Judges 7 10

Judges 7:10 kjv

But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:

Judges 7:10 nkjv

But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant,

Judges 7:10 niv

If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah

Judges 7:10 esv

But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant.

Judges 7:10 nlt

But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah.

Judges 7 verses

Judges 7 10 Meaning

Judges 7:10 presents God's compassionate accommodation for Gideon's inherent fear before a crucial, daunting mission. It provides a strategic alternative, allowing Gideon to bring his servant Purah with him as he infiltrates the enemy camp. This provision underscores divine understanding of human weakness and offers a tangible source of comfort and verification to bolster Gideon's wavering courage, preparing him for the improbable victory ahead.

Judges 7 10 Context

Judges 7:10 is embedded in a critical phase of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites. Gideon has already expressed significant doubt and required multiple signs (the fleece) from God, yet God still acknowledges his apprehension. Earlier, God had drastically reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to just 300 men, making the Israelite force seem laughably small against the vast Midianite and Amalekite host. The verse follows God's initial command for Gideon to go down to the camp, reassuring him that he will deliver the enemy into his hands. Understanding Gideon's remaining fear, God graciously offers this second, conditional step, providing a further, practical way for Gideon to gain courage by witnessing the enemy camp's morale before the actual, unorthodox battle plan is executed. It highlights God's strategic patience and intimate knowledge of Gideon's personality.

Judges 7 10 Word analysis

• "But if": The Hebrew "וְאִם" (ve'im) introduces a conditional clause, indicating a provision based on a potential circumstance. It shows God anticipates Gideon's human limitations rather than condemning them. It implies grace, offering an alternative pathway.
• "you are afraid": The Hebrew verb is "תִּירָא" (tira), derived from "יָרֵא" (yare), meaning "to fear, be afraid, reverence." Here, it specifically denotes personal fear or apprehension. God acknowledges Gideon's emotional state, showing empathy and strategic wisdom in dealing with His chosen leader's weakness. This isn't a judgment, but a precise observation that prompts a merciful allowance.
• "to go down": The verb "תֵרֵד" (tered), from "יָרַד" (yarad), means "to descend" or "go down." It implies a physical movement into the lower terrain of the valley where the Midianite camp was located (Judg 7:8). This command sets the immediate practical task.
• "go down": Repetition of "תֵרֵד" (tered). This iterative structure emphasizes the direct instruction and the practical, even if fearful, step required.
• "with Purah": Purah, a common Hebrew name meaning "branch" or "foliage," is identified specifically as Gideon's servant ("נַעַר" na'ar - youth, servant, aide). The inclusion of a servant is crucial: he serves as a witness, companion, and possibly an immediate source of physical protection or comfort. This act demonstrates God's consideration for Gideon's psychological need for a confidant during a covert and terrifying mission. It also establishes the credibility of any report Gideon might bring back to his small army.
• "your servant": Hebrew "נַעַרְךָ" (na'arekha) specifically points to Purah's role and Gideon's relationship with him. This reinforces the idea of a trusted subordinate, indicating a degree of privacy and discretion in this highly sensitive pre-battle scouting.
• "to the camp": The Hebrew "אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶה" (el ha-makhaneh) refers to the specific military encampment of the Midianite and Amalekite forces, which was spread across the valley (Judg 7:8). This defines the objective of the scouting mission—to gain direct, covert intelligence about the enemy's readiness and morale, which God knows will boost Gideon's resolve.

Judges 7 10 Bonus section

This verse beautifully pre-empts Gideon's ultimate obedience by offering a divine 'contingency plan' for his emotional state. It highlights the strategic intelligence of God, who not only commands but also empowers by removing psychological barriers. The permission to bring Purah signifies a principle seen elsewhere in Scripture: while God can work with an individual, He often accommodates or even prescribes companionship for support, accountability, or joint witness, particularly in challenging or pivotal assignments. This short clause is a testament to God's careful attention to the individual person, their internal struggles, and their external support structures, all woven into the grand tapestry of His redemptive plan.

Judges 7 10 Commentary

Judges 7:10 is a poignant example of divine grace intersecting with human frailty. Rather than rebuke Gideon for his recurring fear, God provides an explicit alternative plan to strengthen his courage. The allowance for Purah, Gideon's servant, reveals God's deep understanding of Gideon's psychological needs and the strategic importance of mental fortitude for leadership. Purah serves not merely as a physical escort but as a co-witness, whose presence could validate Gideon's observations and boost his personal confidence during the daunting clandestine operation. This provision illustrates that God is patient with His servants' weaknesses, choosing to accommodate them rather than dismiss them, thereby ensuring His will is accomplished through imperfect human vessels. It teaches us that God meets us where we are, not condemning fear but providing means to overcome it, fostering dependence and trust in His divine plan. This seemingly minor concession is pivotal, enabling Gideon to move past his doubts and embrace the extraordinary faith required for the upcoming miraculous victory.