Judges Chapter 7 · Verse 17
And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.
Original Language Analysis
מִמֶּ֥נִּי
H4480
מִמֶּ֥נִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
תִרְא֖וּ
unto them Look
H7200
תִרְא֖וּ
unto them Look
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
4 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְכֵ֣ן
H3651
וְכֵ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃
it shall be that as I do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃
it shall be that as I do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בָא֙
likewise and behold when I come
H935
בָא֙
likewise and behold when I come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
of the camp
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
of the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
11 of 16
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
וְהָיָ֥ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כַֽאֲשֶׁר
H834
כַֽאֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃
it shall be that as I do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֽׂוּן׃
it shall be that as I do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
14 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.Hebrews 13:7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.Judges 9:48And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
Historical Context
Coordinating night operations without radios, signal flags, or other modern communications required carefully rehearsed plans and visible leadership. The three companies were positioned separately around the camp perimeter; each needed to know exactly when to act. By having everyone watch Gideon's company and mirror their actions, coordination was achieved through direct observation despite separation. This leadership style contrasted with ancient Near Eastern kings who commanded from rear positions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gideon's 'follow me' leadership contrast with authoritarian leadership that merely issues orders?
- What does leading by example require of Christian leaders in terms of personal faithfulness and courage?
- How does Gideon's model point to Christ who calls us to follow Him into battle against sin, death, and Satan?
Analysis & Commentary
Gideon instructs his men: 'Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.' Leadership by example—'look on me'—demonstrates authentic authority. Gideon won't send his men where he won't go first. His command to watch him and imitate his actions ensured coordinated timing despite lack of modern communications. This principle extends to Christian leadership: Paul wrote 'Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1) and 'those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do' (Philippians 4:9).