The answer is: A trumpet, a pitcher and a torch

Judges 7:16

Gideon’s unconventional strategy in Judges 7:16 is fascinating! Instead of traditional weapons, he handed his men a trumpet, a pitcher, and a torch—a triumvirate of tools that might seem more suited for a festive gathering than a battlefield. But herein lies the brilliance of his approach. By choosing these items, Gideon amplified the element of surprise against the Midianites.

Imagine this: as night fell, 300 men stealthily surrounded the enemy camp, each armed with the same surprising gear. When Gideon and his men suddenly blew their trumpets and shattered the pitchers to reveal their torches, chaos erupted among the Midianites. The strategic use of light and sound instilled fear and confusion, leading to their unexpected defeat. This speaks to a powerful biblical principle that shows how weak things can profoundly confound strong foes—not unlike the classic notion of David defeating Goliath.

Interestingly, this episode resonates well beyond its immediate geographic context. The imagery of light piercing through darkness—a theme prevalent throughout the Bible—underscores hope, revelation, and divine intervention, inviting us to consider how we might shift our perspectives in adversarial situations. In a way, Gideon’s entrenchment of faith above mere artillery serves as a clarion call to explore unconventional paths in all of life’s battles. Just like those ancient trumpets, we can also sound our wake-up calls to action amid challenges!