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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 7:12 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/7-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/07_Jdg_07_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 7:12 - Gideon's Dream" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/7-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/7-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/7-11.htm" title="Judges 7:11">◄</a> Judges 7:12 <a href="/judges/7-13.htm" title="Judges 7:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The armies of Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels were like grains of sand on the seashore—too many to count!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the East lay along the valley like locusts in abundance, and their camels were without number, as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels <i>were</i> without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels <i>were</i> without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the Midianites, the Amalekites, and all the people of the east were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east were lying [camped] in the valley, as countless as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the people of the east had settled down in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the Qedemites had settled down in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is upon the sea-shore for multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The camp was huge. The Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern nations covered the valley like a swarm of locusts. And it would be easier to count the grains of sand on a beach than to count their camels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is upon the sea shore for multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Midian, Amalek, and all of Kedem were spread out in the valley like a swarm of locusts. There were so many camels that they could not be counted. They were as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The Midianites, the Amalekites, and the desert tribesmen were spread out in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and they had as many camels as there are grains of sand on the seashore. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The Midianites, the Amalekites, and certain groups from the east lay encamped in the valley, as thick as locusts. The number of their camels couldn't be calculated—they seemed as numerous as the sand on the seashore. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and the people from the east covered the valley like a swarm of locusts. Their camels could not be counted; they were as innumerable as the sand on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Midian, Amalek, and all the Kedemites lay along in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand which is on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the Midianites, and the Amalekites, and all the children of the east, lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is on the seashore for multitude. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Midian, and Amalek, and all the sons of the east are lying in the valley, as the locust for multitude, and of their camels there is no number, as sand which [is] on the seashore for multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Midian and Amalek, and all the sons of the east are lying in the valley, as the locust for multitude, and of their camels there is no number, as sand which is on the sea-shore for multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Midain and Amalek, and all the sons of the east, encamping in the valley, as the locust for multitude; and to their camels no number, as the sand which is upon the lip of the sea for multitude.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But Madian and Amalec, and all the eastern people lay scattered in the valley, as a multitude of locusts: their camels also were innumerable as the sand that lieth on the sea shore. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But Midian, and Amalek, and all the eastern peoples lay spread out in the valley, like a multitude of locusts. Their camels, too, were innumerable, like the sand that lies on the shore of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The Midianites, Amalekites, and all the Kedemites were lying in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could not be counted, for they were as many as the sands on the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the east lay along the valley as thick as locusts; and their camels were without number, countless as the sand on the seashore.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the Rakimites lay along the valley like locusts in multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Median and Ameliq and all the sons of Raqem fell into the valley like many locusts and there was no number to them and to their camels, like the sand that is upon the beach of the sea, a multitude<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is upon the sea-shore for multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Madiam and Amalec and all the children of the east <i>were</i> scattered in the valley, as the locust for multitude; and there was no number to their camels, but they were as the sand on the seashore for multitude.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/7-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2048" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/7.htm">Gideon's Dream</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: ū·miḏ·yān (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">Now the Midianites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6002.htm" title="6002: wa·‘ă·mā·lêq (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Esau, also his posterity. Probably of foreign origin; Amalek, a descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country.">Amalekites,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the other people</a> <a href="/hebrew/6924.htm" title="6924: qe·ḏem (N-ms) -- The front, of place, time. Or qedmah; from qadam; the front, of place or time; often used adverbially.">of the east</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nō·p̄ə·lîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">had settled</a> <a href="/hebrew/6010.htm" title="6010: bā·‘ê·meq (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A vale. From amaq; a vale.">in the valley</a> <a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: lā·rōḇ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">like a swarm of</a> <a href="/hebrew/697.htm" title="697: kā·’ar·beh (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- (a kind of) locust. From rabah; a locust.">locusts,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1581.htm" title="1581: wə·liḡ·mal·lê·hem (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- A camel. Apparently from gamal; a camel.">and their camels</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">were as countless</a> <a href="/hebrew/4557.htm" title="4557: mis·pār (N-ms) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2344.htm" title="2344: ka·ḥō·wl (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Sand. From chuwl; sand.">as the sand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: še·‘al- (Pro-r:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄aṯ (N-fsc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">the seashore.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: hay·yām (Art:: N-ms) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: lā·rōḇ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance."></a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Joshua 11:4</a></span><br />So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20</a></span><br />The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/83-9.htm">Psalm 83:9-12</a></span><br />Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon, / who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. / Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/17-12.htm">Isaiah 17:12-13</a></span><br />Alas, the tumult of many peoples; they rage like the roaring seas and clamoring nations; they rumble like the crashing of mighty waters. / The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-23.htm">Jeremiah 46:23</a></span><br />They will chop down her forest, declares the LORD, dense though it may be, for they are more numerous than locusts; they cannot be counted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5</a></span><br />Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/14-9.htm">2 Chronicles 14:9-12</a></span><br />Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. / So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. / Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Numbers 31:7-12</a></span><br />Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male. / Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. / The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-4.htm">Isaiah 9:4</a></span><br />For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-26.htm">Isaiah 10:26</a></span><br />And the LORD of Hosts will brandish a whip against them, as when He struck Midian at the rock of Oreb. He will raise His staff over the sea, as He did in Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/20-8.htm">Revelation 20:8</a></span><br />and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-16.htm">Revelation 9:16</a></span><br />And the number of mounted troops was two hundred million; I heard their number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-47.htm">Matthew 13:47-50</a></span><br />Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. / When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. / So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-10.htm">John 6:10</a></span><br />“Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-44.htm">Mark 6:44</a></span><br />And there were five thousand men who had eaten the loaves.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.</p><p class="hdg">the Midianites</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/6-3.htm">Judges 6:3,5,33</a></b></br> And <i>so</i> it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30</a></b></br> And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.</p><p class="hdg">grasshoppers</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Judges 8:10</a></b></br> Now Zebah and Zalmunna <i>were</i> in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand <i>men</i>, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/14-9.htm">2 Chronicles 14:9-12</a></b></br> And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Psalm 3:1</a></b></br> A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many <i>are</i> they that rise up against me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Amalek</a> <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Amalekites</a> <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Amal'ekites</a> <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Camels</a> <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/judges/4-18.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">East</a> <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Eastern</a> <a href="/judges/6-20.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/judges/7-8.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/judges/7-7.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/judges/7-7.htm">Mid'ianites</a> <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/joshua/17-17.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Sand</a> <a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Seashore</a> <a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Sea-Shore</a> <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm">Seaside</a> <a href="/judges/1-16.htm">Settled</a> <a href="/judges/7-1.htm">Side</a> <a href="/judges/5-4.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/judges/7-8.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/10-12.htm">Amalek</a> <a href="/judges/10-12.htm">Amalekites</a> <a href="/judges/10-12.htm">Amal'ekites</a> <a href="/judges/8-21.htm">Camels</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/ruth/3-9.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">East</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Eastern</a> <a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/judges/7-14.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Mid'ianites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-2.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Sand</a> <a href="/judges/11-16.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Seashore</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">Sea-Shore</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">Seaside</a> <a href="/judges/11-3.htm">Settled</a> <a href="/judges/7-18.htm">Side</a> <a href="/judges/15-13.htm">Thick</a> <a href="/judges/16-4.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/7-1.htm">Gideon's army of thirty-two thousand is brought to three hundred</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/7-9.htm">He is encouraged by the dream and interpretation of the burley cake</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/7-16.htm">His plan of trumpets and lamps in pitchers</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/7-24.htm">The Ephraimites take Oreb and Zeeb</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east</b><br>The Midianites and Amalekites were nomadic tribes often in conflict with Israel. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (<a href="/genesis/25.htm">Genesis 25:1-2</a>), while the Amalekites were descendants of Esau (<a href="/genesis/36-12.htm">Genesis 36:12</a>). The "people of the east" likely refers to other nomadic groups from the Arabian desert. These groups were known for their raids and were a constant threat to Israel during the time of the Judges. This coalition of enemies highlights the severity of the threat against Israel, necessitating divine intervention.<p><b>had settled in the valley</b><br>The valley mentioned is the Valley of Jezreel, a strategic and fertile area in northern Israel. This location was significant for its agricultural productivity, making it a prime target for raiding parties. The valley's geography made it an ideal battleground, as it was accessible and provided ample space for large armies to gather.<p><b>like a swarm of locusts</b><br>The imagery of a "swarm of locusts" conveys the overwhelming number and destructive potential of the enemy forces. Locusts are known for their ability to devastate crops, symbolizing the threat of total destruction. This metaphor emphasizes the dire situation faced by Israel, as the enemy's numbers seemed insurmountable.<p><b>and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore</b><br>Camels were a valuable asset in ancient warfare, providing mobility and endurance across desert terrains. The mention of camels being "countless as the sand on the seashore" underscores the vastness of the enemy forces. This hyperbolic expression is reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants (<a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17</a>), contrasting the overwhelming enemy with the promise of God's faithfulness to Israel. The use of camels also indicates the wealth and preparedness of the invading forces, further highlighting the challenge Gideon faced.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/midianites.htm">Midianites</a></b><br>A nomadic tribe descended from Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah. They were oppressors of Israel during the time of the Judges.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/amalekites.htm">Amalekites</a></b><br>A perennial enemy of Israel, descended from Esau. Known for their hostility towards the Israelites, they often allied with other tribes against Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/people_of_the_east.htm">People of the East</a></b><br>This term generally refers to various nomadic tribes from the Arabian desert region, often joining forces with the Midianites and Amalekites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_valley.htm">The Valley</a></b><br>Refers to the Valley of Jezreel, a strategic and fertile area in northern Israel, often a battleground due to its significance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon</a></b><br>Though not mentioned in this specific verse, Gideon is the central figure in this account, chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_overwhelming_odds.htm">God's Sovereignty in Overwhelming Odds</a></b><br>Despite the enemy's vast numbers, God demonstrates His power and sovereignty by delivering Israel through Gideon. Trust in God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>Gideon's account encourages believers to act in faith rather than fear, even when faced with overwhelming opposition. God often uses the weak to confound the strong.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Gideon's success was contingent on his obedience to God's unconventional battle plan. Obedience to God's instructions is crucial, even when they defy human logic.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The physical battle against the Midianites symbolizes the spiritual battles believers face. Equip yourself with God's armor to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_midianites'_vast_numbers.htm">If the Midianites were as numerous “as locusts,” as described in Judges 7:12, where is the historical or archaeological evidence for such a massive force? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_solomon's_60_guards_an_exaggeration.htm">Could the depiction of sixty warriors guarding Solomon’s carriage (Song of Solomon 3:7–8) be an exaggeration, and if so, does it conflict with the notion of biblical inerrancy? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_camels_symbolize_in_the_bible.htm">What do camels symbolize in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_30,000_chariots_in_1_sam_13_5_plausible.htm">Is the figure of thirty thousand chariots in 1 Samuel 13:5 historically plausible for the Philistines at that time? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Like grasshoppers.</span>--Comp. <a href="/judges/6-5.htm" title="For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.">Judges 6:5</a>; <a href="/context/numbers/22-4.htm" title="And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.">Numbers 22:4-5</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Their camels.</span>--Which constitute the chief wealth of Arab tribes. "The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah" (<a href="/isaiah/60-6.htm" title="The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD.">Isaiah 60:6</a>).<p><span class= "bld">As the sand.</span>--See <a href="/joshua/11-4.htm" title="And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is on the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.">Joshua 11:4</a>, and frequently in the Bible. (See <a href="/genesis/22-17.htm" title="That in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is on the sea shore; and your seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;">Genesis 22:17</a>; <a href="/isaiah/48-19.htm" title="Your seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of your bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.">Isaiah 48:19</a>, &c.) . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/7-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now the Midianites,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִדְיָ֨ן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·miḏ·yān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> </span><span class="str2">Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Amalekites,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲמָלֵ֤ק</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·mā·lêq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6002.htm">Strong's 6002: </a> </span><span class="str2">Amalek -- a descendant of Esau, also his posterity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the other people</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the East</span><br /><span class="heb">קֶ֙דֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(qe·ḏem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6924.htm">Strong's 6924: </a> </span><span class="str2">The front, of place, time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had settled</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹפְלִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(nō·p̄ə·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the valley</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּעֵ֔מֶק</span> <span class="translit">(bā·‘ê·meq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6010.htm">Strong's 6010: </a> </span><span class="str2">A vale</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a swarm of</span><br /><span class="heb">לָרֹ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(lā·rōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> </span><span class="str2">Multitude, abundance, greatness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">locusts,</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּאַרְבֶּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(kā·’ar·beh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_697.htm">Strong's 697: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a kind of) locust</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and their camels</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִגְמַלֵּיהֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·liḡ·mal·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1581.htm">Strong's 1581: </a> </span><span class="str2">A camel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were as innumerable</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as the sand</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּח֛וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(ka·ḥō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2344.htm">Strong's 2344: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁעַל־</span> <span class="translit">(še·‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the seashore.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/7-12.htm">OT History: Judges 7:12 The Midianites and the Amalekites and all (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/7-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 7:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 7:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/7-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 7:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 7:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>