Judges 7:1
Judges 7:1 in Multiple Translations
Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and encamped beside the spring of Harod: and the camp of Midian was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Then Jerubbaal, that is, Gideon, and all the people with him, got up early and put up their tents by the side of the water-spring of Harod; the tents of Midian were on the north side of him, under the hill of Moreh in the valley.
Jerub-baal (Gideon) and those who were with him got up early and went and camped by the Harod spring. The Midianite camp was to the north in the valley near the Moreh hill.
Then Ierubbaal (who is Gideon) rose vp early, and all the people that were with him, and pitched beside the well of Harod, so that the hoste of the Midianites was on the Northside of them in the valley by the hill of Moreh.
And Jerubbaal (he [is] Gideon) riseth early, and all the people who [are] with him, and they encamp by the well of Harod, and the camp of Midian hath been on the south of him, on the height of Moreh, in the valley.
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. Midian’s camp was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Then Jerubbaal (who is Gideon) and all the people that were with him, rose early, and encamped beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Then Jerobaal, who is the same as Gedeon, rising up early and all the people with him, came to the fountain that is called Harad. Now the camp of Madian was in the valley on the north side of the high hill.
The next morning, Gideon and his men got up early and went as far as Harod Spring. The army of Midian was camped north of them, in the valley near Moreh Hill.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 7:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 7:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
יְרֻבַּ֜עַל
ה֣וּא
גִדְע֗וֹן
וְ/כָל
הָ/עָם֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אִתּ֔/וֹ
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
עַל
עֵ֣ין
חֲרֹ֑ד
וּ/מַחֲנֵ֤ה
מִדְיָן֙
הָיָה
ל֣/וֹ
מִ/צָּפ֔וֹן
מִ/גִּבְעַ֥ת
הַ/מּוֹרֶ֖ה
בָּ/עֵֽמֶק
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
shâkam
H7925
to rise
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְרֻבַּ֜עַל
Yᵉrubbaʻal
H3378
Jerubbaal
N-proper
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
גִדְע֗וֹן
Gidʻôwn
H1439
Gideon
N-proper
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּ֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֵ֣ין
ʻÊyn Chărôd
H5878
Harod
N-proper
חֲרֹ֑ד
ʻÊyn Chărôd
H5878
Harod
N-proper
וּ/מַחֲנֵ֤ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
Conj | N-cs
מִדְיָן֙
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
הָיָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ל֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מִ/צָּפ֔וֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
Zaphon
Prep | N-fs
מִ/גִּבְעַ֥ת
gibʻâh
H1389
Gibeat
Prep | N-fs
הַ/מּוֹרֶ֖ה
Môwreh
H4176
Moreh
Art | N-proper
בָּ/עֵֽמֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
valley
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 7:1
וַ/יַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם
shâkam
H7925
"to rise"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.
Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.
יְרֻבַּ֜עַל
Yᵉrubbaʻal
H3378
"Jerubbaal"
N-proper
Jerubbaal means let Baal contend, a name given to Gideon after he destroyed an altar. It appears in Judges 6:11 and 32. Gideon's father gave him this name.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.6.11; son of: Joash (H3101); father of: Jether (H3500), Abimelech (H0040H) and Jotham (H3147); also called Jerubbaal at Jdg.6.32; 7.1; 8.29,35; 9.1,2,5,16,19,24,28,57; 1xJerubbesheth at 2Sa.11.21; Another name of gid.on (גִּדְעוֹן "Gideon" H1439) § Jerubbaal = "let Baal contend" name given to Gideon by his father when he destroyed the altar of Baal
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Jerubbaal. See also: Judges 6:32; Judges 9:5; 1 Samuel 12:11.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
גִדְע֗וֹן
Gidʻôwn
H1439
"Gideon"
N-proper
Gideon was a judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites. His name means 'hewer' and he is also called Jerubbaal.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.6.11; son of: Joash (H3101); father of: Jether (H3500), Abimelech (H0040H) and Jotham (H3147); also called Jerubbaal at Jdg.6.32; 7.1; 8.29,35; 9.1,2,5,16,19,24,28,57; 1xJerubbesheth at 2Sa.11.21; § Gideon = "hewer" youngest son of Joash of the Abiezrites, fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Gideon. See also: Judges 6:11; Judges 7:18; Judges 8:35.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָם֙
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אִתּ֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וַֽ/יַּחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֵ֣ין
ʻÊyn Chărôd
H5878
"Harod"
N-proper
En-harod means spring of Herod, a camping place of Gideon and Israel near the hill of Moreh. It is also called the well of Harod.
Definition: § En-harod = "spring of Herod" a camping place of Gideon and Israel near the hill of Moreh
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: well of Harod. See also: Judges 7:1.
חֲרֹ֑ד
ʻÊyn Chărôd
H5878
"Harod"
N-proper
En-harod means spring of Herod, a camping place of Gideon and Israel near the hill of Moreh. It is also called the well of Harod.
Definition: § En-harod = "spring of Herod" a camping place of Gideon and Israel near the hill of Moreh
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: well of Harod. See also: Judges 7:1.
וּ/מַחֲנֵ֤ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Conj | N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
מִדְיָן֙
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
הָיָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ל֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מִ/צָּפ֔וֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
"Zaphon"
Prep | N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
מִ/גִּבְעַ֥ת
gibʻâh
H1389
"Gibeat"
Prep | N-fs
Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.
Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.
הַ/מּוֹרֶ֖ה
Môwreh
H4176
"Moreh"
Art | N-proper
Moreh was a Canaanite and also the name of a hill where Gideon fought the Midianites. The hill was likely named after the person Moreh, who may have been a teacher or leader.
Definition: § Moreh = "teacher" the hill in the valley of Jezreel at which the Midianites were camped when Gideon attacked them
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Moreh. See also: Genesis 12:6; Deuteronomy 11:30; Judges 7:1.
בָּ/עֵֽמֶק
ʻêmeq
H6010
"valley"
Prep | N-ms
Describes a valley or lowland area, like the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath.
Definition: valley, vale, lowland, open country
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: dale, vale, valley (often used as a part of proper names). See also H1025 (בֵּית הָעֵמֶק). See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 60:8.
Study Notes — Judges 7:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 7:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:1
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:1
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 7:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:1
- Sermons on Judges 7:1
Context — Gideon’s Army of Three Hundred
1Early in the morning Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the men with him camped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh.
2Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ 3Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 6:32 | So on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend with him,” because he had torn down Baal’s altar. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 3 | Genesis 12:6 | Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 11:30 | Are not these mountains across the Jordan, west of the road toward the sunset, in the land of the Canaanites who live in the Arabah opposite Gilgal near the Oak of Moreh? |
| 5 | Joshua 6:12 | Joshua got up early the next morning, and the priests took the ark of the LORD. |
| 6 | Genesis 22:3 | So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated. |
| 7 | Joshua 3:1 | Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. |
Judges 7:1 Summary
This verse tells us that Gideon and his men camped beside the spring of Harod, while the Midianites were camped in the valley near the hill of Moreh. This sets the stage for the battle between the two armies, and it highlights God's sovereignty and plan to use Gideon and his men to defeat the Midianites, as seen in Judges 7:2. Just like Gideon, we can trust in God's power and provision, rather than our own strength and abilities, and we can position ourselves to receive spiritual refreshment and renewal, as seen in Psalm 23:2-3. By following God's instructions and trusting in His power, we can overcome even the greatest challenges, just like Gideon did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the spring of Harod in Judges 7:1?
The spring of Harod is where Gideon and his men camped, and it may symbolize a place of refreshment and spiritual renewal, much like the spring in Isaiah 12:3, where it is written that 'you will joyfully draw water from the springs of salvation'.
Why is Gideon also referred to as Jerubbaal in this verse?
Gideon is referred to as Jerubbaal because it means 'let Baal contend against him', as mentioned in Judges 6:32, indicating that Gideon's father, Joash, had given him this name as a statement of defiance against the idol Baal.
What can we learn from the location of the camp of Midian in relation to Gideon's camp?
The fact that the camp of Midian was north of Gideon's camp, in the valley near the hill of Moreh, may indicate that the Midianites were in a position of power and control, but God would soon turn the tables, as seen in the subsequent verses, Judges 7:2-3, where God reduces Gideon's army to demonstrate His power and glory.
How does this verse set the stage for the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter by establishing the location and context of the battle between Gideon's army and the Midianites, and it highlights God's sovereignty and plan to use Gideon and his men to defeat the Midianites, as seen in Judges 7:2, where God says, 'You have too many people for Me to deliver Midian into their hands'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and provision, rather than my own strength and abilities?
- How can I, like Gideon, position myself to receive spiritual refreshment and renewal, and what are some 'springs of salvation' that I can draw from in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can, like Gideon, defy the idols and false gods of this world, and instead, contend for the true and living God, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10?
- What are some things that I can learn from Gideon's willingness to follow God's instructions, even when they seem counterintuitive or difficult, as seen in Judges 7:2-3?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 7:1
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon,.... That being the name his father had lately given him, Jude 6:32 and all the people that were with him, rose up early; encouraged by the signs and miracles wrought,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 7:1
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 7:1
Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who [is] Gideon, and all the people that [were] with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.Ver. 1. Beside the well of Harod.] That is, Of terror; so called from the fear that there surprised Gideon’ s army, who seeing the multitude of their enemies, said, as Caesar did at Rubicon, Yet we may go back; and so they did.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 7:1
(1) Jerubbaal, who is Gideon.—Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Esther, Daniel, St. Paul, &c, are other instances of Scriptural characters who have two names. Beside.—Rather, above. It would have been foolish and dangerous to encamp on the plain. The well of Harod.—The name “Harod” means “trembling,” with an obvious allusion to the timidity of the people (chareed, Judges 7:3), to which there may be again an allusion in 1 Samuel 28:5. The name is here used by anticipation. It occurs here only, though two Harodites are mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:25; and the same fountain is obviously alluded to in 1 Samuel 29:1. From the fact that Gideon’s camp was on Mount Gilboa there can be little doubt that Harod must be identified with the abundant and beautiful fountain at the foot of the hill now known as Ain Jalûd, or “the spring of Goliath,” from a mistaken legend that this was the scene of the giant’s death; or possibly from a mistaken corruption of the name Harod itself. There is another reading, “Endor” (comp. Ps. 82:10).
By the hill of Moreh.—Bertheau renders it, “stretching from the hill of Moreh into the valley.” The only hill of this name which we know from other sources is that at Shechem (Genesis 12:6; Deuteronomy 11:30), but that is twenty-five miles south of Mount Gilboa. There can be no doubt that Moreh is here used for Little Hermon, now Jebel ed-Duhy. The Vulgate renders it “of a lofty hill,” perhaps to avoid a supposed difficulty. The word Moreh means “archer,” and Little Hermon may have been called “the Archer’s Hill,” from the bowmen of the Amalekites.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 7:1
CHAPTER VII The Lord commands Gideon to make a selection of a small number of his men to go against the Midianites. Three hundred only are selected; and into the hands of these God promises to deliver the whole Midianitish host, 1-8. Gideon is directed to go down unto the host in the night, that he may be encouraged on hearing what they say, 9-12. He obeys, and hears a Midianite tell a remarkable dream unto his fellow, which predicted the success of his attack, 13-15. He takes encouragement, divides his men into three companies, and gives each a trumpet with a lighted lamp concealed in a pitcher, with directions how to use them, 16-18. They come to the Midianitish camp at night, when all suddenly blowing their trumpets and exposing their lamps, the Midianites are thrown into confusion, fly, and are stopped by the Ephraimites at the passage of Jordan, and slain, 19-24. Oreb and Zeeb, two Midianitish princes, are slain, 25. NOTES ON CHAP. VII Verse 1. Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon] It appears that Jerubbaal was now a surname of Gideon, from the circumstance mentioned Judges 6:32.
See Judges 8:35. The well of Harod] If this was a town or village, it is nowhere else mentioned. Probably, as חרד charad signifies to shake or tremble through fear, the fountain in question may have had its name from the terror and panic with which the Midianitish host was seized at this place.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 7:1
Ch. Judges 7:1-8. Gideon’s army is reduced It seems to have been a fixed element in the tradition that 300 was the number of Gideon’s force (Judges 7:6-8; Judges 7:16; Judges 7:19-21, Judges 8:4); but Judges 6:35 has just declared that four tribes responded to his call; accordingly we are here told how this army of volunteers, numbering 32,000, was cut down to 300. The story, however, rests upon an insecure foundation, for Judges 7:23 says that the tribes were gathered together after the battle, and not before it, as stated in Judges 6:35. Most critics consider that Judges 7:2-8 a do not belong to either of the two main narratives, but there is no agreement as to the source from which they come. In Judges 7:3 especially the allusion to Deuteronomy 20:8, and the incredibly large figures, betray a late origin; on the other hand, the test at the spring has the picturesque character of an ancient tradition. The whole passage has been much worked over by editorial hands.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 7:1
The well of Harod - i. e. of trembling, evidently so called from the people who were afraid Judges 7:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 7:1
GIDEON’S ARMY REDUCED TO THREE HUNDRED, Judges 7:1-8. 1. The well of Harod — Or, fountain of trembling. See on Judges 7:3. Probably the large fountain Ain Jalud, at the northern base of Mount Gilboa.
Sermons on Judges 7:1
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Gideon #2: The Preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges in the Bible. The main theme is the preeminence of Christ and the invitation for believers to co |
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Gideon's Defeat Over the Midianites by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, California, leads a verse-by-verse study through the Bible. He focuses on Gideon's defeat over the Midianites as d |
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(Gaining God's Approval) 1. Called, Chosen and Faithful by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the distinction between being accepted by God and being approved by God, emphasizing the importance of being faithful over just being called or chosen. He hi |
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The Faithful Remnant by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being called, chosen, and faithful disciples of Jesus, highlighting the overcomers mentioned in the book of Revelation who have been tested |
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The Sword of the Word, and Prayer by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of prayer and the Word of God as the primary weapons against the enemy's strategies, drawing from the biblical accounts of Saul and Jo |
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Morale by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the story of Gideon, emphasizing the importance of morale in spiritual warfare. The reduction of Gideon's army by the Lord was to ensure a certain qual |
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The Call of Gideon by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon was uncertain if God was really with him, so he asked for a sign. He put a fleece o |