Judges 7:12
And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.
Judges 7:12 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude." describes the size and strength of the opposing forces faced by the Israelites. The mention of the multitude of the Midianites, Amalekites, and the children of the east emphasizes the overwhelming number of enemies the Israelites were up against. The comparison to grasshoppers and the vast number of camels, likened to the sand by the sea side, illustrates the sheer magnitude of the opposing army. This verse highlights the formidable challenge the Israelites had to confront in order to emerge victorious in battle. It serves as a reminder of the immense odds they faced and the faith and courage required to overcome such daunting obstacles. Overall, this verse underscores the magnitude of the threat faced by the Israelites and sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in the following chapters.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the Midianites, the Amalekites, and all the children of the east are portrayed as numerous as grasshoppers in the valley, with camels that were without number, comparable to the multitude of sand by the sea. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the overwhelming force and size of the enemies that the Israelites were faced with. The comparison to grasshoppers and sand highlights the seemingly insurmountable odds that the Israelites were up against. The mention of camels, which were valuable assets in ancient times for trade and warfare, further adds to the sense of the enemy's strength and resources.
Word studies in this verse can provide insight into the imagery used to describe the vast number of the enemies. For example, the term "grasshoppers" may signify the agility and swiftness of the enemy forces, while the reference to camels could symbolize their resilience and endurance in battle. By examining the language used in this verse, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the formidable challenge that confronted the Israelites and the need for divine intervention to overcome it.
Judges 7:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is upon the sea-shore for multitude.
World English Bible
The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is on the seashore for multitude.
Douay-Rheims
But Madian and Amalec, and all the eastern people, lay scattered in the valley, as a multitude of locusts: their camels also were innumerable, as the sand that lieth on the sea shore.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Midianites, and the Amalekites and all they of the East, lay in the valley like grashoppers in multitude, and their camels were without nomber, as the sande which is by the sea side for multitude.