Lexical Summary Purah: Purah Original Word: פֻרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Phurah For p'orah; foliage; Purah, an Israelite -- Phurah. see HEBREW p'orah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom parah Definition a servant of Gideon NASB Translation Purah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֻּרָה proper name, masculine Judges 7:10,11, Φαρα. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context Purah enters the narrative exclusively in the account of Gideon’s deliverance of Israel from Midian (Judges 6–8). After the Lord intentionally reduced Gideon’s army to three hundred men, the commander remained apprehensive. At this juncture, “If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah” (Judges 7:10). Gideon obeys, and together they overhear a Midianite soldier recounting a dream that foretells Midian’s defeat (Judges 7:13–14). Strengthened, Gideon worships, returns to camp, and launches the victorious night assault. Historical Setting The episode unfolds in the early Iron Age, during the cyclical period when Israel repeatedly “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (Judges 6:1). Midianite raiders had impoverished the land for seven harvest seasons. Gideon, from the tribe of Manasseh, was raised up as judge after the angel of the Lord met him at Ophrah. Purah’s station as Gideon’s servant indicates a close, trusted relationship typical of an armor-bearer or personal aide—roles often filled by younger or lower-ranking kinsmen. Character and Role 1. Companion in Fear and Faith Purah is singled out by name precisely when Gideon’s fear is at its peak. His silent presence enables Gideon to obey the divine command to reconnoiter the enemy camp. The servant’s ministry is therefore that of faithful companionship, standing alongside a leader in a moment of vulnerability. By hearing the Midianite dream alongside Gideon, Purah becomes a corroborating witness. The Law required “two or three witnesses” to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15); Purah’s presence satisfies this legal-covenantal pattern, underscoring the authenticity of the sign. The text records Gideon’s worship immediately after the overheard dream (Judges 7:15). Although unspoken, Purah’s participation in this act of worship is implied. His companionship helps translate revelation into adoration, which in turn fuels action. Spiritual Themes • The Gift of God-Appointed Companions: Scripture repeatedly pairs servants or armor-bearers with leaders—Jonathan and his armor-bearer (1 Samuel 14), Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19), Paul and Silas (Acts 16). Purah belongs to this biblical thread, illustrating that even divinely empowered individuals are not intended to walk alone. Implications for Ministry 1. Value the Quiet Servant. Purah utters no recorded words, yet his ministry proves indispensable. Modern service teams should honor unseen supporters—intercessors, aides, logistical staff—who enable frontline leadership. Typological and Christological Echoes While Gideon prefigures Christ as the deliverer of God’s people, Purah serves as a type of the supportive believer who shares in the revelation of victory before it is manifest. Just as the Holy Spirit is called the Paraclete—“One called alongside”—Purah’s very function is to accompany and reinforce. Thus his presence anticipates the New Covenant reality that the Lord never commissions alone but provides Helper, Body, and fellowship. Key References Judges 7:10–11; Judges 7:13–15; Deuteronomy 19:15; Mark 6:7; 1 Samuel 14:6–13; Acts 16:19–25. Forms and Transliterations וּפֻרָ֣ה וּפֻרָ֥ה ופרה ū·p̄u·rāh ufuRah ūp̄urāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 7:10 HEB: רֵ֥ד אַתָּ֛ה וּפֻרָ֥ה נַעַרְךָ֖ אֶל־ NAS: down, go with Purah your servant KJV: go thou with Phurah thy servant INT: down you Purah your servant to Judges 7:11 2 Occurrences |
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