Judges Chapter 7 · Verse 16
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
into three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
into three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
3 of 16
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
הָאִ֖ישׁ
men
H376
הָאִ֖ישׁ
men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
into three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
into three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 16
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
רָאשִׁ֑ים
companies
H7218
רָאשִׁ֑ים
companies
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
7 of 16
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
and he put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן
and he put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
שֽׁוֹפָר֤וֹת
a trumpet
H7782
שֽׁוֹפָר֤וֹת
a trumpet
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
9 of 16
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
בְּיַד
in every man's hand
H3027
בְּיַד
in every man's hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כֻּלָּם֙
H3605
כֻּלָּם֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכַּדִּֽים׃
pitchers
H3537
הַכַּדִּֽים׃
pitchers
Strong's:
H3537
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, a pail; but generally of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes
Historical Context
Dividing forces into three companies was standard tactics for night attacks (Judges 9:43, 1 Samuel 11:11, Job 1:17), enabling multi-directional assault and confusion. Trumpet signals coordinated actions across separated units. Torches were made of oil-soaked rags on sticks or hollow reeds filled with combustible material. The pottery pitchers (earthenware jars) would shatter loudly when smashed, creating additional noise to complement the trumpet blasts. The strategy maximized psychological impact through coordinated sound and light.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gideon's unconventional strategy demonstrate the importance of Spirit-guided creativity over conventional methods?
- What does the empty pitcher concealing light symbolize about God's power hidden in humble vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7)?
- When has God called you to use unexpected methods that seemed foolish by worldly standards?
Analysis & Commentary
Gideon divides the 300 into three companies and equips each man with a trumpet and an empty pitcher with torch inside. This unconventional armament—no swords, spears, or shields mentioned—reveals the coming strategy's psychological nature. Three companies allowed coordinated attacks from multiple directions, creating impression of encirclement. The empty pitchers concealing torches enabled simultaneous revelation of light—the breaking pitchers would create startling noise while revealing numerous lights, suggesting a massive attacking force. The trumpets added auditory chaos. This creative strategy demonstrates Spirit-guided wisdom.