Old Testament
Judges 7:20
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All three companies blew their trumpets and broke their pitchers. They held the lamps in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands to blow them, and they shouted, "The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!"
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And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
What Judges 7:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 7:20, Gideon's army, divided into three groups, executes a surprise attack against the Midianites. They blow trumpets and break pitchers to create noise and confusion. Holding lamps in their left hands and trumpets in their right, they shout, proclaiming the victory of the Lord and Gideon. This act symbolizes God's power and strategy in battle, emphasizing that victory comes not from numbers or weapons, but from faith and obedience to God's commands. The breaking of the pitchers reveals the light within, representing God's presence and guidance. The shout signifies their trust in God, declaring that the battle is ultimately His. This moment illustrates how God can use unconventional methods to achieve His purposes, encouraging believers to rely on Him in challenging situations.
How to apply Judges 7:20 to your life
This passage encourages us to trust in God's plans, even when they seem unconventional. It reminds us that our strength lies in faith and obedience, not in our own abilities. We should be willing to follow God's guidance, even when it challenges our understanding.
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 7:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 7:20 mean?
Judges 7:20 describes Gideon's army executing a surprise attack by blowing trumpets and breaking pitchers, creating confusion among their enemies. This act symbolizes God's power and the importance of faith and obedience in achieving victory.
What is the significance of the trumpets in Judges 7:20?
The trumpets in Judges 7:20 serve as a signal for the attack and represent the call to action for Gideon's men. Their sound, combined with the breaking of pitchers, creates a dramatic effect that confuses the Midianites and showcases God's strategy in battle.
What does the phrase 'the sword of the LORD and of Gideon' mean?
The phrase 'the sword of the LORD and of Gideon' signifies that the victory belongs to God, but Gideon is His chosen leader. It emphasizes the partnership between divine power and human obedience in achieving success.
How does Judges 7:20 illustrate faith in God?
Judges 7:20 illustrates faith in God by showing Gideon's army relying on God's unconventional strategy rather than traditional weapons. Their actions reflect trust in God's guidance, demonstrating that faith can lead to victory even in challenging circumstances.
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