So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

JUDGES 7:19KJV
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Judges 7:19 (KJV)

What does Judges 7:19 mean?

Judges 7:19 describes how Gideon and one hundred men approached the enemy camp at the start of the middle night watch, just as the guards were being changed. They blew their trumpets and smashed the jars they were carrying, beginning their surprise attack.

Gideon is leading a small group of Israelites against a much larger Midianite army. The verse sets the scene for a dramatic and carefully timed ambush, taking place when the enemy would be least prepared—during the transition between shifts of guards. The blowing of trumpets and breaking of jars was meant to create confusion and fear among the Midianites, making it seem like a much larger force was attacking.

The Hebrew behind Judges 7:19

  • "Watch" (אַשְׁמוּרָה, 'ashmurah') refers to a division of the night for guard duty. The "middle watch" would be late at night, a time when alertness is low and a change of guards could cause extra confusion.
  • "Blew" (תָּקַע, taqa‘) means to sound or blast, usually with a trumpet or ram’s horn. This was a signal for action and would have startled the camp.
  • "Brake" (שָׁבַר, shavar) means to break or smash. The sudden noise of breaking jars added to the chaos, amplifying the sense of panic among the enemy.

Why Judges 7:19 matters

  • The verse highlights the careful planning and timing of Gideon's attack, showing that the victory was not just about numbers but about strategy and obedience to God's instructions.
  • Understanding the use of sound and surprise in this verse helps explain how such a small group could rout a much larger army, setting up the miraculous outcome described in the following verses.
  • The details about the timing ("beginning of the middle watch") and actions (blowing trumpets, breaking jars) show how the Israelites used psychological tactics to gain the upper hand.

Where else these words appear

“watch” Hebrew H821 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
  • Psalms 63:6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
  • Psalms 119:148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

“middle” Hebrew H8484 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 26:28 And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
  • 1 Kings 6:6 The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house.
  • Ezekiel 41:7 And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst.

“brake” Hebrew H5310 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 9:19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.
  • Isaiah 11:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
  • Jeremiah 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

“pitchers” Hebrew H3537 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
  • Genesis 24:20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
  • 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.