Gideon and his men were camped at the spring of Harod, where the 135,000-strong army of the Midianites were just north of them. Gideon’s men of 32,000 was no match against them. However, God said, “You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel might boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’
The Lord told Gideon to let anyone who trembled with fear to go home, and 22,000 men did exactly that. But God said this so that Israel may not become arrogant and proud, as if they gained victory on their own.
Now 10,000 remained, but God said, “there are still too many men.” He commanded Gideon to take the men to the water, and guided him to choose according to how the men drank water. 300 men who lapped water like dogs were set aside, and the remainder were told to go home. The Lord told Gideon that he will use these 300 men to win over the Midianites. That means one warrior for every 450 Midianites! This message cannot be comprehended with human logic.
Despite the irrational setup, the number of people was not so important as to having or not having God on their side. Gideon and 300 warriors gained victory because God gave wisdom and protection every step of the way. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) He was on their side!
Why, out of all standards, did the Lord choose His fighters according to how they drank water? We must find the deeper meaning in this. God chose the people who did not lose their posture and attitude as the army of God in the midst of urgency. Drinking water is a daily activity that we don’t even think twice about, but God is looking closely everyday – at our lives, attitude and the little things we do. Are we committed even to the small things? Is our heart pure even in matters that do not seem to matter?
Not by human power and wisdom but by God’s spirit and power, the Midianites were given into the hands of Gideon and 300 warriors. God doesn’t need a giant army to do His work and fight His battles. Rather, He is searching for that one godly man trained in Word and prayer, courageous in faith, and spiritually awake. May our prayer seek to be that very warrior of faith whom God will use for His battles in this generation. Amen.
By Bible Portal