Gideon thought of himself as weak, but God called him to save Israel from their Midianite oppressors. (6:14) He prepared to attack with over thirty thousand men, but the Lord told him to send those who were fearful home. Still there were too many, so he had Gideon select those who lapped water like a dog. This left three hundred men. God was concerned that Israel might boast against him, so he made it obvious that it is the Lord who saves.

God knew that Gideon could still be fearful, so he told Gideon to eavesdrop at the Midianite outposts. There he discovered that the Midianite camp was gripped with fear. They knew that God had given their entire army into Gideon's hand. This emboldened Gideon. He devised a plan where they would divide into three companies of one hundred each, shouting, "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!" They basically held their position as the Midianite camp devolved into chaos, turning on each other and fleeing. They overcame their fear when they trusted God with faith.


Application: Lord, I am weak and fearful. Help me to trust in you, for only you can save.
One Word: It is the Lord who saves