February 23– Judges 7:19-25

February 23– Judges 7:19-25

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.

What would it be like to have 32,000 soldiers ready to go to war, knowing you were outmanned, and God brought that number down to 300?  Anyone facing a situation ike that would face fear.  Only the fact the Gideon knew God had promised him victory, and given the instructions for narrowing the number of men, would have given him any hope. 

What do you think he thought as he “armed” these men with jars, trumpets and torches? 

I always wonder if Gideon was surprised at how God had the enemy attacking each other because they were half-asleep and confused. 

Are you ever surprised at how God takes care of you?

Heavenly Father, You surprise me so often, not just in how You care for me, but just the fact You love me and teach me and want to spend time with me.  No matter what You are always there.  I love it when You show me something new in Your Word and surprise me with a new way to see You in the Bible.  You reveal Yourself and show me Your grace and mercy in new ways.  You give me new understanding and encourage me when I feel I have nothing left to give.  You are so amazing, Father.  Thank You for sharing how You kept Your promise to Gideon in such a creative way.  I love You, Lord.  I love Your protective nature over Your children.  I love how You love.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen

 

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