Shoftim 7: Lapdogs

YINR 929: Tanach Yomi · Jun 30, 2026 · 3m

In chapter 6, Gideon tested God through special signs, in chapter 7, God uses His own test. Back in Joshua, after the defeat of Yericho, the people prepare to attack Ai. Secure in their victory over the walled city, the people choose to send a smaller force to attack the city of Ai. The tactic fails, and the force is routed. The motivation there may have been hubris that led to the Israelite defeat.

Here, Hashem wants to send a message to the Israelites, and the Midyanim. He tells Gideon that his large fighting force is too big to send the right message:

“The LORD said to Gideon: ‘The people…