Judges 7:17 kjv
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.
Judges 7:17 nkjv
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:
Judges 7:17 niv
"Watch me," he told them. "Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do.
Judges 7:17 esv
And he said to them, "Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do.
Judges 7:17 nlt
Then he said to them, "Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do.
Judges 7 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 27:15-17 | "Let the LORD… appoint a man over the congregation... that they may not be like sheep that have no shepherd." | Moses asks God for a leader for Israel. |
| Deut 1:38 | "Joshua the son of Nun... he shall enter it. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it." | Joshua chosen as leader to follow. |
| Josh 1:5-9 | "I will be with you; I will not leave you... Be strong and courageous..." | God commands Joshua to lead with courage. |
| 1 Sam 14:6 | "It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few." | God's power isn't limited by numbers. |
| 1 Sam 17:47 | "The battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand." | God grants victory regardless of human strength. |
| Ps 33:16-17 | "No king is saved by the size of his army... A war horse is a false hope..." | Deliverance comes from the Lord, not might. |
| Ps 44:3 | "They did not conquer the land... but your right hand and your arm and the light of your face..." | God gives the victory. |
| Prov 3:5-6 | "Trust in the LORD with all your heart... In all your ways acknowledge him..." | Rely on God for direction and success. |
| Prov 24:6 | "By wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." | Importance of strategy and leadership. |
| Isa 55:8-9 | "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD." | God's plans are higher and often unconventional. |
| Zech 4:6 | "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts." | Divine intervention is key, not human strength. |
| 1 Cor 1:27-29 | "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise... so that no human might boast in the presence of God." | God uses the weak to shame the strong. |
| 1 Cor 11:1 | "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." | Paul exhorts believers to follow his example. |
| 1 Cor 12:12 | "For just as the body is one and has many members... so also is Christ." | Emphasis on unity in action and purpose. |
| Eph 4:1-3 | "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling... with all humility... eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit..." | Call for unity and humility. |
| Php 2:1-2 | "Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." | Call for spiritual unity among believers. |
| Php 3:17 | "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." | Paul encourages following good examples. |
| 2 Thess 3:7, 9 | "You yourselves know how you ought to imitate us... to give you in ourselves an example to imitate." | Paul models a diligent life. |
| Heb 13:7 | "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." | Imitate the faith of spiritual leaders. |
| 1 Pet 5:3 | "Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock." | Leaders are to serve by example. |
| Matt 10:25 | "It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master." | Disciples learn by imitating their master. |
| John 13:15 | "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." | Christ provides the ultimate example to follow. |
| Col 3:23 | "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men..." | Implies unified, focused effort in all tasks. |
Judges 7 verses
Judges 7 17 Meaning
Judges 7:17 conveys Gideon's precise instruction to his 300 chosen men: they were to observe his actions closely and replicate them exactly. This command established him as the direct operational model, ensuring unified, coordinated execution of their unconventional assault strategy against the Midianite camp once they reached its perimeter. It emphasized immediate, unhesitating imitation and absolute obedience to his leading example for a decisive, synchronized outcome.
Judges 7 17 Context
Judges chapter 7 describes the preparation for Gideon's miraculous victory over the Midianites. Following God's instruction, Gideon dramatically reduced his army from 32,000 to just 300 men, ensuring that the ensuing victory would clearly be attributed to the LORD, not human might (Jdg 7:2-7). After a final assurance from God through a dream of a barley cake overturning a Midianite tent (Jdg 7:9-14), Gideon returns to his men. This verse (7:17) marks Gideon's final and crucial operational command before the coordinated, silent approach and surprise attack. Historically, Israel had been oppressed by Midian for seven years, indicating their extreme weakness and the dire need for divine intervention, which Gideon's leadership was channeling. The command emphasizes the need for extraordinary discipline and unity given the overwhelming enemy numbers (Jdg 7:12).
Judges 7 17 Word analysis
- And he said to them: Simple, direct communication from the commander, Gideon, to his small, select force of 300 men. It highlights the direct chain of command in a critical moment.
- "Look at me": Hebrew Ra'u elai (ראו אלי). An imperative verb commanding visual observation and attentive perception. It signifies Gideon's intention to provide a visual, demonstrative example, underscoring leadership by direct modeling. This is a pragmatic, immediate instruction, bypassing lengthy verbal explanations in the dead of night.
- "and do likewise": Hebrew v'khen ta'asun (וכן תעשון). Literally, "and thus you shall do." This phrase demands precise, identical imitation. It stresses absolute conformity to Gideon's actions, which was essential for the unified and deceptive effect of their strategy. Deviation by even one man could compromise the entire plan.
- "and behold": Hebrew v'hineh (והנה). An interjection used to draw attention, like "lo!" or "pay attention!" It signals an important upcoming instruction, emphasizing the critical timing and place of their concerted action. It adds urgency to Gideon's directive.
- "when I come to the outskirts of the camp": Hebrew b'vo'i el kitzey ha'machaneh (בבואי אל קצות המחנה). This sets the precise geographical and tactical cue. "Outskirts" (kitzey) denotes the very edge or perimeter, allowing for a stealthy approach and maximizing the element of surprise without detection until the moment of the signal. It also marks the point of no return for their attack.
- "just as I do, so you shall do": Hebrew ka'asher a'aseh, ken ta'asun (כאשר אעשה כן תעשון). This reiterates and strengthens the earlier "do likewise," providing emphatic reinforcement. The repetition underscores the vital necessity of perfect synchronized obedience and adherence to Gideon's example. It leaves no room for personal interpretation, solidifying the idea of complete uniformity for the deception to work. It reinforces Gideon's absolute command and their required trust in his actions.
Judges 7 17 Bonus section
This instruction from Gideon not only dictated the method of attack but also subtly built extraordinary morale and cohesion among the 300 men. By demanding such specific and synchronized action, Gideon effectively bound the men together, making them part of a single, unified strike force, each directly linked to his leader's actions. This visual instruction and immediate imitation fostered an unbreakable bond and heightened a sense of collective purpose. The psychological effect of Gideon being the single, visible point of command in the darkness also transferred a measure of his courage and faith directly to his men. This scene is often used to illustrate effective command and control in military history due to its simplicity, clarity, and the overwhelming success it yielded through unconventional means and unwavering obedience.
Judges 7 17 Commentary
Judges 7:17 is a pivotal verse, encapsulating Gideon's inspired leadership under divine guidance. It lays out the non-negotiable principle of precise imitation and obedience that underpinned the Israelites' seemingly impossible victory. Gideon, though initially hesitant, now operates with conviction, understanding that victory belongs to the Lord (Jdg 7:2), and their role is one of disciplined execution. The instruction for every man to mimic Gideon’s exact actions was crucial for creating the psychological illusion of a much larger, coordinated force. This unity of purpose, fueled by trust in their God-appointed leader, transformed a small, fearful band into a potent, deceiving army. The verse also serves as a testament to the kind of spiritual leadership where a leader models what is to be done, inviting followers not merely to hear but to observe and emulate, ultimately in service to God's will.
Practical usage:
- In spiritual leadership, genuine leaders lead by example, providing a tangible model for their followers.
- In Christian community, unity and precise adherence to the Spirit's leading, often through appointed leaders, are vital for overcoming challenges.
- In personal faith, it signifies the importance of looking to Christ as the perfect example and striving to emulate His walk.