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Chapter 7
1
Jerubbaal It appears that Jerubbaal had now become the surname of Gideon. He is mentioned by Sanchoniathon, quoted by Eusebius, who lived in the reign of Ithobal, king of Tyre, and consequently a little after the time of Gideon, by the name of Jerombalus, a priest of Jeuo or Jao. Judg 6:32
rose up Gen 22:3; Josh 3:1, Josh 6:12; Eccl 9:10
Moreh Gen 12:6
2
too many 1Sam 14:6; 2Chr 14:11; Zech 4:6, Zech 12:7; 1Cor 1:27-29, 1Cor 2:4-5; 2Cor 4:7; 2Cor 10:4-5
Israel Deut 32:27; Isa 2:11, Isa 2:17; Jer 9:23; Rom 3:27, Rom 11:18; 1Cor 1:29; Eph 2:9; Jas 4:6
Mine own Deut 8:17; Isa 10:13; Ezek 28:2, Ezek 28:17; Dan 4:30; Hab 1:16
3
Whosoever Deut 20:8; Matt 13:21; Luke 14:25-33; Rev 17:14, Rev 21:8
mount Gilead Gideon was certainly not at mount Gilead, east of Jordan at this time; but rather near mount Gilboa, west of Jordan. Calmet thinks there must either have been two Gileads, which does not appear from Scripture to have been the case, or that the Hebrew Text is corrupt, and that for Gilead we should read Gilboa. This reading, though adopted by Houbigant, is not confirmed by an manuscript or version. Dr. Hales endeavours to reconcile the whole, by the supposition that in Gideon's army there were many eastern Manassites from mount Gilead, near the Midianites; and therefore proposes to read, "Whosoever from mount Gilead is fearful and afraid, let him return (home) and depart early."
twenty Matt 20:16
4
people Ps 33:16
I will Gen 22:1; 1Sam 16:7; Job 23:10; Ps 7:9, Ps 66:10; Jer 6:27-30; Mal 3:2-3
5
lappeth The original word yalok, is precisely the sound which the dog makes in lapping. It appears that it is not unusual for the Arabs to drink water out of the palms of their hands; and, from this account, we learn that the Israelites did so occasionally. Dr. A. Clarke, in his edition of Harmer, has presented us with the following curious manuscript note from Dr. Russell. "When they take water with the palms of their hands, they naturally place themselves on their hams, to be nearer the water; but when they drink from a pitcher or gourd, fresh filled, they do not sit down on purpose to drink, but drink standing, and very often put the sleeve of their shirt over the mouth of the vessel, by way of strainer, lest small leeches might have been taken up with the water. For the same reason they often prefer taking the water with the palm of the hand to lapping it from the surface." From the letters of Busbequius we learn, that the Eastern people are not in the habit of drinking standing. The 300 men, who satisfied their thirst in the most expeditious manner, by this sufficiently indicated their spirit, and alacrity to follow Gideon in his dangerous enterprise; while the rest shewed their love of ease, self-indulgence, effeminacy, and want of courage. Judg 7:5
7
Judg 7:18-22; 1Sam 14:6; Isa 41:14-16
8
trumpets Judg 3:27; Lev 23:24, Lev 25:9; Num 10:9; Josh 6:4, Josh 6:20; Isa 27:13; 1Cor 15:52
in the valley Judg 6:33
9
the same Gen 46:2-3; Job 4:13, Job 33:15-16; Matt 1:20, Matt 2:13; Acts 18:9-10, Acts 27:23
Arise Josh 1:5-9; Isa 41:10-16, Isa 43:1-2
I have delivered Judg 3:10, Judg 3:28, Judg 4:14-15; 2Chr 16:8-9, 2Chr 20:17
10
Judg 4:8-9; Exod 4:10-14
11
thou shalt Judg 7:13-15; Gen 24:14; 1Sam 14:8, 1Sam 14:12
thine hands 1Sam 23:16; Ezra 6:22; Neh 6:9; Isa 35:3-4; 2Cor 12:9-10; Eph 3:16; Eph 6:10; Phil 4:13
armed men or, ranks by five, Exod 13:18 *marg.
12
the Midianites Judg 6:3, Judg 6:5, Judg 6:33; 1Kgs 4:30
grasshoppers Judg 8:10; 2Chr 14:9-12; Ps 3:1, Ps 33:16, Ps 118:10-12; Isa 8:9-10
13
a cake Judg 3:15, Judg 3:31, Judg 4:9, Judg 4:21, Judg 6:15; Isa 41:14-15; 1Cor 1:27
14
his fellow Num 22:38, Num 23:5, Num 23:20, Num 24:10-13; Job 1:10
into his hand Exod 15:14-15; Josh 2:9, Josh 2:24, Josh 5:1; 2Kgs 7:6-7
15
interpretation thereof Heb. breaking thereof, Gen 40:8, Gen 41:11
worshipped Gen 24:26-27, Gen 24:48; Exod 4:30-31; 2Chr 20:18-19
Arise Judg 4:14; 2Cor 10:4-6
16
three companies This small number of men, thus divided, would be able to encompass the whole camp of the Midianites. Concealing the lamps in the pitchers, they would pass unobserved to their appointed stations; then, in the dead of the night, when most of the enemy were fast asleep, all at once breaking their pitchers one against another, with as much noise as they could, and blowing the trumpets and shouting; they would occasion an exceedingly great alarm. The obedience of faith alone could have induced such an expedient, which no doubt God directed Gideon to employ. - Scott.
a trumpet Heb. trumpets in the hand of all of them
empty 2Cor 4:7
lamps or, fire-brands, or torches
17
Judg 9:48; Matt 16:24; 1Cor 11:1; Heb 13:7; 1Pet 5:3
18
blow ye Judg 7:20
the sword The word cherev, "sword," necessarily implied, and rightly supplied by our venerable translators from Judg 7:20, is found in this place, in the Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, and in eight manuscripts; and evidently appears to be genuine. 1Sam 17:47; 2Chr 20:15-17
19
in the beginning Exod 14:24; Matt 25:6; 1Thess 5:2; Rev 16:15
they blew Judg 7:8
brake Judg 7:16; Ps 2:9; Jer 13:13-14, Jer 19:1-11
20
blew How astonishing and overwhelming must the effect be, in a dark night, of the sudden glare of 300 torches, darting their splendour in the same instant on the half-awakened eyes of the terrified Midianites; accompanied with the clangor of 300 trumpets, alternately mingled with the thundering shout of cherav yehovah oolegidon, "The sword of Jehovah and of Gideon!" Num 10:1-10; Josh 6:4, Josh 6:16, Josh 6:20; Isa 27:13; 1Cor 15:52; 1Thess 4:16
brake 2Cor 4:7; Heb 11:4; 2Pet 1:15
21
stood Exod 14:13-14; 2Chr 20:17; Isa 30:7, Isa 30:15
all the host Exod 14:25; 2Kgs 7:6-7; Job 15:21-22; Prov 28:1
22
blew Josh 6:4, Josh 6:16, Josh 6:20; 2Cor 4:7
the Lord 1Sam 14:16-20; 2Chr 20:23; Ps 83:9; Isa 9:4, Isa 19:2
in or, toward
Zererath Probably the same as Zartanah. 1Kgs 4:12
border Heb. lip
Abelmeholah Situated, according to Eusebius 16 miles south from Scythopolis, or Bethshan. 1Kgs 4:12, 1Kgs 19:16
Tabbath Probably the town of Οηβης, mentioned by Eusebius, 13 miles from Neapolis, or Shechem, towards Scythopolis.
23
Judg 6:35; 1Sam 14:21-22
24
sent Judg 3:27; Rom 15:30; Phil 1:27
take before Judg 3:28, Judg 12:5
Bethbarah Probably the same as Betha-bara, beyond Jordan, and at the ford where the Hebrews passed under the direction of Joshua. John 1:28
25
two princes Judg 8:3; Ps 83:11-12
rock Josh 7:26; Isa 10:26
Oreb Eusebius and Jerome speak of a small place called Araba, three miles west from Scythopolis, which is supposed by some to have had its name from Oreb.
and brought Among ancient nations, the head of the conquered chief was usually brought to the conqueror. Thus Pompey's head was brought to Cesar, Cicero's head to Mark Anthony, and the heads of Ahab's children to Jehu. These barbarities are seldom practised now, except among the Mahommedans, or the savages of Africa and America; and for the credit of human nature, it is to be wished that such atrocities had never been committed.
on the other side The words maiaiver lyyarden, may denote at the passage of Jordan, or from beyond Jordan. Gideon does not appear to have yet passed the Jordan. Judg 8:4
1
Jerubbaal It appears that Jerubbaal had now become the surname of Gideon. He is mentioned by Sanchoniathon, quoted by Eusebius, who lived in the reign of Ithobal, king of Tyre, and consequently a little after the time of Gideon, by the name of Jerombalus, a priest of Jeuo or Jao. Judg 6:32
rose up Gen 22:3; Josh 3:1, Josh 6:12; Eccl 9:10
Moreh Gen 12:6
2
too many 1Sam 14:6; 2Chr 14:11; Zech 4:6, Zech 12:7; 1Cor 1:27-29, 1Cor 2:4-5; 2Cor 4:7; 2Cor 10:4-5
Israel Deut 32:27; Isa 2:11, Isa 2:17; Jer 9:23; Rom 3:27, Rom 11:18; 1Cor 1:29; Eph 2:9; Jas 4:6
Mine own Deut 8:17; Isa 10:13; Ezek 28:2, Ezek 28:17; Dan 4:30; Hab 1:16
3
Whosoever Deut 20:8; Matt 13:21; Luke 14:25-33; Rev 17:14, Rev 21:8
mount Gilead Gideon was certainly not at mount Gilead, east of Jordan at this time; but rather near mount Gilboa, west of Jordan. Calmet thinks there must either have been two Gileads, which does not appear from Scripture to have been the case, or that the Hebrew Text is corrupt, and that for Gilead we should read Gilboa. This reading, though adopted by Houbigant, is not confirmed by an manuscript or version. Dr. Hales endeavours to reconcile the whole, by the supposition that in Gideon's army there were many eastern Manassites from mount Gilead, near the Midianites; and therefore proposes to read, "Whosoever from mount Gilead is fearful and afraid, let him return (home) and depart early."
twenty Matt 20:16
4
people Ps 33:16
I will Gen 22:1; 1Sam 16:7; Job 23:10; Ps 7:9, Ps 66:10; Jer 6:27-30; Mal 3:2-3
5
lappeth The original word yalok, is precisely the sound which the dog makes in lapping. It appears that it is not unusual for the Arabs to drink water out of the palms of their hands; and, from this account, we learn that the Israelites did so occasionally. Dr. A. Clarke, in his edition of Harmer, has presented us with the following curious manuscript note from Dr. Russell. "When they take water with the palms of their hands, they naturally place themselves on their hams, to be nearer the water; but when they drink from a pitcher or gourd, fresh filled, they do not sit down on purpose to drink, but drink standing, and very often put the sleeve of their shirt over the mouth of the vessel, by way of strainer, lest small leeches might have been taken up with the water. For the same reason they often prefer taking the water with the palm of the hand to lapping it from the surface." From the letters of Busbequius we learn, that the Eastern people are not in the habit of drinking standing. The 300 men, who satisfied their thirst in the most expeditious manner, by this sufficiently indicated their spirit, and alacrity to follow Gideon in his dangerous enterprise; while the rest shewed their love of ease, self-indulgence, effeminacy, and want of courage. Judg 7:5
7
Judg 7:18-22; 1Sam 14:6; Isa 41:14-16
8
trumpets Judg 3:27; Lev 23:24, Lev 25:9; Num 10:9; Josh 6:4, Josh 6:20; Isa 27:13; 1Cor 15:52
in the valley Judg 6:33
9
the same Gen 46:2-3; Job 4:13, Job 33:15-16; Matt 1:20, Matt 2:13; Acts 18:9-10, Acts 27:23
Arise Josh 1:5-9; Isa 41:10-16, Isa 43:1-2
I have delivered Judg 3:10, Judg 3:28, Judg 4:14-15; 2Chr 16:8-9, 2Chr 20:17
10
Judg 4:8-9; Exod 4:10-14
11
thou shalt Judg 7:13-15; Gen 24:14; 1Sam 14:8, 1Sam 14:12
thine hands 1Sam 23:16; Ezra 6:22; Neh 6:9; Isa 35:3-4; 2Cor 12:9-10; Eph 3:16; Eph 6:10; Phil 4:13
armed men or, ranks by five, Exod 13:18 *marg.
12
the Midianites Judg 6:3, Judg 6:5, Judg 6:33; 1Kgs 4:30
grasshoppers Judg 8:10; 2Chr 14:9-12; Ps 3:1, Ps 33:16, Ps 118:10-12; Isa 8:9-10
13
a cake Judg 3:15, Judg 3:31, Judg 4:9, Judg 4:21, Judg 6:15; Isa 41:14-15; 1Cor 1:27
14
his fellow Num 22:38, Num 23:5, Num 23:20, Num 24:10-13; Job 1:10
into his hand Exod 15:14-15; Josh 2:9, Josh 2:24, Josh 5:1; 2Kgs 7:6-7
15
interpretation thereof Heb. breaking thereof, Gen 40:8, Gen 41:11
worshipped Gen 24:26-27, Gen 24:48; Exod 4:30-31; 2Chr 20:18-19
Arise Judg 4:14; 2Cor 10:4-6
16
three companies This small number of men, thus divided, would be able to encompass the whole camp of the Midianites. Concealing the lamps in the pitchers, they would pass unobserved to their appointed stations; then, in the dead of the night, when most of the enemy were fast asleep, all at once breaking their pitchers one against another, with as much noise as they could, and blowing the trumpets and shouting; they would occasion an exceedingly great alarm. The obedience of faith alone could have induced such an expedient, which no doubt God directed Gideon to employ. - Scott.
a trumpet Heb. trumpets in the hand of all of them
empty 2Cor 4:7
lamps or, fire-brands, or torches
17
Judg 9:48; Matt 16:24; 1Cor 11:1; Heb 13:7; 1Pet 5:3
18
blow ye Judg 7:20
the sword The word cherev, "sword," necessarily implied, and rightly supplied by our venerable translators from Judg 7:20, is found in this place, in the Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic, and in eight manuscripts; and evidently appears to be genuine. 1Sam 17:47; 2Chr 20:15-17
19
in the beginning Exod 14:24; Matt 25:6; 1Thess 5:2; Rev 16:15
they blew Judg 7:8
brake Judg 7:16; Ps 2:9; Jer 13:13-14, Jer 19:1-11
20
blew How astonishing and overwhelming must the effect be, in a dark night, of the sudden glare of 300 torches, darting their splendour in the same instant on the half-awakened eyes of the terrified Midianites; accompanied with the clangor of 300 trumpets, alternately mingled with the thundering shout of cherav yehovah oolegidon, "The sword of Jehovah and of Gideon!" Num 10:1-10; Josh 6:4, Josh 6:16, Josh 6:20; Isa 27:13; 1Cor 15:52; 1Thess 4:16
brake 2Cor 4:7; Heb 11:4; 2Pet 1:15
21
stood Exod 14:13-14; 2Chr 20:17; Isa 30:7, Isa 30:15
all the host Exod 14:25; 2Kgs 7:6-7; Job 15:21-22; Prov 28:1
22
blew Josh 6:4, Josh 6:16, Josh 6:20; 2Cor 4:7
the Lord 1Sam 14:16-20; 2Chr 20:23; Ps 83:9; Isa 9:4, Isa 19:2
in or, toward
Zererath Probably the same as Zartanah. 1Kgs 4:12
border Heb. lip
Abelmeholah Situated, according to Eusebius 16 miles south from Scythopolis, or Bethshan. 1Kgs 4:12, 1Kgs 19:16
Tabbath Probably the town of Οηβης, mentioned by Eusebius, 13 miles from Neapolis, or Shechem, towards Scythopolis.
23
Judg 6:35; 1Sam 14:21-22
24
sent Judg 3:27; Rom 15:30; Phil 1:27
take before Judg 3:28, Judg 12:5
Bethbarah Probably the same as Betha-bara, beyond Jordan, and at the ford where the Hebrews passed under the direction of Joshua. John 1:28
25
two princes Judg 8:3; Ps 83:11-12
rock Josh 7:26; Isa 10:26
Oreb Eusebius and Jerome speak of a small place called Araba, three miles west from Scythopolis, which is supposed by some to have had its name from Oreb.
and brought Among ancient nations, the head of the conquered chief was usually brought to the conqueror. Thus Pompey's head was brought to Cesar, Cicero's head to Mark Anthony, and the heads of Ahab's children to Jehu. These barbarities are seldom practised now, except among the Mahommedans, or the savages of Africa and America; and for the credit of human nature, it is to be wished that such atrocities had never been committed.
on the other side The words maiaiver lyyarden, may denote at the passage of Jordan, or from beyond Jordan. Gideon does not appear to have yet passed the Jordan. Judg 8:4