King James Version

What Does Judges 6:15 Mean?

“And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. my family: Heb. my thousand is the meanest”

Context

And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. my family: Heb. my thousand is the meanest

And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.

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Topics in This Verse

Salvation

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Oh my Lord.**—Here our version deliberately adopts the reading *adonî, as *in Judges 6:13, and the reason for this reading is that Gideon does not appear *to *have fully recognised the angel till his disappearance (Judges 6:22). The reading of the Hebrew MSS., however, is *Adonai, *“Lord;” and if it be correct, we must suppose that Gideon addresses God as recognising that the message came from Him. **Wherewith shall I save Israel?**—We repeatedly find this preliminary diffidence of humility in those whom God selects for His service. (Comp. Exodus 4:1-13; 1Samuel 9:21; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 1:6-7, &c.) **My family.**—Literally, *my thousand *(Exodus 18:21; 1Samuel 10:19). **Poor.**—Rather, *the meanest, *as is shown by the article “my thousand is *the *mean one,” just as David is called “*the *little one” of his brethren (1Samuel 18:14). What had caused this depression of the house of Abiezer we do not know, but it may have been due in part to the overweening pride of Ephraim. **I am the least in my father’s house.**—He was also the last of his father’s house. All his brethren had been slain.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 6:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.