Bible Strands
Judges 7:24
Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim to say, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Gideon directs messengers into the hill country of Ephraim to mobilize local troops against the fleeing Midianites. This action occurs immediately after the combined forces of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh have begun their pursuit.
The words — The text emphasizes רְד֞וּ (re.Du), literally "come down," which orders the Ephraimites to descend from their highlands into the Jordan valley. It also records שָלַ֣ח (sha.Lach), "he sent," detailing Gideon's command to dispatch the runners.
The thread — The deployment of Ephraimite forces through the Jordan fords parallels Judges 3:27, where a horn blast summons Ephraim to descend, and Judges 12:5, which later describes Gileadites seizing those same crossings to intercept fugitives.
Why it lands — The passage requires a reader to observe that tactical control of terrain and rapid troop mobilization determine the conflict's outcome. It demands recognition that military command relies on geographic positioning and coordinated response rather than individual combat alone.
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 Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Beth–barah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Beth–barah and Jordan.
Cross-references
- Judges 3:27 On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader.
- Judges 12:5 The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,”
- John 1:28 All this happened at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
- Romans 15:30 Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
- Philippians 1:27 Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,