Judges 7:9
In Judges 7:9, Scripture tells us that *“Now the same night it came about that the LORD said to him, ‘Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hands.’”* (v.9). Gideon, who lived around the 12th century BC during a time when Israel was frequently oppressed by surrounding peoples, had been called by God to deliver the Israelites. The phrase *Arise, go down against the camp* indicates the urgency God placed on Gideon to confront a seemingly larger force, later described as thick as locusts in the Valley of Jezreel (Judges 7:12). Historically, the Midianites, whom Gideon was to fight, descended from Abraham through Keturah and settled primarily east of Canaan in the Arabian desert (Genesis 25:6; Judges 6:3, 7:12) citeturn0file10. Although Gideon must have still felt some fear, the directive *I have given it into your hands* underscores God’s assurance that victory was already certain in His plan.
This scene occurs near the Hill of Moreh, overlooking the Valley of Jezreel—a strategically important location. Commanding Gideon in the middle of the night further highlights God’s power: while the army below remained unaware, Gideon was receiving divine confirmation that the Midianites’ defeat was imminent. Throughout Judges 6–7, God had been deliberately reducing Gideon’s army to a small band of men, ensuring that the coming victory would be attributed to the LORD’s strength rather than human might. In that context, *“Arise, go down...”* becomes both a physical command to descend the hill and a spiritual call to trust wholly in God’s promise.
God’s words in this verse reveal His character as a faithful deliverer for His people, ready to defeat their oppressors if they follow His guidance. Gideon’s eventual triumph over Midian reaffirms the message that nothing is impossible for the LORD when His people listen and obey, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
God’s promise emboldens those He calls to trust Him completely.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Genesis 2:7-9 meaning. God makes man from the dust of the ground and he becomes a living being. Man is placed in a beautiful garden with food, the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
- Jonah 1:7-9 meaning. Jonah arrives on deck. The sailors cast lots to isolate the individual who is responsible for the storm. The lot falls on Jonah. The sailors ask him about his identity.
- Hosea 9:7-9 meaning. Hosea tells Israel that the time of judgment has arrived. It has come upon her because she has been hostile toward God’s prophets and has sunk very low in morals, even to the level of gross exploitation and murder, as evidenced by reference to a story from Judges.