Reading for December 20th

Read Judges 17.15-8.3. In 7.15-8.3: Victory over Midian. In 7.16: The torches remain inside the jars to preserve the element of surprise. In verse 19: The beginning of the middle watch is a psychologically appropriate moment to attack. In verses 21-22: The result is panic, the classic weapon of the divine warrior (4.15). This victory became a proverbial example (Ps 83.9-11; Isa 9.4). In 8.1-2: The Ephraimites resent being left out of the original summons (6.35; 7.23), but Gideon responds wisely with a soothing compliment; The dregs of Ephraim are better than the very best my clan has to offer. Comments or Questions..