Judges 7:10
But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
רֵ֥ד
down
H3381
רֵ֥ד
down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
4 of 10
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
רֵ֥ד
down
H3381
רֵ֥ד
down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
5 of 10
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Historical Context
Reconnaissance before major operations was standard military practice. Leaders personally observing enemy camps assessed troop strength, morale, defensive preparations, and potential weaknesses. Spies regularly infiltrated enemy camps before battles throughout biblical narratives (Joshua 2, Judges 1:23-24). Taking a trusted servant rather than going alone provided security and corroboration of intelligence gathered.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's permission to reconnoiter before attacking demonstrate His grace toward fearful believers?
- What does God providing Phurah as companion teach about Christian fellowship's role in building courage for difficult obedience?
- When is admitting fear and taking intermediate steps toward obedience better than pretending false confidence?
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Analysis & Commentary
God knows Gideon still harbors fear: 'But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host.' This gracious accommodation reveals God's perfect knowledge of human hearts and His patience with weakness. Rather than rebuking Gideon's lingering fear or demanding blind obedience, God provides a way to strengthen Gideon's courage through reconnaissance. The offer to take Phurah (his servant and presumably trusted companion) shows God's understanding that human courage often requires fellowship support.