In the story of Gideon, God is preparing him to lead a small army against the Midianites. To ensure that Gideon relies on divine strength rather than human numbers, God devises a test at the water's edge. The men are observed as they drink, and God instructs Gideon to separate them based on their drinking method. Those who lap the water with their tongues, like dogs, are chosen. This method of drinking keeps them alert and ready, symbolizing vigilance and preparedness. By reducing the army's size in this manner, God emphasizes that victory will come through His power, not through human might. This narrative teaches that faith and obedience are more crucial than sheer numbers or conventional wisdom. It reassures believers that God's plans often defy human logic, and success is found in trusting His guidance. The story of Gideon encourages us to remain watchful and to trust in God's unconventional methods for achieving His purposes.
So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.”
Judges 7:5
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