King James Version

What Does Judges 7:21 Mean?

“And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled .”

Context

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.

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.

And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled .

And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath. in: or, toward border: Heb. lip

And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Ran, and cried, and fled.**—They ran about to discover the meaning of the trumpet-blast. Their “cries” were either the wail of despair (Vulg., *ululantes*)*, *or a number of confused shouts and words of command (LXX., *esêmainan*)*; *their flight would be a natural result of the hopeless terror and confusion which prevailed. The word, however, in the Kethibh, or written text, is *yanîsoo, *which means “caused to fly”—*i.e., *“carried off their tents,” &c.

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 7:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.