The reference to "fifteen thousand men" in the Bible is found in the context of the narrative of Gideon, a judge of Israel, in the Book of Judges. This number is significant in the account of Gideon's battle against the Midianites, a nomadic people who oppressed Israel during the time of the judges.

Biblical Context

The account of Gideon is recorded in Judges 6-8. Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel during the harvest, devastating the land and impoverishing the Israelites.

In Judges 7, God instructs Gideon to reduce his army to a mere 300 men to ensure that the victory over the Midianites would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. This small force, equipped with trumpets, jars, and torches, successfully routed the Midianite camp, causing confusion and leading to a miraculous victory.

Fifteen Thousand Men in Judges 8:10

The specific mention of "fifteen thousand men" occurs in Judges 8:10. After the initial victory, Gideon pursues the remaining Midianite forces. The text states: "Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had fallen." (Judges 8:10).

This passage highlights the scale of the initial Midianite force, which numbered 135,000 men, and underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's victory. The fifteen thousand men represent the remnant of a once formidable army, now significantly reduced by God's intervention through Gideon and his 300 men.

Theological Significance

The account of the fifteen thousand men serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and power. It illustrates the principle that God often uses the weak and the few to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that the glory and credit for victory belong to Him alone. This theme is consistent throughout Scripture, where God frequently chooses unlikely individuals and small groups to achieve His divine plans.

The reduction of the Midianite army to fifteen thousand men also emphasizes the completeness of God's deliverance. The overwhelming odds faced by Gideon and his men highlight the miraculous nature of their victory and serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Historical and Cultural Insights

The Midianites were a nomadic people, often associated with the desert regions east of the Jordan River. Their incursions into Israelite territory were marked by swift and devastating raids, which left the Israelites in a state of fear and poverty. The defeat of the Midianites by Gideon not only provided immediate relief but also restored a measure of peace and stability to the region.

The mention of specific leaders, Zebah and Zalmunna, adds a personal dimension to the narrative, as Gideon's pursuit of these kings underscores his commitment to complete the deliverance of Israel. The capture and execution of these leaders further demonstrate the totality of the victory granted by God.

In summary, the reference to fifteen thousand men in the Book of Judges is a key element in the account of Gideon, illustrating God's power to save and His ability to work through a faithful remnant to achieve His purposes.