Judges 7:18
When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
Original Language Analysis
וּתְקַעְתֶּ֨ם
I and all that are with me then blow
H8628
וּתְקַעְתֶּ֨ם
I and all that are with me then blow
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
1 of 16
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
בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֜וֹת
with a trumpet
H7782
בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֜וֹת
with a trumpet
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
2 of 16
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִתִּ֑י
H854
אִתִּ֑י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וּתְקַעְתֶּ֨ם
I and all that are with me then blow
H8628
וּתְקַעְתֶּ֨ם
I and all that are with me then blow
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
7 of 16
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
בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֜וֹת
with a trumpet
H7782
בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֜וֹת
with a trumpet
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
8 of 16
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
סְבִיבוֹת֙
also on every side
H5439
סְבִיבוֹת֙
also on every side
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
11 of 16
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
of all the camp
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
of all the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
13 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
Historical Context
Battle cries served both to encourage one's own troops and intimidate enemies. Israel's battle cries typically invoked Yahweh's name and presence (Joshua 6:5, 1 Samuel 17:45). The phrase 'sword of the LORD' emphasizes divine warfare—though 300 men held swords, they fought as Yahweh's instruments. Ancient armies surrounded by enemy forces often panicked, breaking formation and fleeing in disorder. The strategy exploited this psychological vulnerability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the battle cry's order (LORD first, Gideon second) model proper understanding of God's sovereignty and human agency?
- What 'battle cries' do Christians use to declare God's power over spiritual enemies?
- Why is corporate declaration of God's victory important in spiritual warfare, not just private belief?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gideon continues his instructions: 'When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.' The battle cry 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon' attributes victory to divine power primarily (the LORD first) while acknowledging human instrumentality (Gideon second). This order reflects proper theology—God acts through His chosen servants, but He receives primary glory. The positioning 'on every side of all the camp' created the impression of complete encirclement by a massive force.