Old Testament
Judges 7:24
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Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down and cut off the Midianites! Seize the river crossings as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan." So all the men of Ephraim assembled and captured the water crossings as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.
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And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.
What Judges 7:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Gideon, the leader of the Israelites, takes decisive action after a victory over the Midianites. He sends messengers to the tribe of Ephraim, urging them to join the fight by cutting off the Midianite forces at key river crossings. This strategic move is crucial for preventing the enemy from escaping and regrouping. The men of Ephraim respond quickly, gathering together to seize control of the water crossings at Beth Barah and the Jordan River. This shows the importance of unity and collaboration among the tribes of Israel in their struggle against oppression. Gideon's leadership and the swift response of the Ephraimites highlight the effectiveness of teamwork in achieving a common goal. The verse illustrates how communication and mobilization can lead to significant victories in challenging situations.
How to apply Judges 7:24 to your life
This passage teaches us the value of working together towards a common goal. Just as Gideon rallied the Ephraimites, we should encourage collaboration in our communities and workplaces. Effective communication and teamwork can lead to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: The Men of Ephraim (Judges 7:23–8:3)
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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 7:24
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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 7:24 mean?
Judges 7:24 describes Gideon sending messengers to the tribe of Ephraim to cut off the Midianites at river crossings. This action emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in achieving victory against an enemy.
What is the significance of Gideon's message in Judges 7:24?
Gideon's message in Judges 7:24 is significant because it demonstrates his leadership and ability to mobilize others for a common purpose. By calling on the men of Ephraim to act, he ensures that the Midianites cannot escape and regroup.
What does 'cut off the Midianites' mean in Judges 7:24?
'Cut off the Midianites' means to prevent them from escaping or regrouping by controlling strategic locations. This military tactic was crucial for ensuring a complete victory over the enemy.
How does Judges 7:24 illustrate teamwork?
Judges 7:24 illustrates teamwork by showing how Gideon effectively communicates with the tribe of Ephraim, leading them to join forces against the Midianites. Their swift response demonstrates the power of collaboration in achieving a shared goal.
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