Judges 7:17

17 He said to them, "Watch me, and do what I do. When I come to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do.

Judges 7:17 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 7:17

And he said unto them, look on me, and do likewise
Observe what I do, and do the same, in blowing a trumpet, breaking a pitcher, and shouting with the words expressed by him:

and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp;
where the sentinels stood, and the watch was set:

it shall be, that as I do, so shall ye do;
and not before; a trumpet was not to be blown, nor a pitcher broken, nor a torch held out, nor a word spoken, till just they came to the outside of the camp: and then they were to observe the motions of Gideon, and do as he did.

Judges 7:17 In-Context

15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped the LORD. Then he went back to the camp of Israel and said, "Attack! The LORD will hand Midian's camp over to you."

16 Gideon divided the 300 men into three companies. He gave them each rams' horns and jars with torches inside.

17 He said to them, "Watch me, and do what I do. When I come to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do.

18 When I and those with me blow our rams' horns, then the rest of you around the camp do the same and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon!'"

19 Gideon and his 100 men came to the edge of the camp. It was the beginning of the midnight watch just at the change of the guards. They blew their rams' horns and smashed the jars they were holding in their hands.