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
This occurs during the period of the Judges when Israel was repeatedly oppressed by surrounding nations due to their disobedience to God. The Midianites and their allies had been raiding and devastating Israel for seven years, stealing crops and livestock. Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from this oppression, but he was facing what appeared to be insurmountable odds.
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