Judges 7:20
And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
Judges 7:20 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Judges describes a pivotal moment in the story of Gideon and the Israelites as they prepare to fight against the Midianites. Gideon led an army of just three hundred men to face a much larger enemy force. In a strategic move, Gideon divided his men into three groups, each carrying a trumpet, a pitcher, and a lamp. At Gideon's command, they all blew their trumpets simultaneously, broke their pitchers to reveal the lamps inside, and shouted, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!" This action created confusion and fear among the Midianites, who thought they were surrounded by a much larger force. The verse underscores the importance of faith in God and the power of divine intervention in times of battle. It serves as a reminder that victory does not always come from sheer numbers or military strength, but from faith, courage, and obedience to God's commands.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse highlights the symbolism present in the actions of the three companies under Gideon's leadership. The blowing of the trumpets, breaking of the pitchers, and holding of the lamps represents the breaking of the vessels to reveal the light within. This can be seen as a metaphor for how God uses ordinary, broken vessels (like Gideon and his men) to shine His light and bring about victory. The trumpets symbolize the declaration of God's power in the midst of battle, while the lamps portray the spreading of light and truth in the darkness. The shouting of "The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon" emphasizes that the victory ultimately belongs to God, but He works through willing and obedient servants like Gideon. This passage reminds readers that God delights in using the weak to shame the strong, and that true victory comes from surrendering to His will.
Judges 7:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the torches in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands wherewith to blow; and they cried, The sword of Jehovah and of Gideon.
World English Bible
The three companies blew the trumpets, and broke the pitchers, and held the torches in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands with which to blow; and they shouted, “The sword of Yahweh and of Gideon!”
Douay-Rheims
And when they sounded their trumpets in three places round about the camp, and had broken their pitchers, they held their lamps in their left hands, and with their right hands the trumpets which they blew, and they cried out: The sword of the Lord and of Gedeon:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the three companies blew with trumpets and brake the pitchers, and helde the lampes in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right. handes to blowe withall: and they cryed, The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.