Judges 6:34
But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
Original Language Analysis
וְר֣וּחַ
But the Spirit
H7307
וְר֣וּחַ
But the Spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
1 of 10
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לָֽבְשָׁ֖ה
came
H3847
לָֽבְשָׁ֖ה
came
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּתְקַע֙
and he blew
H8628
וַיִּתְקַע֙
and he blew
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
6 of 10
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר
a trumpet
H7782
בַּשּׁוֹפָ֔ר
a trumpet
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
7 of 10
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
וַיִּזָּעֵ֥ק
was gathered
H2199
וַיִּזָּעֵ֥ק
was gathered
Strong's:
H2199
Word #:
8 of 10
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
Cross References
1 Chronicles 12:18Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.2 Chronicles 24:20And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.Judges 3:10And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim.Judges 3:27And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.Romans 13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.Psalms 51:11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.Galatians 3:27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.1 Samuel 16:14But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.1 Samuel 11:6And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.
Historical Context
The shofar (ram's horn) served as military signal throughout Israelite history. Its sound carried for miles across hill country, summoning warriors and signaling attacks. Clan-based military mobilization was standard during the judges period before standing armies emerged under the monarchy. Abiezer clan's immediate response to Gideon shows the authority his Spirit-empowerment and successful Baal confrontation conferred.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit 'clothing' Gideon illustrate divine empowerment transforming human weakness?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers for witness and spiritual warfare?
- How should Christians distinguish between natural leadership abilities and Spirit-given authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon—literally, 'clothed itself with Gideon' (ruach Yahweh lavsah et-Gideon, רוּחַ יְהוָה לָבְשָׁה אֶת־גִּדְעוֹן). This unusual verb pictures the Spirit enveloping Gideon like a garment, empowering him for leadership and warfare. He blows the trumpet (shofar, שׁוֹפָר), summoning Abiezer clan to follow. The response—'they were gathered after him'—shows his newfound authority. Spirit-empowerment transforms fearful Gideon into commanding leader. This pattern recurs with judges (3:10, 11:29, 14:6, 19) and foreshadows Pentecost's empowerment for witness (Acts 1:8).