Long after the battle of Jericho, the Israelites forgot to obey
God again. They hid out in the hills, fearing a people called. Midianites.
One day, a man named Gideon heard an angel say, "God is with you,
mighty warrior!"
"God is with me?" asked Gideon in surprise. "Then why are we
having such troubles?"
"You shall save Israel," said the angel. "For God has chosen you
to lead your people."
"Me?" cried Gideon. "But who will listen to me? I am no one! I am
the least of the least."
"God will go with you," said the angel.
Thousands of men came to help Gideon. But God said, "That's too
many. Send hack any who are afraid." So Gideon let 22,000 men
leave. Now 10,000 remained.
"You still have too many," said God, and He showed Gideon whom to
send home. Now only 300 men remained! God told Gideon's army to
surround the Midianite camp. When Gideon gave the signal, they
smashed jars, waved torches, yelled loudly, and blew their
trumpets. The startled Midianites grabbed their swords and fought
against themselves. Then they ran! God used Gideon's tiny army to
win the battle!
