And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.
The Midianites, Amalekites, and all the eastern tribes were spread throughout the valley in such huge numbers they looked like a swarm of grasshoppers. Their camels were countless, as numerous as grains of sand on the seashore.
This verse describes how Gideon faced an overwhelming enemy army that seemed impossible to defeat because of their massive numbers.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Judges, which recounts the period of Israel's history after their entry into the Promised Land, the Midianites and their allies were oppressing the Israelites by raiding their crops and livestock, leading to widespread hardship. Gideon was chosen by God to lead a small Israelite army against this vast coalition, and this verse describes the enemy's overwhelming numbers to emphasize the impossibility of victory through human effort alone. This sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, showing His sovereignty in delivering His people.
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