What does Judges 7:17 mean?
Gideon is giving instructions to his 300 men about how they will attack the Midianite camp in the valley below (Judges 7:1) He has given to each a ram's horn trumpet and a clay pitcher with a torch inside of it (Judges 7:16). Now he tells them to look at him and do as he does; this probably means Gideon was demonstrating what he wanted the men to do when he gives the signal. They will take positions all around the outskirts of the Midianite camp (Judges 7:18). When he blows his trumpet, smashes his pitcher, and shouts, they should do the same.As the following passage demonstrates, this surprise "attack" will have devastating results. It will throw the enemy into a panic and result in a complete victory for Israel (Judges 7:19–23).
Judges 7:1–18 begins with Gideon and his large company of Israelite volunteers setting up camp in the hills just a few miles from the Midianite camp in the valley below. God gives Gideon two tests to reduce the number of his troops until only 300 are left. God tells Gideon to spy on the Midianite camp, where he overhears a conversation which bolsters his faith. Gideon returns to his camp and prepares for the attack that night. He gives his men torches concealed in clay jars, as well as trumpets.
Gideon and his 32,000–man army of volunteer Israelites camp in the hills above the Midianite invaders in the valley. The Lord tells Gideon to reduce his troops until only 300 remain. God allows Gideon to overhear the interpretation of a Midianite dream, an event that strengthens his faith. Gideon and his 300 men take positions around the Midianite camp and blow trumpets, hold up torches, and shout battle cries. Those in the camp panic and begin attacking each other. The survivors flee toward the Jordan but are eventually cut off.
