When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
JUDGES 7:18KJVWhat does Judges 7:18 mean?
Judges 7:18 describes Gideon’s instructions to his men for a surprise attack: when Gideon blows his trumpet, everyone with him should do the same, surrounding the enemy camp and shouting, “The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.” This signal was meant to create confusion and fear among their enemies.
In this verse, Gideon is speaking to his 300 chosen warriors just before their nighttime assault on the Midianite camp. The plan relies on unity and timing—everyone acts together at Gideon’s signal. The shout combines God’s name (the LORD) and Gideon’s, showing that the victory is credited both to God’s power and Gideon’s leadership.
The Hebrew behind Judges 7:18
- “Trumpet” (שׁוֹפָר, shofar): This refers to a ram’s horn, often used in ancient Israel for signaling in battle or religious events. Its sound would have been loud and startling, especially at night.
- “Camp” (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh): This word means an encampment or army camp. The instruction to surround “all the camp” highlights the strategy of encircling the enemy to maximize surprise and panic.
- “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the coming victory is attributed to divine intervention, not just human effort.
Why Judges 7:18 matters
- This verse clarifies that the victory over Midian was not by military might but by following God’s unusual instructions, highlighting faith and obedience.
- The combined shout, “The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon,” shows the partnership between God and human leaders in the story, which is a key theme in Judges.
- Understanding the use of the shofar and the coordinated action helps readers see how psychological tactics, not just weapons, played a role in ancient battles.