Old Testament

Judges 7:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 7:1, we see Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, preparing for battle against the Midianites.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

Early one morning, Jerubbaal — that is, Gideon — and all his men set up camp beside the spring of Harod. The Midianite army was camped north of them, near the hill of Moreh in the valley.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 7:1, we see Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, preparing for battle against the Midianites. He and his men rise early to set up camp near the spring of Harod. This location is significant as it places them strategically near the Midianite army, which is camped to the north by the hill of Moreh. The early rising indicates their readiness and determination to confront their enemies. The spring of Harod symbolizes a source of life and refreshment, which may also represent God's provision for Gideon and his men as they prepare for the challenges ahead. The mention of the Midianite army highlights the imminent conflict and the need for courage and faith in God’s guidance. This scene sets the stage for the unfolding events where Gideon will rely on God’s instructions to lead his men into battle, emphasizing themes of faith, leadership, and divine intervention.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 7:1 to your life

This verse encourages us to be prepared and proactive in facing challenges. Just as Gideon and his men rose early to prepare for battle, we should also take initiative in our lives, seeking God's guidance and strength as we confront our own struggles and adversities.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 7:1 mean?

Judges 7:1 describes Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, preparing for battle against the Midianites. It highlights their strategic location near the spring of Harod, indicating readiness and God's provision as they face their enemies.

What is the significance of the spring of Harod in Judges 7:1?

The spring of Harod symbolizes a source of life and refreshment, representing God's provision for Gideon and his men as they prepare for battle. It also serves as a strategic location for their confrontation with the Midianite army.

Who are the Midianites in Judges 7:1?

The Midianites were a group of people who opposed Israel and were camped north of Gideon and his men. Their presence sets the stage for the conflict that Gideon will face, emphasizing the need for courage and faith.

What themes are present in Judges 7:1?

Judges 7:1 includes themes of courage, leadership, divine guidance, and preparation for battle. It emphasizes the importance of being proactive and seeking God's help in challenging situations.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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