Contemplative Bible Reading

Judges 7:10-11 (New Living Translation)

10 But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. 11 Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.”

This is one of the little-known verses in the (hi)story of Gideon. He is the one who had three hundred men who broke their pitchers of clay to reveal torches. The Midianites went into a panic and killed one another.

Note these verses before the great battle. The LORD is speaking to Gideon. The LORD says, “if you are afraid…do such and such.”

Gideon did such and such. Hence, Gideon was afraid and showed the LORD that he was afraid. The LORD’s reaction was to use Gideon in the battle regardless. Perhaps the LORD used Gideon because he was afraid and demonstrated his fear.

Gideon is a great example of how the LORD God Creator used and still used fault-filled persons—like me.