Judges 7:16

*“And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put trumpets and empty pitchers into the hands of all of them, with torches inside the pitchers.”* (v.16)

This verse describes Gideon’s careful preparation as he leads his small force of 300 Israelites to face the vast Midianite army. Gideon, who lived around the 12th century BC, was called by God to deliver Israel at a time of oppression. He came from the tribe of Manasseh. By dividing his men into three companies, Gideon suggests both strategy and faith: he trusts that their unconventional tactic, given by God, will carry the day. The location of this confrontation lies in the valley of Jezreel near the hill of Moreh in northern Israel, an area where God’s might was often demonstrated through His chosen leaders. Though a pitcher, a torch, and a trumpet might appear insignificant, Gideon’s obedience highlights the principle that God frequently uses simple means to achieve extraordinary victories (see also the reference to Gideon’s trumpets in Revelation 8:2, which notes how trumpets were a significant element in many biblical accounts citeturn0file4).

By placing torches within pitchers, Gideon’s men concealed the light until the perfect moment, increasing the element of surprise. The trumpets, commonly used for signaling in ancient warfare, were distributed to every man, instead of just a handful of signalers. In effect, it created the impression that a massive army was surrounding the Midianites. Historically, Gideon’s leadership falls during the era of the judges, when Israel lacked a centralized monarchy and was led by individuals whom God raised up to deliver His people from foreign oppression (Judges 6:11–7:25). Gideon’s success affirms the biblical theme that human weakness paired with reliance upon the LORD results in a greater display of divine power: where human armies trust in their numbers, God shows that victory belongs to Him (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9, NASB-95).

In linking Gideon’s act to the New Testament, we see Jesus emphasize that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains (Matthew 17:20, NASB-95). Gideon’s victory foreshadows how believers today are called to trust in the Almighty, not in the might of their resources. His example resonates with those who find themselves overwhelmed by circumstances, recalling that true victory is won by the Lord’s strength working through human willingness and obedience.

Gideon’s strategic division of his 300 men with trumpets, pitchers, and torches inside demonstrates that God can grant triumph through the most improbable methods when His people faithfully follow His leading.