MPV Commentary

Gideon's Army.

1. The name Jerubbaal had become Gideon's honorable surname, meaning "the enemy of Baal." He was now known as the one who opposed Baal.

The Israelites gathered at a spring called Harod, which translates to "fear" or "trembling." This location was situated near Gilboa and marked the boundary between Manasseh. The Midianite army was positioned on the northern side of the valley, deeper down towards the Jordan River, near a small hill.

2. The Lord spoke to Gideon, saying that the people were too many for this task. Although Israel's army numbered only 32,000, which was one-sixth of the Midianite host, it was still too large for God's purpose. He wanted to teach Israel a valuable lesson about depending on Him.

3. The Lord instructed Gideon to proclaim that anyone who felt fearful or uncertain should return home. This announcement followed established law (Deuteronomy 20:8).

4. The number of soldiers was reduced, with the final reduction determined by a test known only to Gideon.

5. Gideon told those who bent down to drink from the water to cup their hands and bring it up quickly, without spilling a drop. Those who did this were selected for their speed and agility, while the rest were dismissed according to God's direction.

7. The Lord said that He would save Israel through the 300 men who lapped up the water. This was an extremely challenging task, as Gideon's army faced overwhelming odds against the enemy. However, Gideon's faith in God's promise of victory remained steadfast (Hebrews 11:32).

8. The Midianite army was positioned below Gideon and his men in the valley. Understanding the relative positions of the two armies is crucial for grasping what follows.