King James Version

What Does Judges 7:18 Mean?

Judges 7:18 in the King James Version says “When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, an...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.”

Judges 7:18 · KJV

Context

16

And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. a trumpet: Heb. trumpets in the hand of all of them lamps: or, firebrands, or, torches

17

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

18

When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

19

So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

20

And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gideon continues his instructions: 'When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.' The battle cry 'The sword of the LORD and of Gideon' attributes victory to divine power primarily (the LORD first) while acknowledging human instrumentality (Gideon second). This order reflects proper theology—God acts through His chosen servants, but He receives primary glory. The positioning 'on every side of all the camp' created the impression of complete encirclement by a massive force.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Battle cries served both to encourage one's own troops and intimidate enemies. Israel's battle cries typically invoked Yahweh's name and presence (Joshua 6:5, 1 Samuel 17:45). The phrase 'sword of the LORD' emphasizes divine warfare—though 300 men held swords, they fought as Yahweh's instruments. Ancient armies surrounded by enemy forces often panicked, breaking formation and fleeing in disorder. The strategy exploited this psychological vulnerability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the battle cry's order (LORD first, Gideon second) model proper understanding of God's sovereignty and human agency?
  2. What 'battle cries' do Christians use to declare God's power over spiritual enemies?
  3. Why is corporate declaration of God's victory important in spiritual warfare, not just private belief?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּתְקַעְתֶּ֨ם1 of 16

“I and all that are with me then blow”

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֜וֹת2 of 16

“with a trumpet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

אָֽנֹכִ֖י3 of 16
H595

i

וְכָל4 of 16
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אִתִּ֑י6 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וּתְקַעְתֶּ֨ם7 of 16

“I and all that are with me then blow”

H8628

to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become

בַּשּֽׁוֹפָר֜וֹת8 of 16

“with a trumpet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

גַּם9 of 16
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַתֶּ֗ם10 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

סְבִיבוֹת֙11 of 16

“also on every side”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

כָּל12 of 16
H3605

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

הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה13 of 16

“of all the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם14 of 16

“and say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַֽיהוָ֥ה15 of 16

“The sword of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּלְגִדְעֽוֹן׃16 of 16

“and of Gideon”

H1439

gidon, an israelite

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 7:18 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 7:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 20:15-171 Samuel 17:47

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