Q1. Battle Strategy

[randi]

Three division into three companies was for the purpose of making the enemy think that they were being attacked on all sides of the camp.

This gave the appearance of it being a much larger army.

Blowing three hundred trumpets instead of one was for the same affect, to appear larger than they were.

The jars was to hide the light until the right time and than the breaking of them to cause such a noise all over that it would cause much confusion.

Three hundred men shouting from different directions causes more fear and panic.

The strategy was to strike at night, unexpected, and to make a appearance of being many more than what they were.

Yes it worked - 2 reasons 1) it was God's plan 2) causes much confusion for the Midianite army and in the dark they began to strike out at each other.

[sandieh]

God told Gideon exactly what to do to have the most effect. The Midinites seemed to be surrounded, the noise and the sudden light and the sounding of the trumpets, all served to startle and frighten the already jittery enemy army.

[ladyfields]

Gideon divied the army to surround the camp to appear larger than they were --to confuse the midianites. The jars and trumpets &torches were another tactic to throw the enemy off. The jars were to break & disturb the enemy the torches were hid until the right time & the trumpets blew to make it seem as if they were surrounded by a large army.

This strategy was sucessful first of all because the Spirit of the lord was with Gideon, but it was successful because the enemy was distracted & confused in the night so they began to kill one another. They fled, but they were captured & destroyed.

[Alicea]

Q1. Why does Gideon divided into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? (7:16-20) What was the result of this strategy? Why did this strategy work?

Gideon divided into three companies so as to surround the Midianites. The empty jars hid the light from the torches so when they were broken there was sudden light and sudden noise when the trumpets were blown. This made it look like the Midianites were surrounded by many troops. It frightened the Midianites and confused them to the point they actually attacked each other before they ran away.

[Commissioned]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies?

The three company of men were strategetically dispersed around the enemy

[Craig]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

God tells Gideon to divide the three hundred into three companies to surround the Midianites. The strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches is to create the illusion of greater numbers and confusion among the Midianites.

Blowing the 300 trumpets and breaking 300 jars at night from all around as well as shouting created confusion and fear in the Midianites. The strategy worked becaused it created fear and confusion in the Midianite camp.

[Nina]

Dividing into three groups and surrounding the Midianite camp gave the appearance of having a larger army. Using the trumpets, torches and jars and attacking at night caused confusion in the camp. The breaking of the jars and being surrounded with light caused the Midianites to panic. The strategy was good and worked very well. It worked really well because Gideon followed God's directions. The Midianites were startled, confused and began killing each other. All of this contributed to Gideon's victory.

[JustJeff]

By dividing his army into three groups Gideon was able to "surround the enemy" and create the illusion of a much greater size force. With the trumpets and the breaking of the clay jars a sound effect only gave more credibility to the scheme. As a result confusion ensued amongst the intruders and a victory was won.

Clearly when we use our heads and do the unexpected we can achieve great things. This is what happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead. We become victors instead of defeated.

[masika]

Q1. Why does Gideon divided into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? (7:16-20) What was the result of this strategy? Why did this strategy work? (7:21-22)

Gideon was following the plan given to him by God. He was doing it on his understanding.

Most of the Christian fail to follow the principles given by God. We use our own imagination, which seems good in our own eyes.

When the will of God is clear (statement or principle from Bible) do not wait for God to verify it. Act on it. Do not check up on God or test Him. If the will of God is not clear, then 1) live inside God's plan 2) apply the doctrine that you know and 3) use the principles of divine guidance.

After Gideon followed God's plan, he worn the war.

[Don W]

Most likely Gideon divided his army into three companies so they would be spread out to surround the Midianites in their camp, and they would be able to create more feeling of fear among them that they were a much larger army then only 300 soldiers (and they were, having God on their side), the enemy was overwhelmed and confused and started killing each other instead of the 300 Israelites! Gideon and his soldiers created even more confusion when they blew their trumpets broke their empty jars, and their torches to awaken the enemy and make them think that they were being attacked by a bigger army then they had. This strategy worked for 2 key reasons: one, that God was the One who had them create confusion in their ranks, and He fought and won the battle for them (all that Gideon

[Robin D]

Gideon divides his army into three companies to make it appear to the Midianites as if they were being surrounded. The strategy with the trumpets, the empy jars, and the torches was to cause panic for the enemy. The strategy worked because God caused the Midianites to turn on each other with their swords.

[sahala p.s.]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

Gideon divides his army into three companies because with these three companies that are located in three separated place in the edge of Midianite camp and that the men in it line the edge with a few hundreds feet apart, the enemy will feel like they are being attacked from all sides

The strategy with the trumpets is when the enemy hears the trumpet from 300 different directions they imagine that a huge army is attacking them.

The strategy with the empty jars is first, they hide the lights of the torches until the right time; and second, when broken and shattered they create a great deal of noise in order to shock and upset the enemy

The strategy with the torches is when the jars are broken and then the torches are raised the torch lights appeared suddenly all around the Midianite camp. This condition underscores the impression of being surrounded and induces panic

This strategy worked because God was in it and Gideon

[brotherbill]

With a small army he needed to give an appearance that they were many and might so he spread them out. This would give the appearance that they were surrounded and out manned.

These were not trained soldiers and they were not heavily armed so they needed and edge and God gave them one these simple tools and a plan. The (300) Trumpets and jars or pots would have made and awesome sound in the dark of the middle Easterner night specially when you are sound asleep and awakened by this noise. I am sure it could have easily sounded like a mighty army with swords and weapons clashing together as they attacked the sleeping Midianites. The sudden brightness that would appear from 300 torches would have given the appearance that the camp was ablaze and in a half sleeping state caused great panic.

I asked a youth why it worked and why such a strange plan and he said simply "Gideon did what God told him to do!" Amen.

I believe it worked because all of the preparation that God had done giving them the dream of the Barley loaf and the concern he put in their minds about the "Sword of Gideon." All of this was like a rising crescendo with the climax being the breaking of the jars and shouting and the Midianites turning on one another in fear and confusion.

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

[Barbara1]

1. So that can surround the camp and appear as a large army.

2. To confuse and disorient the enemy.

3. Because it was God's plan and not mans.

[paulcrf]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

To confuse the enemy that they were surrounded by a considerable number of attackers, the sound that Gideon and his men creates should come from different groups in different locations. The bible does not tell why Gideon divide his men into three groups. I would like to believe it was the guidance of God because God planned it all.

The strategy of the trumphets was to confuse the enemy that 300 groups of invading armies was charging towards them.

The strategy of the empty jars was to hide the torches and create a great deal of noise upon shattering it.

The strategy of the torches suddenly appearing around the Medianite camp was to create impression of being surrounded and induce panic.

God's strategy always work because God is perfect . The strategy worked because it was God's plan which was followed to the letter by Gideon and his army.

[Jen]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

It would be good strategy to spread out. As to how Gideon thought of it I don't know except it was the Holy Spirit and it would make the enemy think there were many more of the attackers than 300. The strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches would start to instill fear from the unknown. The strategy worked I believe because the Holy Spirit put fear and confusion in the minds of the enemy. Few with the Lord is better than many without. God wanted the Israelites to trust in Him and not their own strength or numbers.

God Bless!

Jen

Numbers 6:24-26

[Loisb]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

1. Gideon did this so that it would look like the enemy was surrounded by a larger army.

2. The strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars and the torches was a great idea becasue it confused the enemy and made them think that there was a larger army and made them so afraid that they started fighting each other.

3. When God is in the plan, any plan will work no matter how impossible things look.

[Pamela Harms]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

1. Gideon divides his army into three companies so that the enemy will feel as if they are being attacked from all sides.

2. The strategy is that the empty jars hid the torches inside them until the appropriate time to show their lights. When the trumpets sounded, the enemy would think that they are being attacked from all sides.

3. It sounded to the enemy that they were being attacked from all sides, were confused and turned on one another in the camp.

[JanMary]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies?

Dividing them allowed them to spead out and gave the impression that a huge army had the Midianites surrounded and outnumbered.

What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches?

These produced noise, confusion and panic in the enemy. 300 shofars being blown gave the illusion that 300 companies were surrounding them. The empty jars concealed the torch fires until broken, and the noise from the shattering added to the confusion and noise. The Torches blinded the enemy, much like shining a flashlight into another's eyes in the dark. "Our God is a consuming fire", comes to mind.

Why did this strategy work?

Because God is the God of all wisdom. He created us and knows both how to comfort His own, and how to rout the enemy attacking us! Confusion causes panic and shuts down the thinking process. The Midianites were so frightened, they self slaughtered their own army. Gideon's confident leadership emboldened his men, and I'm sure their shouts and trumpet blasts were formidable. God used a similar strategy to bring down the walls of Jericho...marching around and around 7 times then shouting, and the walls fell.

[Seeking His Face]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

To make the enemy the Midianites think they were surrounded by a great an mighty army on all sides. The trumpets and jars and torches were the element of surprise, and caused a stir they were afraid and confused. This strategy worked because it was God's plan.

[hanks]

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22)

Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies?

To be able to spread his men all around the Midianites camp

[Old Jerry]

I suppose that Gideon divided his army into three companies so that there would better control on what was happening.

I think that the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and torches was to cause confusion and to make it look like that were a bigger army then they actually were. It was a great strategy because it worked.

[wifee]

1a)3 companies means the effect of trumpets blasts in different directions,light from torches held high&shouts of soldiers will frighten the Midianites more effectively by surrounding them.

B)the trumpets sounding 300 times gives impression on many,many troops/huge army about to charge on midiantes; the empty jars i)hide light until just before moment of surprise ii)create a loud shattering noise confusing enemy at night time; the torches suddenly appearing,confuse and panic the midianites,give impression of being surrounded.

C)The strategy worked because Gideon had the faith to trust and obey God’s,he showed Midianites positive,confident tactical leadership, and they were obedient to follow Gideon and his commands.

[DebLam3teach]

Gideon divided his men  into three companies so they could surround the Midianite camp effectively.  The strategy was to hide the torches with the empty jars to keep secrecy.  When all the jars were broken, the sound startled the Midianites.  They thought they were surrounded by a bigger army than they were.  The sound of 300 trumpets gave the effect of a huge, organized army attacking them from all sides.

[Paul Irving]

On 1/31/2003 at 10:05 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work?

The were three hundred men with him in the battlefield, so he could encompass the Midianites.  Then he gave every man a trumpet and they carried the trumpets in their right hands and held the lamps in their left hands.  Then Gideon instructed the men to do as he did blow your trumpets on every side of the camp and say the sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.  And the three hundred blew their trumpets and the Lord set every mans sword against their enemies.  The strategy worked because it threw the Midianites off guard and they tried to flee.  But the Israelites persued them and slew them, then they took the two princes of the Midianites Oreb and Zeeb.  They slew Oreb on the rock Oreb, and they slew Zeeb on the winepress of Zeeb.