Judg 7:2-8 | TNotes | STEP | 7:2 The Lord does not require a large force to save his people (cp. 1 Sam 14:6 ). A large number might even have hindered success because the element of surprise was crucial to the Lord’s battle plan. Gideon was to pare down the army to maintain godly humility, not for reasons of military strategy.

b1 Sam 14:6►

‏ Judges 7:2-8

7:2 ^a The Lord does not require a large force to save his people (cp. 1 Sam 14:6 ^b). A large number might even have hindered success because the element of surprise was crucial to the Lord’s battle plan. Gideon was to pare down the army to maintain godly humility, not for reasons of military strategy.
7:3 ^c The first reduction sorted out those who initially responded with enthusiasm but then had second thoughts.
Summary for Judg 7:4-8: 7:4-8 ^d The choice of those who lapped from their hands over those who knelt was apparently arbitrary, but it enabled the Lord to reduce the size of the army.
7:8 ^e The jars (in which the men carried provisions) and trumpets borrowed from the warriors who were sent home would be used in the coming battle.