As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand.” And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’” Judges 7:15-18
We watch the transformation of Gideon into a man of faith and it
reminds one of the transformation of the Lord’s fearful disciples into bold apostles who were willing to die for their faith. That transformation occurs only as we abide with God and are
strengthened by His Spirit.
As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream
and its interpretation, he worshiped Gideon hears the terror God placed in the heart of the Midianite soldiers and he worships (bows down) God who gives the victory. Iy is important to note that leadership for God always starts with worship.
And he returned to the camp of Israel Gideon goes back to the camp of God’s army, a camp in which not everyone has the faith of Gideon at this point.
Arise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand. Gideon shares God’s promise. The 300 are to arise also, it is time for God’s army to serve God, to stand for Him. Then Gideon gives them the reason they can be confident. Jehovah God has already given the victory – it is assured.
He divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars Gideon first divides his army into even smaller groups making them more vulnerable to the enemy. Then Gideon passes out the weapons his 300 will use. They may have been surprised but we should not be. God does not use conventional weapons to win a war for then the results would not point back to Him. Today, the same is true. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.” So Gideon hands out trumpets, empty jars and torches – everything that is needed for a crushing victory.
Look at me, and do likewise Gideon gives the men two commands – “watch me – do as I do”. He will set the example. Gideon will follow God commands and set the pattern for all the others. All they have to do is first watch and “Follow me”. This is they type of leader that God desires for His people – one who has his eyes on God, obeys Him and sets the example for others.
When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do Gideon shares the plan. We are going to the outskirts (the extremities, the borders) of the Midianite camp. When we get there do as I do.
Gideon trusts God fully. The men need only copy his behavior.
When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp Gideon details
God’s plan. First they will blow their trumpets heralding the arrival of the army of God. The three groups will surround the large camp of the Midianites so the sound will surround the Midianite soldiers (who are already experiencing anxious sleep over what they face).
Shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon After they then the trumpets they are to shout. They are to proclaim the names of the Lord
God (Jehovah) and then His servant, Gideon. These two names will strike fear in the hearts of the enemy, hearts that are already
filled with anxiety over fighting God.
What can we learn? The very first time a trumpet is mentioned in Scripture is in Exodus 19:16. “On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.” The appearing of the Lord is often accompanied by the blast of he trumpet. That sound either brings great joy (to those who know Him) or it will bring great terror (to those who fear
Him and desire to hide from Him). Join with the 300, not the 135,000 and rejoice in the sound of God’s trumpet.