Midianites.

[Illustration: EXAMINING THE FLEECE.]




THE DEFEAT OF THE MIDIANITES.


Large numbers of the Israelites gathered around Gideon, prepared to
fight against the Midianites, who were encamped in a valley, "like
grasshoppers for multitude." How Gideon's host was reduced till only
three hundred men remained, and the wonderful dream he heard related,
when he and his servant went down as spies into the enemy's camp, are
recorded in the seventh chapter of Judges. It was not by their own
bravery or power that the Israelites were to overcome their enemies.
God was to give them the victory: and He chose Gideon and three
hundred men to overcome the great and mighty host of the Midianites.

Gideon divided his three hundred men into three companies, and put a
trumpet in every man's hand, and gave to each a pitcher with a lamp
inside. Then he said, "Look on me, and do likewise: when I blow with a
trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on
every side of the camp, and say, 'The sword of the Lord and of
Gideon.'" Gideon and the hundred men of his company approached the
enemy's camp by night, and the other two companies drew nigh also, so
that the Midianites where surrounded. Then all blew their trumpets,
broke their pitchers, held up their lamps (torches), and cried out as
they had been commanded.