Strength in Small Numbers

We often hear the phrase “strength in numbers” and it is used in the sense that the more people you have, the greater the chances are of succeeding or winning.

The question arises, how much does it take to win?

Gideon gathered over thirty thousand men to prepare for battle against the Midianites. You would think that would be a formidable military force to go out to battle against a people who had been harassing and oppressing Israel.

God however, said to Gideon, “you have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands”. A trained military leader who had done the research and put together a tactical plan would counter that and reply that the numbers weren’t enough to fight the invading army. The strategic thinking is that the more men you have, the greater are your chances for victory.

God had another strategy, and His reason was that if that force went out to battle and won, they would take the credit and boast that they had won the battle in their own strength.

What God was saying to Gideon is that “the battle belongs to me.”

He got them to reduce the numbers by challenging those who were fearful to return home. Twenty-two thousand men returned, leaving ten thousand.

The Lord then said, “there are still too many”. After a further elimination test, three hundred men remained. God instructed Gideon to go down to the camp of the Midianites for He had given it into their hands.

The battle was won with three hundred men and God.

How large is your group? how many people do you have? Whatever the size of your group, God can use you mightily and help you to overcome and win the battle.

There’s strength in small numbers.