Judges 7:2
Verse
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 people 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 people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the Lord said unto Gideon, The people . . . are too many--Although the Israelitish army mustered only thirty-two thousand (or one-sixth of the Midianitish host), the number was too great, for it was the Lord's purpose to teach Israel a memorable lesson of dependence on Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord said unto Gideon, the people that are with thee are too many,.... It appears, by what follows, that there were 32,000 of them, which was but a small army to engage with one of 100,000 more than they; for such was the army of the Midianites and their associates, see Jdg 8:10 but the people were too many, says the Lord: for me to give the Midianites into their hands; who would be apt to ascribe the victory to themselves, and not to the Lord; to their number, strength, and valour, and not to the hand of the Lord: lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, mine own hand hath saved me; or glory over me, take the glory from me, and ascribe it to themselves, boasting that by their power and prowess they had obtained the victory.
Judges 7:2
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 people 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 people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Come Up Higher) the Spirit Will Lift Us Higher
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:00:38EXO 25:22JDG 7:2MAT 6:33REV 14:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discerning the spiritual condition of believers by asking their opinion on famous television preachers. He expresses gratitude for these preachers as they help him gauge the spiritual condition of his flock with just one sentence. The speaker emphasizes the need to follow Jesus in every situation, even when it means going against the opinions of friends. He warns against the gradual merging of the church and the world, urging believers to remain separate and not be influenced by worldly desires. The sermon concludes by highlighting the contrast between believers who rely solely on the cleansing power of Jesus' blood for salvation and those who add additional works to their testimony.
Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-03 Nehemiah 4:10
By William MacDonald1.6K51:07ConferenceGEN 6:18JDG 7:2MAT 10:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the negative impact of television on the spiritual temperature of the church. He believes that TV weakens prayer life and distracts Christians from spending time with the Word of God. The speaker also highlights the danger of biblical illiteracy in the church, as it makes it easier for false teachings to spread. He concludes by urging young men entering the ministry to avoid materialism, immorality, and seeking personal glory, and instead focus on serving the Lord faithfully.
New Beginnings - Gideon's Army Ii
By George Warnock1.5K22:54BeginningsJDG 7:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a priest unto the Lord Jesus. He starts by thanking God and asking for His help and guidance. The preacher then discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges, where God tells Gideon that he has too many people in his army and needs to reduce the number. This story serves as a lesson for the present day, reminding believers to prepare their hearts and make fresh commitments to the Lord. The sermon concludes with a call for individuals to make a renewed dedication to God and trust in His grace to overcome challenges.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 33:1 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.5K25:59ExpositionalEXO 33:11JDG 7:2ISA 33:1MAT 6:33EPH 1:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God receiving all the glory for His works. He uses the example of Gideon and how God reduced his army to 300 men in order to show His power and receive the glory. The speaker also discusses the consequences of misrepresenting God, using the story of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it. He highlights the need for us to recognize our own helplessness and rely on God in our extremities. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God often works in our lives when we have reached our limits and have no other options.
Against All Odds
By Alistair Begg1.3K41:28MAT 6:33JDG 6:36JDG 7:2JDG 7:17JDG 7:221CO 1:261CO 1:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highlights how Gideon's strength and boldness came from his awareness that he was nothing without God's help. The sermon concludes by discussing the sights and sounds of victory and how Gideon's strategy involved simple actions that anyone could do, emphasizing that God is not interested in military skill but in the number of people who trust and obey Him.
God's Anyone
By Vance Havner1.1K25:15Christian LifeJDG 7:2MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 13:1REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher starts by referencing 2nd Corinthians 13:1 and expresses concern for those who are not fully committed to the message. He then quotes Revelation 3:20, emphasizing the importance of opening the door to Jesus and allowing Him to come into our lives. The preacher highlights the need to discover God's plan for our lives and to prioritize His work over worldly pursuits. He emphasizes the unique role of the Church in society and encourages radical action to meet the needs of the Church today. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to ignite the fire of faith and dedication in their hearts and communities.
Jonathan's Accident in Spain
By George Verwer1.0K1:22:15Mission FieldJOS 1:9JDG 7:2PSA 46:1MAT 6:33ROM 8:28PHP 4:132TI 1:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing an illustration of a mechanic who forgot to tighten a bolt on a plane, causing it to explode and kill seven people. The speaker then reflects on his own experience of finding joy and peace amidst suffering by relying on God's victory. He mentions reading reports of the work of the Holy Spirit around the world and acknowledges that God is far more capable than any of us in organizing and coordinating His plans. The speaker also mentions the desire of a team member to move on and expresses his own struggles and weaknesses, using a broken dog leash as an example. He concludes by emphasizing that God does all things well and there are no exceptions to His grace and goodness.
Wanted - a Man
By Paul Valentine88245:15SurrenderJDG 7:2PRO 4:1PRO 4:13MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fathers and parents in providing moral instruction to their children. He encourages fathers to take responsibility for teaching their sons and daughters good doctrine and understanding. The speaker also highlights the negative consequences of a lack of parental guidance, sharing a disturbing story of a young girl who has been through traumatic experiences due to her father's neglect. He urges men to step up and get involved in their families and communities, emphasizing the need for active engagement rather than passivity. The sermon references Proverbs chapter 4 as a biblical basis for the importance of parental instruction.
Hebrews 11:33-34
By Don McClure80649:02DEU 31:6JDG 6:33JDG 7:2JDG 7:7JDG 7:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. He emphasizes the battle that God has in our lives of bringing us to a place of obedience and building an altar for Him. The preacher highlights how God wanted Gideon to trust Him and have faith, even though the numbers were against them. Despite Gideon's initial fear and doubt, God showed His power and delivered the Midianites into their hands. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's strength and not being overwhelmed by the size of the enemy we face.
Conference 1989-03 ~ Nehemiah 4:10
By William MacDonald76851:07ConferenceGEN 6:17JDG 7:2MAT 10:1In this sermon, the speaker criticizes the obsession with numbers and the pursuit of fame within the Protestant denomination. He shares an anecdote about a convention that adopted the slogan "a million more in 84" but questions the quality of the existing members. The speaker emphasizes the need for purification and compares it to Gideon's process of sinning his troops. He then discusses three things that should not be touched: money, women, and glory, warning against materialism and the scandals that have tarnished the reputation of Christianity. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of Nehemiah and the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the face of opposition. The speaker expresses a desire to encounter true saints rather than superficial Christians.
Gideon Company: A Prophetic Perspective
By Mike Bickle151:10:48FaithfulnessDivine CallingJDG 7:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the Gideon story, illustrating how God often calls many but chooses only a few who are willing to respond wholeheartedly to His invitation. He reflects on the current spiritual climate in America, urging believers to engage in fasting and prayer as a means to prepare for God's purposes. Bickle highlights that true power and authority come from a dedicated response to God's call, rather than sheer numbers. He encourages the church to focus on quality over quantity, as God can accomplish great things through a small, committed group of intercessors. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical dedication to God's mission, reminiscent of Gideon's 300 warriors.
What Happened?
By K.P. Yohannan0ServanthoodVision and PassionJDG 21:25ACT 5:411CO 1:27PHP 1:29PHP 2:21PHP 3:4K.P. Yohannan addresses the decline of passion and vision in movements over time, illustrating how organizations can shift from being vibrant and radical to becoming rigid and bureaucratic. He reflects on the historical trajectory of movements like the YMCA and the Salvation Army, emphasizing the need for continual renewal and adaptation to avoid stagnation. Yohannan warns against the dangers of prioritizing structure over heart, and external rewards over genuine service, which can lead to a transactional mindset. He encourages a return to servanthood and faithfulness, highlighting that true value lies in a heart willing to serve rather than in titles or recognition. The sermon calls for introspection on how individuals and organizations can maintain their original zeal and purpose.
Gideon's Band
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Vigilance in PrayerSelf-DenialJDG 7:2Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the significance of self-denial and vigilance in the Christian life through the story of Gideon's 300 men, who were chosen for their readiness to fight and their ability to resist self-indulgence. He illustrates how God reduced Gideon's army to prevent pride and to ensure that the victory belonged to Him alone. Brengle warns against the dangers of fear and self-indulgence, urging believers to prioritize spiritual discipline over physical comforts. He encourages the congregation to rise early and seek God, drawing parallels with biblical figures who exemplified dedication and self-restraint. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to being part of Gideon's band, which represents a life of fervent faith and service.
Are We Willing to Have Our Faith Refined?
By David Wilkerson0Trusting GodFaith RefinementJDG 7:2David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is searching for a faithful people who are willing to be refined and tested for His purpose. He illustrates this through the story of Gideon, where God reduced the number of soldiers from thousands to just 300, highlighting that He seeks those who are not fearful or doubting. The sermon stresses that God is not interested in numbers or outward appearances but in the quality of faith and readiness of His messengers. Wilkerson calls for believers to embrace the refining process, allowing God to shape them into effective tools for evangelism. Ultimately, the message is a call to trust God fully and be prepared for His work in the world.
God, Please Hurry Up
By Anton Bosch0GEN 17:17GEN 18:11GEN 22:10JDG 7:2MAT 14:24LUK 5:5JHN 2:3JHN 11:39ACT 7:22Anton Bosch preaches on the story of Abraham and Sarah, highlighting their struggles with age, infertility, and doubts while waiting for God's promise of descendants to be fulfilled. God required Abraham to be circumcised, symbolizing his willingness to surrender his own abilities and trust in God's supernatural provision. Through various biblical examples like Gideon, Lazarus, and the disciples, it is shown that God often waits until we reach the end of our own resources and abilities to perform miracles, teaching us to rely on Him completely and give Him all the glory.
But Ye Are a Chosen Generation
By A.B. Simpson0Chosen GenerationDivine SelectionJDG 7:21PE 2:9A.B. Simpson emphasizes the concept of being a chosen generation, illustrating how God calls a select group from within the church to be His bride, prepared for His coming. He draws parallels with Gideon's story, where God reduced Gideon's army from thirty thousand to just three hundred, highlighting the importance of courage, prudence, and purpose in God's selection process. Simpson encourages believers to ensure they are part of this 'out and out' group that God is preparing to win the world for Himself. The message calls for a deeper commitment and readiness among Christians to fulfill God's mission.
One a Majority!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Divine StrengthFaithGEN 12:1JOS 23:10JDG 7:2C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that one person with God is a majority, illustrating that divine strength can overcome any odds. He references biblical examples such as Gideon, Abram, Moses, and David to demonstrate that God often works through individuals rather than large groups. Spurgeon encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to be courageous, as faith empowers them to achieve great victories against overwhelming opposition. The sermon highlights the importance of relying on God's strength rather than human numbers.
In the Garden of Gethsemane
By K.P. Yohannan0ObedienceSubmission to GodJDG 7:2JHN 19:11K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty in our lives, as demonstrated by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He acknowledged that the power of the soldiers came from above. He draws a parallel to Gideon's story in Judges, where a small, obedient army of 300 men followed God's unconventional strategy to defeat a much larger enemy. This illustrates the necessity of total submission to God's will and the leaders He appoints, trusting that His plans, though they may seem illogical, are ultimately for our victory. The sermon encourages believers to embrace humility and obedience in their walk with God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the Lord said unto Gideon, The people . . . are too many--Although the Israelitish army mustered only thirty-two thousand (or one-sixth of the Midianitish host), the number was too great, for it was the Lord's purpose to teach Israel a memorable lesson of dependence on Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord said unto Gideon, the people that are with thee are too many,.... It appears, by what follows, that there were 32,000 of them, which was but a small army to engage with one of 100,000 more than they; for such was the army of the Midianites and their associates, see Jdg 8:10 but the people were too many, says the Lord: for me to give the Midianites into their hands; who would be apt to ascribe the victory to themselves, and not to the Lord; to their number, strength, and valour, and not to the hand of the Lord: lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, mine own hand hath saved me; or glory over me, take the glory from me, and ascribe it to themselves, boasting that by their power and prowess they had obtained the victory.