What does Judges 7:5 mean?
"So he brought 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." - Judges 7:5
In the Book of Judges, chapter 7, verse 5 of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, we read the following passage: "So he brought 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."
This verse comes from the story of Gideon, a judge and military leader chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. In this particular passage, Gideon is preparing for battle against the Midianites, and he has gathered a large army. However, God tells him that the army is too big, and in order to demonstrate God's power and deliverance, he instructs Gideon to reduce the number of soldiers.
The theme of this passage is one of obedience, faith, and trust in God. Gideon's obedience to God's unconventional strategy demonstrates his trust in God's wisdom and plan for victory. Despite the odds being stacked against them, Gideon and his army were willing to follow God's instructions, even when it seemed illogical or unconventional. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of trusting in God's plan, even when it goes against our own understanding or expectations.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. Gideon and his army are facing an overwhelming enemy, and the odds of victory seem insurmountable. Instructing the soldiers to drink water in a specific way may seem insignificant at first glance, but it serves as a test of obedience and faith. In the face of adversity, Gideon and his army must demonstrate their unwavering trust in God's plan, no matter how unconventional or difficult it may seem.
The symbolism in this passage is also worth exploring. The act of lapping water like a dog versus kneeling to drink may symbolize the difference between those who are alert and ready for battle versus those who are distracted and vulnerable. The soldiers who lapped the water like dogs remained vigilant and aware of their surroundings, while those who knelt to drink were more focused on their own comfort and needs. This distinction may also represent the difference between a warrior mindset and a passive mindset. Those who drank like a dog were ready for immediate action, while those who knelt to drink were more focused on their own comfort and well-being.
Overall, Judges 7:5 presents a powerful message about the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's plan, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It serves as a reminder that God's ways are not always our ways, and that true victory comes from aligning ourselves with God's will, even when it requires us to set aside our own understanding and expectations. This passage continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day, serving as a testament to the enduring relevance and power of the scriptures.
Have questions about Judges 7:5?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Judges 7:5 Artwork
Judges 7:5 - "So he brought 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."
"So he brought 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." - Judges 7:5
Judges 5:7
Judges 5:7 - "The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel."
"The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel." - Judges 5:7
Matthew 7:1 - "Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Judges 10:5 - "And Jair died, and was buried in Camon."
John 7:24 - "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Judges 5:5 - "The mountains melted from before the LORD, even that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel."
Matthew 7:1-2 - "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
"Judge not, that ye be not judged." - Matthew 7:1
Judges 5:1 - "Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,"
Judges 2:5 - "And they called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there unto the LORD."
Hosea 7:7 - "They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: there is none among them that calleth unto me."
Judges 5:20 - "They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera."
Judges 5:22 - "Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones."
Judges 12:7 - "And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead."
Judges 14:7 - "And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well."
"And Jair died, and was buried in Camon." - Judges 10:5
Judges 5:29 - "Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself,"
Judges 5:10 - "Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way."
Judges 5:2 - "Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves."
Judges 1:5 - "And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites."
1 Corinthians 5:12 - "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?"
Judges 3:5 - "¶ And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:"
Judges 20:7 - "Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel."
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." - John 7:24
Judges 6:7 - "¶ And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,"
Matthew 7:2 - "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
Psalms 7:8 - "The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me."