Old Testament
Judges 7:18
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When I and my group blow our trumpets, blow yours too — all around the camp — and shout, 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!'"
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When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
What Judges 7:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 7:18, Gideon instructs his men to blow their trumpets and shout a specific phrase at the same time. This command is part of a strategic surprise attack against the Midianite camp. The phrase 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon' emphasizes that the victory belongs to God, while Gideon is His chosen leader. The act of blowing trumpets and shouting serves to create confusion and fear among the enemy, demonstrating the power of unity and divine intervention. Gideon's leadership and faith in God's guidance are crucial elements in this moment, showcasing how God can use seemingly simple actions to achieve great victories. This verse highlights the importance of following God's instructions and the collective effort of a group in achieving a common goal, especially in challenging circumstances.
How to apply Judges 7:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans and to act in unity with others. Just as Gideon rallied his men, we should support one another in our endeavors, believing that God can work through our collective efforts to achieve great things. Our faith and actions can lead to significant outcomes.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: Trumpets, Jars and Lights (Judges 7:16–22)
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Gideon
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Judges 7:18
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 7:18 mean?
Judges 7:18 describes Gideon's command to his men to blow trumpets and shout a specific phrase during a surprise attack on the Midianite camp. This act symbolizes their unity and reliance on God's power for victory.
What is the significance of the phrase 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon' in Judges 7:18?
The phrase 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon' emphasizes that the battle is ultimately God's, while Gideon is His chosen leader. It highlights the partnership between divine authority and human leadership in achieving victory.
How does Judges 7:18 relate to teamwork?
Judges 7:18 illustrates the importance of teamwork as Gideon instructs his men to act together in blowing trumpets and shouting. Their collective effort is crucial for creating confusion among the enemy and achieving victory.
What can we learn from Gideon's actions in Judges 7:18?
From Gideon's actions in Judges 7:18, we learn the importance of following God's guidance and working together with others. It shows that even simple actions, when done in faith and unity, can lead to significant outcomes.
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