Judges 7:12

*“Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore”* (v.12). This scene unfolds just before Gideon’s confrontation with these vast forces. The valley referenced here likely lies near the Hill of Moreh, in the region of northern Israel. In the broader history of Israel’s Judges period (about 1375–1050 BC), Gideon (active in the 12th century BC) served as a divinely appointed leader, called to deliver Israel from foreign oppression. The text emphasizes the immense size of the enemy camp, likening their numbers to swarms of locusts and uncountable grains of sand, underscoring the dire situation facing Gideon and his band of 300 (Judges 7:7, NASB-95). Yet this overwhelming enemy presence sets the stage for God’s intervention, a consistent pattern throughout the Old Testament where the Lord conquers circumstances beyond human capability.

When the verse highlights *“the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east”* (v.12), it is describing multiple people groups who threatened Israel’s peace for years. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2, NASB-95), rivaling Israel periodically in this era, while the Amalekites, also frequent adversaries of the Israelites, descended from Esau (Genesis 36:12, NASB-95). These alliances of raiders would sweep across the land, stripping resources and plaguing the Israelites. Their “camels” are specifically mentioned, indicating a significant cavalry advantage and reinforcing how outnumbered and outmatched Gideon’s forces appeared from a human perspective.

The emphasis on *“as numerous as the sand on the seashore”* (v.12) is reminiscent of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be like the sand in number (Genesis 22:17, NASB-95). Here, that phrase is turned on its head to describe the intimidating horde of enemies—ironic imagery that contrasts man’s might with God’s covenant power. In a broader biblical context, this sets the reader up for the miraculous victory God is about to grant Israel, foreshadowing themes seen throughout Scripture when God’s strength is displayed in apparent weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9, NASB-95).

This verse underscores the overwhelming nature of Israel’s enemies while highlighting the divine power that rescues God’s people in impossible circumstances.