Judges 7:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The Lord tells Gideon his army is too large, lest Israel claim the victory as their own achievement.
What Does Judges 7:2 Mean?
Before a single blow is struck, God speaks a surprising word: the army is too big. This is the hinge of the whole chapter. The Lord deliberately reduces Israel so that no one can mistake the source of the coming rescue. The danger is not defeat but a victory that breeds self-congratulation.
Here is a truth that runs through all of Scripture. God often works through weakness so that the glory belongs to Him alone. The boast 'mine own hand hath saved me' is precisely what He guards against. When deliverance comes, it will be unmistakably His gift. This prepares the heart to give thanks rather than to take credit, a posture every believer is called to keep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 7:2
What does Judges 7:2 mean?
The Lord tells Gideon his army is too large, lest Israel claim the victory as their own achievement.