Judges 7:18

*“When I and all who are with me blow the trumpet, then you also blow the trumpets all around the camp and say, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.’” (v.18)* In this verse, Gideon outlines his battle strategy, as directed by God, against the numerous Midianite army. Gideon is a leader raised by the Lord during the period of the Judges (approximately 1380–1050 B.C.), and his name becomes emblematic of trusting in divine power rather than human strength. By instructing his small force of three hundred men to mimic his actions, Gideon ensures that each participant acknowledges their dependence on God, calling out *“For the LORD and for Gideon.” (v.18)* as they blow their trumpets. This shout unifies the army under the Lord’s banner while simultaneously affirming Gideon’s role. Although Gideon’s task occurs in the ancient land near the Jezreel Valley—an area of central importance that straddles trade routes in northern Israel—his ultimate reliance is on God, who is the true source of Israel’s victory (Romans 8:31 NASB-95).

*“When I and all who are with me blow the trumpet…” (v.18)* underscores the element of obedience intertwined with faith. In the face of overwhelming odds, Gideon and his men receive instructions that do not follow conventional battle tactics. Instead, they are commanded to depend on God’s miraculous intervention. This trust in the divine plan prefigures later biblical narratives where Jesus calls His followers to faith that surpasses human calculations (Matthew 14:29 NASB-95). Gideon, active during a time when Israel lacked centralized leadership, offers a glimpse of the tenderness and power of the Lord, who selects unlikely heroes to accomplish His will.

Finally, when Gideon says, *“…and say, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.’” (v.18)*, the phrase distinguishes the true Warrior—God Himself—sharing the victory’s recognition with Gideon as God’s chosen instrument. Historically, Gideon’s leadership likely took place around 1162–1122 B.C., during which the Midianites consistently plundered Israel. This single trumpet blast and the shouting served as signals that Israel’s deliverance was at hand, highlighting God’s desire to rescue His people. Their success, foreshadowing the triumphant work of Christ for the faithful, reveals that the Lord longs to partner with those who trust Him fully (2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NASB-95).

Gideon’s careful instructions illustrate the power of faith that conquers overwhelming odds.