In Judges 6-8, we learn about Gideon. God chooses Gideon to deliver his people from the Midianites. Gideon calls the Israelites to war against the Midianites. Thirty-two thousand men respond to his call. Twenty-two thousand go home because they are afraid to fight. God tells Gideon that there are still too many men. God does not want the Israelites to believe that they defeated the Midianites. He wants them to know that they defeat the Midianites only because God is on their side.
Gideon is told to have the men go to the water and drink. Those who drink from the water by lapping water from their hands will be the ones who fight. Only 300 men drink water this way. Gideon takes these 300 men and divides them into three companies. The three companies then surround the Midianite camp in the middle of the night. Each man has a trumpet, an empty pitcher and a torchlight. At the appointed time each blows his trumpet and breaks the pitcher. And each shouts, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.”
The Midianites are surprised and end up fighting among themselves. Many kill each other. The rest run for their lives. It is a huge victory for the Israelites. They win the battle without having to use swords.
It is interesting that in chapter 7, verse 21, we read, “And they stood every man in his place round about the camp…” Each of the 300 men had his appointed place to stand. Each had his job to do. Their success depended on each staying in his place.
Those in the church have a place. Each person is needed if the church is to be successful in the community. God expects us to all work together to evangelize our community. God is the one who wins the battle, but each of us must do our part.
