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But if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/7-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/07_Jdg_07_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 7:4 - Gideon's Army of Three Hundred" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the LORD said to Gideon, There are still too many people. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go. 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Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, &#8216This one shall go with you,&#8217 he shall go; but if I say, &#8216This one shall not go with you,&#8217 he shall not go.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> But the LORD told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.” <a href="/esv/judges/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the LORD said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ shall not go.” <a href="/bsb/judges/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” <a href="/kjv/judges/7.htm">King James Bible</a> And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. <a href="/nkjv/judges/7.htm">New King James Version</a> But the LORD said to Gideon, “The people are still too many; bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. Then it will be, that of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ the same shall go with you; and of whomever I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ the same shall not go.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “The people are still too many; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there. So it shall be that he of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go with you; but everyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” <a href="/nasb/judges/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, &#8220The people are still too many; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there. Therefore it shall be that he of whom I say to you, &#8216This one shall go with you,&#8217 he shall go with you; but everyone of whom I say to you, &#8216This one shall not go with you,&#8217 he shall not go.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “The people are still too many; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there. Therefore it shall be that he of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go with you; but everyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” <a href="/lsb/judges/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Yahweh said to Gideon, “The people are still too many; bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. And it will be that he of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go with you; but everyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” <a href="/amp/judges/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many people; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there. Therefore it shall be that he of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go with you; but everyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” <a href="/csb/judges/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many troops. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one can go with you,’ he can go. But if I say about anyone, ‘This one cannot go with you,’ he cannot go.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, &#8220There are still too many people. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. If I say to you, &#8216This one can go with you,&#8217 he can go. But if I say about anyone, &#8216This one cannot go with you,&#8217 he cannot go.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. <a href="/cev/judges/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Gideon," the LORD said, "you still have too many soldiers. Take them down to the spring and I'll test them. I'll tell you which ones can go along with you and which ones must go back home." <a href="/erv/judges/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. <a href="/gwt/judges/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. If I say to you, 'This one will go with you,' he must go with you. And if I say to you, 'This one won't go with you,' he must not go." <a href="/gnt/judges/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, "You still have too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will separate them for you there. If I tell you a man should go with you, he will go. If I tell you a man should not go with you, he will not go." <a href="/isv/judges/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> "There are still too many soldiers," the LORD told Gideon. "Bring them down to the water and I'll refine them for you there. Therefore when I say to you, 'This one will be going with you,' he'll go with you, but no one may go about whom I tell you, 'This one won't be going with you.'" <a href="/msb/judges/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, ?There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ?This one shall go with you,? he shall go. But if I say, ?This one shall not go with you,? he shall not go.? <a href="/net/judges/7.htm">NET Bible</a> The LORD spoke to Gideon again, "There are still too many men. Bring them down to the water and I will thin the ranks some more. When I say, 'This one should go with you,' pick him to go; when I say, 'This one should not go with you,' do not take him." <a href="/nheb/judges/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The LORD said to Gideon, "The people are yet too many; bring them down to the water, and I will try them for you there: and it shall be, that of whom I tell you, This shall go with you, the same shall go with you; and of whoever I tell you, This shall not go with you, the same shall not go. <a href="/wbt/judges/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD said to Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down to the water, and I will try them for thee there; and it shall be, that of whom I say to thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say to thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. <a href="/web/judges/7.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh said to Gideon, “There are still too many people. Bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. It shall be, that those whom I tell you, ‘This shall go with you,’ shall go with you; and whoever I tell you, ‘This shall not go with you,’ shall not go.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And YHWH says to Gideon, “The people [are] yet too many; bring them down to the water, and I refine him for you there; and it has been, he of whom I say to you, This goes with you—he goes with you; and any of whom I say to you, This does not go with you—he does not go.” <a href="/ylt/judges/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah saith unto Gideon, 'Yet are the people too many; bring them down unto the water, and I refine it for thee there; and it hath been, he of whom I say unto thee, This doth go with thee -- he doth go with thee; and any of whom I say unto thee, This doth not go with thee -- he doth not go.' <a href="/slt/judges/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah will say to Gideon, Yet the people many; bring them down to the waters, and I will purify them for thee there; and it shall be of whom saying to thee, This shall go with thee, he shall go with thee; and all which saying to thee, This shall not go with thee, he shall not go.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord said to Gedeon: The people are still too many, bring them to the waters, and there I will try them: and of whom I shall say to thee, This shall go with thee, let him go: whom I shall forbid to go, let him return. <a href="/cpdv/judges/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Lord said to Gideon: “The people are still too many. Lead them to the waters, and there I will test them. And those about whom I tell you that he may go with you, let him go; he whom I shall forbid to go, let him return.” <a href="/nabre/judges/7.htm">New American Bible</a> The LORD said to Gideon: There are still too many soldiers. Lead them down to the water and I will test them for you there. If I tell you that a certain man is to go with you, he must go with you. But no one is to go if I tell you he must not. <a href="/nrsvce/judges/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the LORD said to Gideon, “The troops are still too many; take them down to the water and I will sift them out for you there. When I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go with you; and when I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD said to Gideon, The people are still too many; bring them down to the water, and I will try them for you there; and it shall be that he of whom I say to you, This one shall go with you, the same shall go with you; and of whomsoever I say to you, This one shall not go with you, the same shall not go. <a href="/hpbt/judges/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH said to Gedun: “Still this people is too many. Send them down into the water and I shall test them for you there, and whomever I will tell you, ‘He shall go with you,’ he shall go with you, and whomever I say to you, ‘He shall not go with you’, he shall not go with you”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD said unto Gideon: 'The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there; and it shall be, that of whom I say to thee: This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee: This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.' <a href="/sep/judges/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the Lord said to Gedeon, The people is yet numerous; bring them down to the water, and I will purge them there for thee: and it shall come to pass that of whomsoever I shall say to thee, This one shall go with thee, even he shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I shall say to thee, This one shall not go with thee, even he shall not go with thee. <a href="/parallel/judges/7-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=1953" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/7.htm">Gideon's Army of Three Hundred</a> …3Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’ ” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. 4<a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1439.htm" title="1439: giḏ·‘ō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A judge of Isr. From gada'; feller; Gidon, an Israelite.">Gideon,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">“There are still</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rāḇ (Adj-ms) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">too many</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: hō·w·rêḏ (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">Take them down</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ham·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">the water,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6884.htm" title="6884: wə·’eṣ·rə·p̄en·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.h-1cs:: 3mse) -- To smelt, refine, test. A primitive root; to fuse, i.e. Refine.">and I will sift them</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">for you</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I say</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">‘This one</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">shall go</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tāḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with you,’</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">he shall go.</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tāḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵōl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">But</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">‘This one</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">go</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·māḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with you,’</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">shall not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yê·lêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">go.”</a> 5So Gideon brought the people down to the water, and the LORD said to him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel to drink.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6</a> Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a> But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a> So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1-4</a> When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. / When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, / saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. ... <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a> And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” <a href="/isaiah/41-14.htm">Isaiah 41:14-16</a> Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. / Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. / You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel. <a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a> But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” <a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">2 Chronicles 20:15-17</a> And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. / Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. / You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? <a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16-17</a> No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. <a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm">Isaiah 30:15</a> For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.” <a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32-34</a> And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. <a href="/joshua/23-10.htm">Joshua 23:10</a> One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised. <a href="/matthew/19-26.htm">Matthew 19:26</a> Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the LORD said to Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down to the water, and I will try them for you there: and it shall be, that of whom I say to you, This shall go with you, the same shall go with you; and of whomsoever I say to you, This shall not go with you, the same shall not go.people<a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16</a> There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.I will<a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Genesis 22:1</a> And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.<a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a> But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/6-39.htm">Test</a> <a href="/judges/3-1.htm">Try</a> <a href="/judges/6-38.htm">Water</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-4.htm">Whomsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">Test</a> <a href="/judges/19-13.htm">Try</a> <a href="/judges/7-5.htm">Water</a> <a href="/judges/11-24.htm">Whomsoever</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 7</div>1. <a href="/judges/7-1.htm">Gideon's army of thirty-two thousand is brought to three hundred</a> 9. <a href="/judges/7-9.htm">He is encouraged by the dream and interpretation of the burley cake</a> 16. <a href="/judges/7-16.htm">His plan of trumpets and lamps in pitchers</a> 24. <a href="/judges/7-24.htm">The Ephraimites take Oreb and Zeeb</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Then the LORD said to Gideon, This phrase highlights the direct communication between God and Gideon, emphasizing the personal relationship and divine guidance provided to the leaders of Israel. It reflects the theocratic nature of Israel during the time of the Judges, where God directly intervened in the affairs of His people. This divine communication is consistent with other instances in the Old Testament where God speaks to His chosen leaders, such as Moses (<a href="/exodus/3-4.htm">Exodus 3:4</a>) and Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/3-10.htm">1 Samuel 3:10</a>).“There are still too many men. God's statement underscores the principle that victory comes not by human strength or numbers but by divine power. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6</a>, where Jonathan declares that the LORD can save "by many or by few." It also prefigures the New Testament teaching that God's power is made perfect in weakness (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>).Take them down to the water, The water serves as a place of testing and separation. In biblical symbolism, water often represents purification and testing (e.g., the crossing of the Red Sea in <a href="/exodus/14.htm">Exodus 14</a> and the Jordan River in <a href="/joshua/3.htm">Joshua 3</a>). This setting provides a practical means for God to demonstrate His sovereignty in choosing the right men for the task.and I will sift them for you there. The sifting process indicates a divine selection, separating those who are fit for battle from those who are not. This echoes the idea of God refining His people, as seen in passages like <a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Malachi 3:3</a>, where God is described as a refiner and purifier. It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of God testing and refining believers (<a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a>).If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. This phrase emphasizes obedience to God's specific instructions. It reflects the necessity of following divine guidance without question, a principle seen throughout Scripture, such as in the call of Abraham (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-4</a>) and the instructions given to Joshua (<a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7-9</a>).But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” The exclusion of certain men highlights God's sovereign choice and the importance of reliance on His wisdom rather than human judgment. This principle is mirrored in the New Testament, where Jesus chooses His disciples (<a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a>) and where believers are reminded that God’s ways are higher than human ways (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon</a> A judge of Israel chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who guides and directs Gideon in the battle against the Midianites, emphasizing His sovereignty and power. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_water_test.htm">The Water Test</a> A divine method used by God to reduce Gideon's army, ensuring that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. 4. <a href="/topical/m/midianites.htm">Midianites</a> The oppressive enemy of Israel during Gideon's time, representing the challenges and adversities faced by the Israelites. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_army_of_israel.htm">The Army of Israel</a> Initially large, but reduced by God to ensure that the victory would demonstrate His power and not human might.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_selection_and_sovereignty.htm">Divine Selection and Sovereignty</a> God chooses and equips those He calls, often in ways that defy human logic. Trust in His selection process, even when it seems counterintuitive. <a href="/topical/f/faith_over_numbers.htm">Faith Over Numbers</a> Success in God's kingdom is not determined by numbers or human strength but by faith and obedience to His commands. <a href="/topical/t/testing_and_refinement.htm">Testing and Refinement</a> God often tests and refines His people to prepare them for His purposes. Embrace these times as opportunities for growth and reliance on Him. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_voice.htm">Obedience to God's Voice</a> Like Gideon, we must be attentive and obedient to God's instructions, trusting His wisdom over our understanding. <a href="/topical/g/god's_glory_in_our_weakness.htm">God's Glory in Our Weakness</a> God uses our weaknesses to display His glory. Be willing to step out in faith, knowing that His power is made perfect in our limitations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 7</a> <a href="/q/could_300_men_chase_thousands_alone.htm">Judges 8:4-5: Could 300 men realistically pursue thousands of Midianites without proper resources or logistical support?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_judges_7_contradict_1_chron_21.htm">Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?</a> <a href="/q/judges_12_1-7__unity_or_conflict.htm">Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_overcoming_shyness.htm">What does the Bible say about overcoming shyness?</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>(4) The people are yet too many.--A fresh trial of faith; but small numbers were essential for the method of victory by which God intended that the deliverance should be achieved.Unto the water.--i.e., to the spring of Harod.I will try them.--The LXX. render it (Cod. Vat.), "I will purge them," as gold from dross, and this is the literal sense of the word (<a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm" title="And I will turn my hand on you, and purely purge away your dross, and take away all your tin:">Isaiah 1:25</a>; <a href="/isaiah/48-10.htm" title="Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.">Isaiah 48:10</a>). <a href="/commentaries/judges/7-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then ה֚וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Gideon, גִּדְע֗וֹן (giḏ·‘ō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1439.htm">Strong's 1439: </a> Gideon -- a judge of Israel “There are still עוֹד֮ (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more too many רָב֒ (rāḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great people. הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Take them down הוֹרֵ֤ד (hō·w·rêḏ) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the water, הַמַּ֔יִם (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> Water, juice, urine, semen and I will sift them וְאֶצְרְפֶ֥נּוּ (wə·’eṣ·rə·p̄en·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6884.htm">Strong's 6884: </a> To smelt, refine, test for you לְךָ֖ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> there. שָׁ֑ם (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither If אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I say אֹמַ֨ר (’ō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to you, אֵלֶ֜יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to ‘This [one] זֶ֣ה ׀ (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that shall go יֵלֵ֣ךְ (yê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk with you,’ אִתָּ֗ךְ (’it·tāḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among he shall go. יֵלֵ֣ךְ (yê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk But if אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I say, אֹמַ֜ר (’ō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘This [one] זֶ֚ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that shall not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no go יֵלֵ֣ךְ (yê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk with you,’ עִמָּ֔ךְ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with he ה֖וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are shall not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no go.? יֵלֵֽךְ׃ (yê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/7-4.htm">Judges 7:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/7-4.htm">OT History: Judges 7:4 Yahweh said to Gideon The people (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/7-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 7:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 7:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/7-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 7:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 7:5" /></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>