Bible Strands
Judges 7:21
Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Gideon’s three hundred Israelite soldiers secure their positions around the Midianite camp immediately after blowing trumpets and shattering jars. The narrative records the tactical moment when the Israelites encircle the enemy while the Midianite forces begin their panicked retreat.
The words — וַ/יַּֽעַמְדוּ (va/i.ya.'am.Du) translates as "and they stood," describing the Israelites taking their designated places around the camp. וַ/יָּ֧רָץ (va/i.Ya.rotz) means "and it ran," indicating the sudden, uncontrolled flight of the entire Midianite army.
The thread — This sequence of encirclement followed by enemy flight parallels Exodus 14:13-25 where the LORD causes the pursuing army to flee, and aligns with the principle stated in Proverbs 28:1 about the wicked fleeing without pursuit.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe how physical positioning and divine action combine to trigger the enemy's collapse. It asks for acknowledgment that the passage documents a historical rout rather than providing abstract spiritual instruction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
- Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.
- Exodus 14:25 He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!”
- 2 Kings 7:6 For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.”
- 2 Chronicles 20:17 You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”
- Job 15:21 Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.
- Isaiah 30:7 Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.
- Isaiah 30:15 For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.”