King James Version

What Does Judges 7:12 Mean?

Judges 7:12 in the King James Version says “And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for mul... — study this verse from Judges chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.

Judges 7:12 · KJV


Context

10

But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host:

11

And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host. Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host. armed men: or, ranks by five

12

And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.

13

And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along.

14

And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The overwhelming scope of the enemy force is described: Midianites, Amalekites, and all the eastern peoples settled in the valley 'like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea shore for multitude.' The grasshopper comparison evokes Israel's fearful spies describing themselves before the Canaanites (Numbers 13:33)—ironic reversal as now the enemies appear as numerous as grasshoppers. The camel emphasis highlights the raiders' military advantage—mobility allowing rapid strikes and retreat. The 'sand by the sea shore' metaphor (cf. Genesis 22:17, 32:12) emphasizes the vast numbers facing Gideon's 300.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage provides the earliest clear biblical reference to large-scale military use of camels. Camels gave the Midianite coalition unprecedented raiding capability—traveling 100 miles in a day, carrying substantial loads, surviving on minimal water. This mobility explains their seven-year dominance despite Israel's larger population. Archaeological evidence confirms camel domestication was increasing during the early Iron Age (12th-11th centuries BCE), matching the judges period timeframe.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the overwhelming enemy size emphasize the miraculous nature of the coming victory?
  2. What 'multitudes' in your life seem as innumerable as grasshoppers or sand, requiring divine intervention?
  3. How does the camel detail demonstrate that human military advantages mean nothing against God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וּמִדְיָ֨ן1 of 17

And the Midianites

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

וַֽעֲמָלֵ֤ק2 of 17

and the Amalekites

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

וְכָל3 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵי4 of 17

and all the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קֶ֙דֶם֙5 of 17

of the east

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

נֹֽפְלִ֣ים6 of 17

lay

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בָּעֵ֔מֶק7 of 17

along in the valley

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

כָּֽאַרְבֶּ֖ה8 of 17

like grasshoppers

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

לָרֹֽב׃9 of 17

for multitude

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

וְלִגְמַלֵּיהֶם֙10 of 17

and their camels

H1581

a camel

אֵ֣ין11 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִסְפָּ֔ר12 of 17

were without number

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

כַּח֛וֹל13 of 17

as the sand

H2344

sand (as round or whirling particles)

שֶֽׁעַל14 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׂפַ֥ת15 of 17

side

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

הַיָּ֖ם16 of 17

by the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

לָרֹֽב׃17 of 17

for multitude

H7230

abundance (in any respect)


Study Guide

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 7:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 7:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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