Message Notes

PREPARATION FOR BATTLE
Judges 7:1-8

1. 1. Many had volunteered to battle the Midianites Judges 7:1

2. The Lord’s Evaluation

a) Too many had enlisted Judges 7:2a

b) Israel would claim glory in victory Judges 7:2b

3. An alternative offered

a) The fearful may return home Judges 7:3a
22,000 people responded and returned home Judges 7:3b

b) A test
i) Those who lapped water using their hands Judges 7:4-5

ii) Those who dropped to their knees to drink Judges 7:5b

4. Number of soldiers selected

a) Only 300 lapped Judges 7:7

b) A very small army

c) God would use this small army to bring about victory for Israel

THE FIRST BATTLE
Judges 7:9-25

1. God’s leading Judges 7:9-11

a) Battle instructions

b) Word of encouragement

2. Battle nerves

a) The Midianite army was huge Judges 7:12

b) Joshua and Purah (aide) would do a quick recce

c) They learned that the Midianites feared Gideon Judges 7:13-14

3. Response of Gideon

a) Worship Judges 7:15

b) Organised his band of 300 men Judges 7:16-22

4. Great victory

a) The Midianites were defeated in battle

b) Israel joined in the battle Judges 7:23-24

i) Naphthali

ii) Asher

iii) Manasseh

iv) Ephraim