In Judges 7, it records Gideon’s three hundred men fighting against the Midianites. In total, Israel had 32, 000 men in the troop. Surprisingly, the Lord cut down the number of Gideon’s troops, saying “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’” (7:2) From the beginning, the narrative shows that victory does not come from Israel, but from God alone. 32, 000 men means nothing if they don’t participate in this fight with commitment and courage. God said, “‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’ Then 22, 000 of the people returned, and 10, 000 remained.” (7:3) If your heart is not in it, get out of here.
Then the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many…” (7:4) 300 out of 10, 000 men were chosen because they didn’t kneel down to drink. Rather, they “lapped, putting their hands to their mouths” (7:5-8). We don’t need to speculate the reason why those who kneeled down to drink water did not get selected. The main point should be the number of Gideon’s troops: from 32, 000 to 300. It’s against human strategy, human will, and human scheme. Against all odds, the end result is that Gideon defeated Midian (7:19-25).
We always move forward with our limitation and inadequacy. We can only move forward with who we are. In case we are too adequate and rely too much on our own, the Lord wants us to bear with our own limitation “lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’” Gideon was filled with self-doubt. At this point, after God showed him some signs, he overcame and moved forward. It doesn’t mean that he became a different, complete person. As God said to Gideon, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant” (7:9-10). God knew his fearful heart. But at least, Gideon improved a bit in his spiritual journey.
In the period of Judges, when there was no king in the land, God raised up Gideon to save Israel. The story shows that God himself is the one who saved Israel, for victory can only come from God. However, he invited Gideon to co-work with him. In the midst of response and hesitation, Gideon hesitated and yet participated in God’s plan. As a result, Gideon was being transformed bit by bit. The progress may be slow, even not noticeable. But it is real.
We save no one. We can save no one. God alone saves. And he saves through us in spite of our inadequacy. We are being shaped and formed when we allow God to save whatever and whoever through us.