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[Practical Observations.]

25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, t Take thy father's young bullock, † even the second bullock of seven years old, and " throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it;

26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt-sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt

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V. 23. The LORD said.] Either at a second appearance, or by an audible voice, or in a vision as afterwards. (25)

V. 24. Gideon does not seem to have intended this altar for sacrifices; but for a memorial of the Lord's appearance, and gracious words to him. (Marg. Ref. r, and on marg. reading.) It remained at the time when this history was written.

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31 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.

32 Therefore on that day he called him "Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.

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employed in idolatry: for it was of great importance, that a protest against the worship of Baal, and an avowal of JEHOVAH, as the only true God, should introduce Israel's deliverance. (Notes, Lev. 1:5--9. 17:3-7. Deut. 12:2-9. 1 Sam. 7:9. 1 Kings 18:38,39, 2 Kings 3:20.)

V. 27. The large family of Gideon's father was grievously infected with this idolatry; which the more magnifies the mercy of God in preserving him, and in selecting him to be Israel's deliverer. Some however, even of his servants, were ready and willing to help in this perilous attempt.

V. 28-30. When the citizens arose betimes, (perhaps to pay their morning devotions to Baal,) and saw what had taken place, they were speedily informed that Gideon had done ; and nothing but his blood could satisfy the persecuting rage of these infatuated idolaters! (Note, 1 Kings 19:2.)

V. 25, 26. Our translation supposes, that only one bullock was sacrificed: yet the term, "the second bullock," may imply that two were appointed. It does not however appear, when or how the first bullock, if two were meant, was offered. This "second bullock of seven years old," (the same number as the years of Israel's oppression,) seems to have been fattened on purpose for a public sacrifice to Baal.-Before he offered the sacrifice, Gideon was directed to "throw down the altar which his father had" for the worship of|| Baal; and "to cut down the grove;" and thus to V. 31, 32. Joash, though himself guilty of idoldeclare open war against idolatry, before he at-atry, was unwilling to have his son punished: and tacked the enemies of his people: regarding the probably, by what had been done, he was conhonor and command of God, more than the au- vinced of the sin and folly of worshipping an idol, thority or credit of his father; which probably which could not defend itself; and which needed had hitherto made him satisfy himself with silent to be saved by its devotees, instead of being able disapprobation. Some think that the word ren- to save them. If Baal were indeed a god, let dered grove, means an image of Ashtaroth, which him plead his own cause against Gideon: and if was cut in pieces; and burnt as fuel in consuming he were not a god, they who pleaded for him dethe sacrifice offered to JEHOVAH. (Note, 2:11 served immediate death. (Notes, 1 Sam. 5: 6: Is. 13.)-Gideon was not a priest, or even a Levite; 46: 1,2.)-Probably Joash now recollected the law but he acted by extraordinary commission, as a against idolaters. (Note, Deut. 13:1-5.) Some prophet. Sacrificing also was generally restrict- however think, that he spake merely as a magised to the altar at Shiloh: yet on this occasion the trate, against any who should excite a tumult on Lord was pleased to dispense with the ritual ap-account of these transactions.-On this occasion pointment; and even to command and accept a he gave his son a new name, and called him Jesacrifice offered with those things which had been rubbaal; as if he had said, Let Baal plead against

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the Amalekites, and the children of the || 37 9 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool east, were gathered together, and went in the floor; and if the dew be on the over and pitched in the valley of Jez- fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.

reel.

34 But the Spirit of the LORD *came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abi-ezer was gathered after him. 35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.

36 ¶ And Gideon said unto God, P If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

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38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl-full of water.

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39 And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: Let me prove I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.

40 And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

q Deut. 32:2. Ps. 72:6. Hos. 6: t Ps. 107:33-35. Is. 35:6,7. 43 3,4. 14:5.

r Ps. 147:19,20.
15:24.

s Gen. 18:32.

Matt. 10:5,6.

19,20. Matt. 8:12. 21:43. Acts 13:46. 22:21. 28:28. Rom. 11.12 -22.

hin if he be able. He was also called Jerubbe- He has so constituted the world, that fear, shame, sheth, which signifies, let shame plead; (2 Sam. 11: and misery are the natural effects of sin, and will 21.) for what the people called Baal, or lord, was inevitably follow the commission of it; however indeed their shame. (Notes, Jer. 11:13. Hos. 9: impenitent sinners may endeavor to evade them, 9,10.)-Some fragments of Phenician history ev- and for a time succeed.-Conscious guilt appals idently mention Gideon under the title of Jerom- the heart, and reduces men to the most degrading balus, and call him the priest of Jevo; doubtless expedients for self-preservation: and plenty abusfrom this sacrifice offered by him to JEHOVAH. ed in excess must expose them, at least, to the The writer says he received some commentaries merciful chastisement of pinching want. Heavy from him, which probably mean the books of Mo-afflictions often extort from sinners cries of disses, the law of JEHOVAH.

tress and prayers for relief: but if the Lord re V. 33, 34. It seems that a very great and sur-gard these cries and prayers, he will convince prising reformation took place on this occasion, the sufferers of their guilt and lead them to rein Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites; for that city fur-pentance; for without this no deliverance will nished Gideon with his first troops, when he pre-eventually prove a blessing.-The ministers of pared to attack the Midianites after they had God must declare to sinners, his perfections and crossed Jordan on their annual plundering inva-authority; the relations in which they stand to sion. (Note, 2,3.) him, and their obligations to obedience; the reaV. 36-40. The view of the very great multi-sonableness of his precepts, the advantages of his tudes of the enemy perhaps rather discouraged Gideon; who, for the confirmation of his own faith, and that of his troops, desired this miraculous sign of the Lord's presence as the seal of his commission. But, as it is the nature of wool to suck in the moisture, when there is any in the air, so the first token did not quite satisfy him: and, though conscious of his unbelief, he asked the reversal of the sign, joining with his petition a humble deprecation of the Lord's displeasure; and he obtained his request. (Noles, 7:13-15. Ex. 4:1—7. Luke 1:18—20.)—According to this miracle, the nation of Israel was moistened by the dew of heavenly blessings, when the whole earth besides remained dry: and now that the nations of the earth enjoy the blessings of redemption, the Jews remain like the dry fleece.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-10.

service, the evil of sin, and the number and heinousness of their transgressions. Hence it will appear, that they greatly need repentance and forgiveness; and that the message of the gospel is indeed worthy of their most cordial acceptation. And, having brought these things home to their consciences, they must leave the rest with God, earnestly praying to him to render his word successful. Yet, alas! nunbers hear the word of God, and are convinced that their conduct is inexcusable, who notwithstanding proceed in their sinful courses, even while groaning under the painful effects of them!

V. 11-24.

The Lord reserves to himself a remnan in the worst of times, to whom he manifests his g acious presence; and they are never more likel, to be thus favored, than when struggling with outward difficulties, employed in honest labor, and meditating upon heavenly things.-Talents, suited for The tendency of our fallen nature to apostacy peculiar services, may for a time be buried in obfrom God is so strong, that no means can of them- scurity; but in due season the Lord will take the selves prevent its effect; and in all cases when candle from "under the bushel," and place it "on divine grace is withheld, man as naturally does a candlestick" to give light to all around: and evil as the stone falls to the ground. The Scrip- that time must be waited for, by those who feel tures every where teach us this humiliating truth: their hearts glow with desires of usefulness, which and in proportion as we effectually learn it, we at present they have no opportunity of executing. shall in all things depend on the special assist--We are more disposed to muse on our troubles, ance and blessing of God, with constant, earnest prayer; and unreservedly give him all the glory, whatever good be wrought in us, or done by us.

than on our transgressions: and when we du mot directly experience the same deliver a ce, as have been afforded to othe, we are apt t think

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b Gen. 22:3.
Ec. 9.10.
c Gen. 12:6.
d1 Sam. 14:6.

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Josh. 3:1. 6:12.

2 Chr. 14:11.

d

Zech. 4:6. 12:7. 1 Cor. 1:27-
29. 2:4,5. 2 Cor. 4:7. 10:4,5.
e Deut. 32:27. Is. 2:11,17. Jer.
9:23. Rom. 3:27. Eph. 2:9.

Jam. 4:6.

against me, saying, 'Mine own hand hath
saved me.

3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return. and depart early from mount Gilead: and there returned of the people twenty and two thousand, and there remained ten thousand.

h

4 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them go with for thee there; and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.

f Deut. 8:17. Is. 10:13. Ez. 28:
2,17. Dan. 4:30. Hab. 1:16.
g Deut. 20:8. Matt. 13.21. Luke
14:25-33. Rev. 17:14. 21:8.

h Matt. 20:16.

i Gen. 22:1. 1 Sam. 16:7. Job 23:10. Ps. 7:9. 66:10 Jer. 6:27 -30. Mal. 3:2,3.

cannot always keep out disquieting fears, in circumstances of peculiar danger and difficulty. In this struggle against involuntary unbelief, the Lord himself, the Author and Finisher of his peo

that the Lord's "hand is shortened," or that "he hath forgotten to be gracious;" not considering that he worketh every thing in its appointed season, according to the determinations of his unfathomable wisdom, and as best answers the pur-ple's faith, is their Refuge: to him they make apposes of his own glory.-But "before honor is humility:" and the delays and disappointments, by which he humbles those whom he delighteth to honor, often discourage their hearts, and induce distrust and reluctance to duty: so imperfect and so defiled with sin are our best graces! Yet he generally employs those who are most sensible of their own unworthiness and insufficiency: at the same time teaching them to exercise the courage of faith, and to grow strong by simply expecting help from Him; and graciously assuring them of his direction and support.-When the Lord favors his servants with glimpses of his glory, and tastes of his love, they long for the continuance of his gracious presence: and when the sense of his pardoning love has banished the fear of wrath; they rise superior to discouragements, praise him for his mercies, and are ready to say, "Here am I, send me;" though the service be dangerous and difficult, and require much self-denial. (Notes, Is. 6:6-8.)

V. 25-40.

In attempting reformation, (which is the first step towards recovering prosperity,) no man must be known according to the flesh: nay, when the commands of God are concerned, even parental authority loses its obligation; and though the method of procedure should be regulated by wisdom, yet we must not be counselled by natural affection or the fear of man. (Notes, Mall. 10: 37-39. P. O. 34-42. Luke 14:25-27. 2 Cor. 5: 16.)-If we do any thing effectual against the cause of Satan, his servants will certainly be enraged, especially those who are zealous for any kind of false religion. But the Lord has all hearts in his hands, and can easily intimidate the enemies of his people, or convert them into friends and helpers: and persecution must always appear unreasonable and odious to a reflecting mind. JEHOVAH does not allow his servants to use carnal weapons: and his friends should leave them exclusively to idolaters, anti-christians and ungodly men- -Wicked men are frequently most furious, when destruction is just at hand: for "when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD lifteth up a standard against him." Yet even they who have the Spirit of God, and by the trumpet of the gospel call others to the conflict,

plication, and he will help them; and when they
are encouraged, they will be enabled to strength-
en their brethren. Yet the same inward enemy
will repeatedly assail them; and conscious that
their fears dishonor the power and faithfulness
and love of God, they will deprecate his displeas- ·
ure, and beseech him to strengthen their faith;
and he will both pardon them, and condescend to
their desires, while they endeavor to trust in him,
but "cannot do the thing that they would."—What
cause have we sinners of the Gentiles to thank
the Lord, that the dew of heavenly blessings,
once confined to Israel, now descends upon the
inhabitants of the earth, without that limitation!
Yet still the means of grace are dispensed in dif-
ferent measures according to the purposes of
God; and even in the same congregations, one
man's soul is like Gideon's moistened fleece,
another's like the dry ground. Let us then con-
tinually pray for the divine blessing on the ordi-
nances of God to ourselves and others: not at any
time forgetting the nation of Israel, to which all
other nations are so deeply indebted, and which
has been so long a dry fleece, whilst the earth
around has enjoyed the blessing.

NOTES.

CHAP. VII. V. 2, 3. Gideon either forgot the law, which ordered proclamation to be made before the battle, that the fearful with some others might return home; or he thought it might be dispensed with on so urgent an occasion. (Note, Deut. 20:5-9.) But the Lord knew, that pride and unbelief prevailed in the army. The people had readily enlisted at first; but when they saw the multitudes of the Midianites, their courage sunk: yet, had they prevailed, they would have vaunted, and ascribed the victory to their own valor, and not to the special help of God! Most of them were destitute of true faith, and many doubtless disheartened with a guilty conscience. They thought that instead of being too many, they were too few; and the greatest part of them availed themselves of the proclamation, and went home.— Mount Gilead, here mentioned, must have been some mountain of that name west of Jordan, of less note than mount Gilead which lay east of that river: for Gideon's army never crossed Jordan till after the victory. (8:4.)

5 So he brougnt down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.

6 And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.

B. C. 1249. grass-hoppers

along in the valley like "
for multitude; and their camels were with-
out number, as the sand of the sea-side
for multitude.

Χ

13 And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream; and lo, a cake of barley-bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along.

7 And the LORD said unto Gideon, 14 And his fellow answered and said, by the three hundred men that lapped This is nothing else save the sword of will I save you, and deliver the Midianites Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: in to thine hand: and let all the other peo-for into his hand hath God delivered ple go every man unto his place. Midian and all the host.

8 So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men. And the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.

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9 And it came to pass n the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand.

10 But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host.

11 And thou shalt hear what they say, and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down, with Phurah his servant, unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host.

12 And the Midianites, and the Amalekites, and all the children of the east, lay

k 18-22. 1 Sam. 14:6. Is. 41:14 -16.

9. 20:17.

q 4:8,9. Ex. 4:10-14.
Num.r 13,14. Gen. 24:14. 1 Sam. 14:
8-12.

13:27. Lev. 23:24. 25:9.
10:9. Josh. 6:4,20. Is. 27:13.
1 Cor 15:52.
m 6:23.

n Gen. 46:2,3. Job 4:13. 33:15,
16. Matt. 1:20. 2:13. Acts 18:
9,10. 27:23.

• Josh. 1:59. 43:1.2.

Is. 41:10-16.

P 3:10,28. 4:14,15. 2 Chr. 16:8,

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and perhaps all the trumpets which belonged to the whole ariny, without any other arms! This was no doubt done by immediate direction from God. (Notes, 1 Sam. 14:6-15. 1 Cor. 2:3-5.) V. 9--11. Marg. Ref.-Note, 6:36-40.

V. 12. Marg. Ref.—Notes, 1 Kings 20:27. 2 Chr. 14:9—15.

V. 4-7. Some of the soldiers that still remain-tained nothing but present necessary provisions, ed, were not so courageous as they would be thought: but Gideon had done his part in that respect; and it pleased the Lord himself to prove and purify the company, by an extraordinary expedient. Perhaps they were led to the water after the fatigue of a long march, under the idea that they were going directly to attack the enemy. It seems to have been customary for them to drink as the cattle do, by putting their mouths down to the water, and drawing it in: but they who only took a little into their hands, and sucked it up, (as dogs are remarked to lap a little water hastily,) might be supposed to be less enslaved to their appetite, more able to endure hardship, and more eager to engage.-It may be presumed that most of this very small company, by whom God was pleased to save Israel, were men of genuine faith and piety, as well as of steady courage.

V. 8. This small company seems to have re

V. 13-15. This dream might appear to have little coherency in it: but the event evidently proved that it was from the Lord, who directed the soldier to an exact interpretation; and at the same time discovered, that the name of Gideon had filled the hearts of the Midianites with terror. The very small unarmed company which Gideon headed, had the Midianites known about them, would have appeared as contemptible as the barley-cake, and no more likely to destroy their army than that to overturn a tent.-Gideon therefore took this as a sure pledge of success; and

19 So Gideon, and the hundred men || shittah * in Zererath, and to the border that were with him, came unto the outside of Abel-meholah unto Tabbath. of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

20 And the three companies i blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

21 And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and mall the host ran, and cried, and fled.

22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Beth

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23 And P the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manassch, and pursued after the Midianites.

S

24 And Gideon 4 sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together and took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan.

25 And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the "rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the wine-press of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon x on the other side Jordan.

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PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-15.

V. 16-22. This small number of men, thus divided, would be able to encompass the whole camp of the Midianites. Concealing the lamps Activity and prudence very properly accompain the pitchers, they would pass unobserved to ny dependence upon God for success in our lawtheir appointed stations: then in the dead of the ful undertakings: but "the LORD seeth not as man night, when most of the enemy were fast asleep, seeth;" and knowing the secrets of every heart, all at once breaking their pitchers one against he varies his conduct, with a wise regard to innuanother, with as much noise as they could; andmerable circumstances which are imperceptible blowing the trumpets, and shouting "The sword by all others. When he sees men inclined to of the LORD, and of Gideon;" they would occa-overlook him, and through unbelief to shrink from sion an exceedingly great alarm. And their ene-perilous services, or through pride "to vaunt mies, thus awakened and affrighted, hearing the themselves against him," he lays them aside, and continued sound of so many trumpets, and seeing does his work by other instruments. Indeed very the camp surrounded with lights, would in their many profess themselves followers of Christ, helpconfusion naturally conclude themselves surprised ers to his servants, and prepared to fight under by a large army: so that, perceiving the lamps his banner, while persecution and tribulation are and trumpets still keeping their stations, they at a distance: but without true faith and a good would be led to suspect that the enemy was even conscience, the heart will fail in the immediate now in the camp. And in the dark they would prospect of danger; and some pretence will be become jealous of one another: so that, when found for deserting the cause, and escaping the some had by mistake been slain by their com- cross. But though a religious society may thus rades, the distraction, terror, and suspicion would be greatly diminished in numbers, and in exterbecome general; until every one was engaged in nal prosperity; yet it will be improved in purity, battle with his fellow-soldier. Thus we may eas- and may consequently expect an increasing blessily conceive the success of this stratagem: but the ing. Many who have real faith and grace are power of God had previously prepared the dis- unfit for special services, and unable to bear pemayed hearts of the Midianites to receive such culiar trials, from which therefore the Lord will an impression, and he set every man's sword exempt them; and to which he will appoint those, against his fellow; (Note, 2 Chr. 20:22--25.) and to whom he has given superior hardiness, boldthe obedience of faith alone could have induced ness, and firmness of spirit: and very trivial inciso defenceless a company to venture on such an dents will sometimes make a discovery of men's expedient, which no doubt God directed Gideon capacities and dispositions, and shew who are and to employ. Notes, Josh. 6:3--5,7. 2 Cor. 4:7. who are not to be depended on in arduous underP. 0.7-12.) takings.-But, while the Lord pursues his purposes of displaying his own glory, he will try to the uttermost the faith and courage of the strongest believers: and even when they are acting by his orders, and have the security of his promise for their support, appearances may be so very much against them, that they cannot keep out the misgivings and struggles of unbelief. This he perceives; and in the most seasonable hour, by some "token for good," he will make their faith victo

V. 23-25. As soon as the stratagem began to take effect, many of those who had been dismissed contrary to their inclinations, would return: (Note, 1 Sam. 14:16-23.) Gideon also speedily sent messengers to the Ephraimites. So that numbers were soon collected; and, while some occupied the fords of Jordan to prevent the escape of any Midianites, others pursued and slew the fugitives: (Note, 3:29.) especially the Ephraimites

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