Judges 7:3
Baoule (NYANMIƐN NDƐ'N 1998)
What Does This Mean?
Gideon, the leader of the Israelite army, tells the people that if they are scared or afraid, they should leave the mountain early. Twenty-two thousand people left, and ten thousand stayed behind. This shows that Gideon wanted only brave and committed people in his army.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game, and the coach says, 'If you're afraid or nervous, you can sit this one out.' Most of the kids who were scared left, but the ones who stayed were ready to play and win. Gideon did something similar with his army, making sure only the brave ones stayed to fight.
Historical Background
This verse is from the Book of Judges, which was written to document the history of Israel's leaders. Gideon spoke these words around 1100 BCE, during a time when the Israelites were facing the Midianites. The Israelites were outnumbered, and Gideon's strategy was to ensure he had a committed and brave group to fight.
Living It Out Today
In a business context, a manager might want to ensure that only the most dedicated and committed employees are on a high-stakes project. Gideon's approach can teach us to be honest about our fears and to choose projects we feel confident about, while also respecting those who step back for their own well-being.