Judges 7

2: I hate those questions that people give after doing a study about something like this. The question would go something like this: "Have you ever been in a situation where God worked through you even though you faced unsurmountable odds?" I hate those questions because I can never think of an answer, and because I can't think of an answer, it makes me feel like I don't trust God when I am in difficult situations, which is likely true in many situations. It makes me feel like a bad Christian...I want there to be a big fat instance that I can bring to mind immediately and wow the listeners with how God has worked in my life. But I suppose that would be boasting in my own achievements... *sigh* I am constantly reminded of my own inadequacy.

5-7: This seems absurd. First of all, who drinks water like a dog? Surely I would think the more...slow witted of people, since it would certainly be more efficient to kneel and cup the water in your hands. Also, how long would it have taken to look at each individual to see how he drinks? God does not seem to care who he takes with him on this particular trip, since he will get all the glory anyway.

15: It is interesting to me that the text does not say that Gideon worshiped God, just that he worshipped. I think it usually mentions God when referring to people worshipping him.

18: Is there self pride in Gideon's shout? Perhaps not, at least not in this stage of his life. Just wait a while...

19: Why is it important that Gideon acted at the beginning of the middle watch?
     Apparently, this was a good time to act because it was dark; and as men were coming back to the camp from their post, other men were coming to take their place. As they heard the glass jars and the shouting and the trumpets, the men who were coming for their watch mistook their comrades for the enemy, thus began to attack them. In the confusion and fear, no one knew what was going on.

25: Why would they bring the heads of the kings to Gideon?
     It was the thing that people did back then. I guess it is a conquering thing.

I was perhaps a little hard on Gideon in the last chapter. He is a little spineless and doubting. He doubted his ability to complete the task that God wanted him to do. But without doubt, he would have blundered in and tried to do it on his own, which would have only resulted in disaster. So the moral of the story is that doubting your ability to complete a task is not bad, as long as you turn to God so that he can work through you. Lord, help me lean on you.