Bible moment
The Bible moment
Judges 7:1–8 tells how Gideon and the Israelites camped near the spring of Harod while Midian was nearby. The LORD told Gideon that his army was too large, because Israel might claim the victory for itself. First, the fearful men were allowed to leave, and 10,000 remained. Then God selected 300 men by how they drank water: some lapped water with their hands to their mouths, while others knelt to drink. The others returned home, and the 300 kept the provisions and trumpets. The passage does not say the departing men were failures, and it does not divide the 300 into three groups here. God was teaching Israel to depend on His strength rather than on a large army.
Look closely
What children can notice
At the spring of Harod, Gideon watches as some men lap water with their hands while others kneel to drink. A larger group departs in the background, while the remaining 300 stand together with provisions and trumpets, showing that God’s strength does not depend on a large army.
Talk together
Talk about it
- Why did God reduce Gideon’s army?
- How can we trust God when we feel small?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page to discuss trusting God rather than relying on numbers. Invite children to notice the water, trumpets, provisions, and departing soldiers. Emphasize that the men who left were not portrayed as failures. Pair the page with Judges 7:1–8, then let children retell the selection in their own words.
Source note
From this passage
Judges 7:1–8 · Gideon Defeats Midian
At the spring of Harod, Gideon watches as some men lap water with their hands while others kneel to drink. A larger group departs in the background, while the remaining 300 stand together with provisions and trumpets, showing that God’s strength does not depend on a large army.
