit (vv. 24-25): The Midianites, disoriented and believing they are under attack by a vast army, turn on each other in the darkness. Gideon's forces pursue the fleeing Midianites, aided by other Israelite tribes who join the chase.

Key Themes:

God's Power Over Human Strength: The chapter emphasizes that victory comes from God, not human might. The drastically reduced army highlights God's ability to use the weak to overcome the strong.
Faith and Obedience: Gideon's willingness to follow God's seemingly illogical instructions, even when afraid, demonstrates the importance of faith and obedience.
Psychological Warfare: The unconventional tactics used by Gideon's small force exploit the element of surprise and create psychological disarray, leading to the Midianites' self-destruction.

Chapter 7 showcases a pivotal moment in the book of Judges, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness while highlighting the importance of trusting and obeying Him, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Judges 7 bible study ai commentary

The central theme of Judges 7 is the demonstration of God's sovereignty and power, which is perfected in human weakness. God intentionally diminishes Israel's strength to a negligible level to ensure that the resulting victory over Midian is undeniably His work alone, preventing Israel from claiming the glory. This narrative serves as a timeless lesson on faith, the futility of human pride, and the unconventional, often symbolic, methods God employs to achieve His purposes.

Judges 7 Context

The events occur during the era of the Judges (c. 1350-1050 BC), a dark period of moral decline and cyclical oppression for Israel. Having cried out to God under the thumb of the nomadic Midianites who devastated their crops and economy annually, Israel finds a deliverer in Gideon. This chapter follows directly after Gideon’s calling and his hesitant preparations for battle. The cultural backdrop is one of fear and impoverishment for Israel, contrasting sharply with the overwhelming military might (camels, numbers) and confidence of the Midianite-Amalekite coalition. The story is a powerful polemic against both pagan deities, who were thought to grant victory based on military might, and the human tendency to trust in numbers and strength.

Judges 7:1

Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

In-depth-analysis

Jerubbaal: Gideon is called by his new name, meaning "Let Baal contend." This name, earned by destroying an altar of Baal (Jdg 6:32), serves as a constant reminder that this battle is not just against Midian but against the false gods Israel had served. It frames the conflict as a spiritual contest.
Spring of Harod: The Hebrew word Harod (חֲרֹד) means "trembling" or "fear." The location's name prophetically foreshadows the first test God will implement, where the fearful are sent home. The setting itself contains a hint of the coming divine filter.
Hill of Moreh: Meaning "Hill of the Teacher," it stands in ironic contrast to Israel's unfaithfulness. From here, the "teacher" is the overwhelming might of the enemy, meant to drive Israel to complete dependence on God.

Bible references

Jdg 6:32: "...he was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, 'Let Baal contend with him'..." (Establishes the meaning and context of his name).
1 Sam 17:47: "...it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's..." (The principle of God's victory, not human strength).

Cross references

Gen 12:6 (Oak of Moreh, teaching); Deut 20:8 (Fear as disqualification for battle).

Judges 7:2-3

The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Now therefore, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.

In-depth-analysis

God's Motive: The primary reason for reducing the army is explicitly stated: to eliminate the possibility of human pride. God is more concerned with Israel's heart and His own glory than with military efficiency.
The Fear Test: Gideon applies the rule from the Law of Moses. This is not a new or arbitrary test but an act of obedience to God's established command for holy war. It reveals that the majority of the army (over two-thirds) was operating out of fear, not faith.
Mount Gilead: The mention of Gilead is a geographical difficulty as the events take place west of the Jordan. Scholars suggest it may be a textual corruption, a local name now lost, or a proverbial expression for "fleeing."

Bible references

Deut 20:8: "'Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.'" (The legal precedent for the test).
1 Cor 1:29: "...so that no one may boast before him." (The New Testament articulation of God's principle here).
Isa 42:8: "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another..." (God's fundamental commitment to His own glory).

Cross references

Zech 4:6 (Not by might, but by Spirit); 2 Cor 12:9 (Power in weakness); Psa 115:1 (Not to us, O Lord, but to your name be the glory).

Judges 7:4-7

And the LORD said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there... And the LORD said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.”

In-depth-analysis

The Second Test: The army is further reduced by 97%. The method seems bizarre but carries deep symbolic weight.
Lapping vs. Kneeling: The Hebrew word for "bowed down on their knees" (kara) is the same word used for bowing in worship to idols (e.g., to Baal). The 9,700 who knelt to drink displayed a posture of worship/submission. The 300 who lapped water to their mouths "like a dog" (yaloq) did not bow. They remained upright and alert.
The Chosen Remnant: God chose those who:
1. Were not preoccupied with their own thirst (self-denial).
2. Remained alert and ready for battle (military practicality).
3. Symbolically refused to "bow," even to satisfy a need, thus rejecting a posture associated with idolatry. They are the true remnant who "have not bowed the knee to Baal."

Bible references

1 Kgs 19:18: "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal..." (Connects the posture of kneeling to idolatry, providing a theological key).
Isa 52:11: "Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the LORD's house." (The call for separation and purity for those who serve God).
1 Pet 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (The value of alertness).

Polemics

Many commentators focus on the "alertness" angle. However, a stronger theological and polemical point is the rejection of those who "bowed." In a culture saturated with Baal worship (a storm and fertility god, associated with water), kneeling to drink from a wadi could be seen as an unconscious act of reverence to the spirits of the place. God filters out anyone whose posture even hints at the idolatry He is judging through this battle. He is cleansing His own army before using them.

Judges 7:8-14

So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men... When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, “Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.” And his comrade answered, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.”

In-depth-analysis

Provisions and Trumpets: Each of the 300 kept a trumpet (shofar). This is highly unusual; normally only a few trumpeters would serve an entire army. This turns the small force into a mass of signal-bearers, amplifying their psychological impact.
God's Condescension: God knows Gideon is still afraid (v. 10) and provides supernatural encouragement. He doesn't rebuke Gideon's fear but meets him in it.
The Dream's Symbolism:
- Barley Loaf: Barley was the food of the poor and of animals. It represented the impoverished, agrarian Israelites.
- Tent: Symbolized the nomadic, seemingly powerful and well-established Midianite oppressors.
The Interpretation: The dream depicts something humble and despised (Israel/Gideon) completely demolishing a symbol of power (Midian). Crucially, God allows Gideon to hear the enemy themselves prophesy their own defeat and credit "God" and "the sword of Gideon" for it.

Bible references

Gen 41:1-32: (Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, a pattern of God revealing future events through dreams).
Num 23:8: "How can I curse those whom God has not cursed?" (Balaam, an enemy prophet, is forced to bless Israel, similar to the Midianite soldier declaring Gideon's victory).
Isa 53:3: "He was despised and rejected by mankind..." (The Messiah, like the barley loaf, was humble and despised yet brought ultimate victory).

Cross references

Dan 2:34-35 (A stone cut without hands destroying a great statue); Jdg 6:15 (Gideon's own declaration of being from the weakest clan).

Judges 7:15

As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand.”

In-depth-analysis

Worship before Warfare: Gideon's immediate response to this divine confirmation is not to strategize but to bow in worship. This is the pivot point for his character—moving from doubt to faith-filled action. True faith always produces worship.
"The LORD has given": His announcement to his men is a declaration of settled fact. The victory is already accomplished in the spiritual realm; they are just to "arise" and walk into it.

Bible references

2 Chr 20:18-19: "Then Jehoshaphat bowed down... and all who lived in Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship... [they] stood up and praised the LORD..." (Worship preceding a battle where God fought for them).
Rom 4:20-21: "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God... fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." (Describes the faith of Abraham, mirrored here by Gideon).

Cross references

Exo 4:31 (Israelites worship after hearing God's promise); Jn 4:24 (Worship in spirit and truth).

Judges 7:16-22

And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars... When I and all who are with me blow the trumpet, then you also blow the trumpets... and say, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.’ ... they blew the trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands... And the LORD set every man's sword against his comrade and against all the army.

In-depth-analysis

The "Weapons": The chosen items are symbolic, not practical for combat.
- Trumpets (Shofarot): Used to announce God's presence, judgment, and call to war. It is a priestly, not just military, instrument (cf. Jericho).
- Empty Jars (Kaddim): Clay pots, representing the fragile, weak, and mortal human body.
- Torches (Lappidim): The hidden light within the jars symbolizes the glory and Spirit of God residing within the believer/His people.
The Battle Plan: A strategy of psychological terror. The sudden appearance of 300 points of light and the sound of 300 trumpets from three directions would create the illusion of a massive army encircling the camp.
The Battle Cry: "For the LORD and for Gideon!" (L'YHVH u'l'Gidon!). God's name comes first, acknowledging Him as the true commander.
God's Action: The victory is entirely God's. He causes mass confusion and panic, leading the Midianites to destroy each other. Israel's role was to be a willing vessel, to break the jars and reveal the light.

Bible references

2 Cor 4:7: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (The clearest NT echo of the symbolism of the torches in jars).
Josh 6:20: "So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown... and the wall fell down flat..." (The precedent of victory through obedience, shouting, and trumpets at Jericho).
2 Chr 20:23: "For the men of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end... they helped to destroy one another." (A near-identical account of God causing an enemy to self-destruct).

Cross references

Eph 6:17 (Sword of the Spirit); Isa 9:4 (For you have shattered the yoke that burdens them); Psa 83:9 (Do to them as you did to Midian).

Judges 7:23-25

And the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian. ... And they captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb.

In-depth-analysis

Calling the Army Back: The men previously sent away are now called to participate in the "mop-up" operation. God uses the 300 to secure the decisive victory, but the wider community is involved in finalizing it. This prevents jealousy and promotes unity.
Oreb and Zeeb: The names of the Midianite princes mean "Raven" and "Wolf," respectively. These predators are fitting titles for the leaders of a people who plundered Israel's harvests.
Symbolic Execution Sites: Their execution at places that would subsequently bear their names served as a permanent, humiliating memorial of their defeat and God's power.

Bible references

Psa 83:11: "Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna..." (This victory became a standard by which Israel prayed for future deliverance).
Isa 10:26: "And the LORD of hosts will wield against him a whip as in the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb..." (The prophet Isaiah uses this event as a paradigm of God's future judgment against Assyria).

Cross references

1 Sam 17:51-54 (The defeat of the champion leads to the rout of the enemy army); Rom 16:20 (God will crush Satan under your feet).

Judges chapter 7 analysis

Typology of Spiritual Warfare: This chapter is a rich allegory for the Christian life. The believer is the weak vessel ("jar of clay"), inside whom dwells the light of Christ ("torch"). The "battle" is won not by human effort but by "breaking" our self-reliance to let Christ's light shine, and by proclaiming His truth (the "trumpet"). The enemy is thrown into confusion not by our strength, but by the revelation of God's power.
God's Pruning: The process of reducing the army is a perfect illustration of God's pruning work. He removes fear, pride, and even seemingly neutral postures (kneeling to drink) to form a pure, wholly dependent instrument for His glory.
From Fear to Faith: The chapter masterfully tracks Gideon's own journey. He starts at the "Spring of Trembling," needs personal reassurance via the enemy's dream, and culminates in a powerful act of worship and faith-filled command.
Polemic against Self-Reliance: The core of the chapter is a direct assault on the human instinct to trust in numbers, technology, or strength. God engineers the situation so that faith in Him is the only logical—and successful—option.

Judges 7 summary

God commands Gideon to drastically reduce his army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men, first by dismissing the fearful and then through a test at a spring. This is done so Israel cannot boast in its own strength. Encouraged by overhearing a Midianite soldier’s dream, Gideon equips his 300 men with trumpets, empty jars, and torches. At his signal, they blow the trumpets and smash the jars, creating chaos in the enemy camp. God causes the terrified Midianites to turn on and kill each other, leading to a miraculous and decisive victory for Israel that could only be attributed to the LORD.

Judges 6 AI Judges 8 AI

Judges 7 AI Image Audio and Video

Judges chapter 7 kjv

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.
² And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
³ Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
⁴ And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.
⁵ So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.
⁶ And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.
⁷ 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.
⁸ So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.
⁹ And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand.
¹⁰ But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:
¹¹ And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.
¹² And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.
¹³ And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along.
¹⁴ And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host.
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.
¹⁶ And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
¹⁷ And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.
¹⁸ When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
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.
²⁰ And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
²¹ And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
²² And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.
²³ And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.
²⁴ And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.
²⁵ And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.

Judges chapter 7 nkjv

¹ Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the well of Harod, so that the camp of the Midianites was on the north side of them by the hill of Moreh in the valley.
² And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'
³ Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead.' " And twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.
⁴ But the LORD said to Gideon, "The people are still too many; bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. Then it will be, that of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' the same shall go with you; and of whomever I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' the same shall not go."
⁵ So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "Everyone who laps from the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set apart by himself; likewise everyone who gets down on his knees to drink."
⁶ And the number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men; but all the rest of the people got down on their knees to drink water.
⁷ Then the LORD said to Gideon, "By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the other people go, every man to his place."
⁸ So the people took provisions and their trumpets in their hands. And he sent away all the rest of Israel, every man to his tent, and retained those three hundred men. Now the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.
⁹ It happened on the same night that the LORD said to him, "Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand.
¹⁰ But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant,
¹¹ and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp." Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp.
¹² Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.
¹³ And when Gideon had come, there was a man telling a dream to his companion. He said, "I have had a dream: To my surprise, a loaf of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian; it came to a tent and struck it so that it fell and overturned, and the tent collapsed."
¹⁴ Then his companion answered and said, "This is nothing else but the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel! Into his hand God has delivered Midian and the whole camp."
¹⁵ And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, that he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel, and said, "Arise, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand."
¹⁶ Then he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet into every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and torches inside the pitchers.
¹⁷ And he said to them, "Look at me and do likewise; watch, and when I come to the edge of the camp you shall do as I do:
¹⁸ When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the trumpets on every side of the whole camp, and say, 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!' "
¹⁹ So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outpost of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just as they had posted the watch; and they blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers that were in their hands.
²⁰ Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers?they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing?and they cried, "The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!"
²¹ And every man stood in his place all around the camp; and the whole army ran and cried out and fled.
²² When the three hundred blew the trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his companion throughout the whole camp; and the army fled to Beth Acacia, toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath.
²³ And the men of Israel gathered together from Naphtali, Asher, and all Manasseh, and pursued the Midianites.
²⁴ Then Gideon sent messengers throughout all the mountains of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against the Midianites, and seize from them the watering places as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan." Then all the men of Ephraim gathered together and seized the watering places as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.
²⁵ And they captured two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued Midian and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.

Judges chapter 7 niv

¹ Early in the morning, Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) and all his men camped at the spring of Harod. The camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.
² The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, 'My own strength has saved me.'
³ Now announce to the army, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.'?" So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.
⁴ But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go; but if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go."
⁵ So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink."
⁶ Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.
⁷ The LORD said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home."
⁸ So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.
⁹ During that night the LORD said to Gideon, "Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.
¹⁰ If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah
¹¹ and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp." So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp.
¹² The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.
¹³ Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. "I had a dream," he was saying. "A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed."
¹⁴ His friend responded, "This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands."
¹⁵ When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, "Get up! The LORD has given the Midianite camp into your hands."
¹⁶ Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside.
¹⁷ "Watch me," he told them. "Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do.
¹⁸ When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.'?"
¹⁹ Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands.
²⁰ The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!"
²¹ While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled.
²² When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath.
²³ Israelites from Naphtali, Asher and all Manasseh were called out, and they pursued the Midianites.
²⁴ Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth Barah." So all the men of Ephraim were called out and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth Barah.
²⁵ They also captured two of the Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan.

Judges chapter 7 esv

¹ Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
² The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'
³ Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'" Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.
⁴ And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' shall not go."
⁵ So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink."
⁶ And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water.
⁷ And the LORD said to Gideon, "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home."
⁸ So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.
⁹ That same night the LORD said to him, "Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand.
¹⁰ But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant.
¹¹ And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp." Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp.
¹² And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the East lay along the valley like locusts in abundance, and their camels were without number, as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance.
¹³ When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, "Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat."
¹⁴ And his comrade answered, "This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp."
¹⁵ As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, "Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand."
¹⁶ And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars.
¹⁷ And he said to them, "Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do.
¹⁸ When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.'"
¹⁹ So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands.
²⁰ Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!"
²¹ Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran. They cried out and fled.
²² When they blew the 300 trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath.
²³ And the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian.
²⁴ Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them, as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan." So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.
²⁵ And they captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. Then they pursued Midian, and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan.

Judges chapter 7 nlt

¹ So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod. The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.
² The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.
³ Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.'" So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.
⁴ But the LORD told Gideon, "There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not."
⁵ When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the LORD told him, "Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream."
⁶ Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream.
⁷ The LORD told Gideon, "With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home."
⁸ So Gideon collected the provisions and rams' horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him. The Midianite camp was in the valley just below Gideon.
⁹ That night the LORD said, "Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them!
¹⁰ But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah.
¹¹ Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack." So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp.
¹² The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore ? too many to count!
¹³ Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. The man said, "I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!"
¹⁴ His companion answered, "Your dream can mean only one thing ? God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!"
¹⁵ When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the LORD. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, "Get up! For the LORD has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!"
¹⁶ He divided the 300 men into three groups and gave each man a ram's horn and a clay jar with a torch in it.
¹⁷ Then he said to them, "Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do.
¹⁸ As soon as I and those with me blow the rams' horns, blow your horns, too, all around the entire camp, and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon!'"
¹⁹ It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams' horns and broke their clay jars.
²⁰ Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!"
²¹ Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape.
²² When the 300 Israelites blew their rams' horns, the LORD caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. Those who were not killed fled to places as far away as Beth-shittah near Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath.
²³ Then Gideon sent for the warriors of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh, who joined in chasing the army of Midian.
²⁴ Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down to attack the Midianites. Cut them off at the shallow crossings of the Jordan River at Beth-barah." So all the men of Ephraim did as they were told.
²⁵ They captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two Midianite commanders, killing Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. And they continued to chase the Midianites. Afterward the Israelites brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan River.