The account of Gideon and his men is a significant narrative found in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 through 8. Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. The account of Gideon and his men is a testament to God's power and the importance of faith and obedience.

The Call of Gideon

Gideon was initially a reluctant leader. When the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites (Judges 6:11). The Angel addressed him as a "mighty warrior" and informed him that the LORD was with him (Judges 6:12). Despite his doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was chosen to lead Israel against their oppressors.

The Selection of the Men

Gideon's army was initially composed of 32,000 men. However, God instructed Gideon to reduce the number of his troops to ensure that Israel would not boast in their own strength. The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me’" (Judges 7:2).

The first reduction came when Gideon was told to send home anyone who was afraid. Twenty-two thousand men departed, leaving ten thousand (Judges 7:3). God further reduced the number by instructing Gideon to take the men to the water and observe how they drank. Those who lapped the water with their tongues, like a dog, were set apart. Only three hundred men lapped in this manner, and these were the men God chose to deliver Israel (Judges 7:5-7).

The Battle Against the Midianites

With only three hundred men, Gideon prepared to face the vast Midianite army. God assured Gideon of victory, saying, "With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand" (Judges 7:7). Gideon divided the men into three companies and equipped them with trumpets, empty jars, and torches inside the jars (Judges 7:16).

At Gideon's signal, the men blew their trumpets, broke the jars, and held the torches aloft, shouting, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20). The LORD caused confusion among the Midianites, who turned on each other with their swords. The enemy fled, and Israel pursued them, securing a great victory (Judges 7:21-23).

The Aftermath

Following the victory, the men of Israel asked Gideon to rule over them, but he refused, saying, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). Despite this, Gideon made an ephod from the gold collected from the spoils, which became a snare to him and his family (Judges 8:27).

The account of Gideon and his men highlights the themes of divine selection, faith, and the power of God to deliver His people through seemingly inadequate means. It serves as a reminder of the importance of reliance on God rather than human strength or numbers.