Old Testament
Judges 7:2
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The LORD told Gideon, "You have too many men with you. If I hand the Midianites over to them, Israel will brag and say, 'We saved ourselves by our own strength.'
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And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
What Judges 7:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 7:2, God speaks to Gideon, expressing concern that if Gideon leads a large army against the Midianites, the Israelites might take credit for their victory. God wants to ensure that the glory for the victory belongs to Him alone. This highlights a key principle in God's dealings with His people: He often reduces their resources to demonstrate His power and sovereignty. By having Gideon reduce his army, God sets the stage for a miraculous victory that will clearly show that it was God who saved Israel, not their own strength or numbers. This moment emphasizes the importance of humility and reliance on God rather than on human strength or abilities. It serves as a reminder that God often works through weakness to display His strength, encouraging believers to trust in Him rather than their own capabilities.
How to apply Judges 7:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to rely on God rather than our own strength or resources. In our challenges, we should remember that God can work through our weaknesses. Trusting Him allows us to experience His power and glory in our lives, reminding us that our achievements are ultimately due to His grace.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: The Three Hundred (Judges 7:1–8)
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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 7:2
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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 7:2 mean?
Judges 7:2 means that God told Gideon he had too many soldiers for the battle against the Midianites. God wanted to ensure that the victory would be attributed to Him, not to Israel's own strength.
How does Judges 7:2 relate to the theme of humility?
Judges 7:2 relates to humility by showing that God prefers to work through our weaknesses rather than our strengths. This teaches us to be humble and recognize that our achievements are ultimately due to God's grace.
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