Is the Victor God or Trickery?

So Gideon and the hundred who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch; and they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands. So the three companies blew the trumpets and bloke the jars, holding in their left hands the torches, and their right hands the trumpets to blow; and they cried, "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!" Every man stood in his place all around the camp, and all the men in camp ran; they cried out and fled. Judges 7:19-21 NRSV

Gideon really gives the enemies a good scare that ultimately leads to their victory.

Imagine the scene: It is in the middle of the night. The sentries have just changed places. Gideon separates his troops into three groups. Every man carries a torch covered with a jar in their left hand and a trumpet in their right. Quietly, they sneak up on the enemy. The three groups surround the enemy camp. Suddenly, at Gideon's signal, everyone breaks their jar and blows their trumpet, following this with a cry of war.

Can you imagine what the enemy must have thought? They are asleep in their tents, trusting their night watch to keep them safe. Suddenly they are surrounded by lights, the sound of trumpets pierces their ear and war cries are sung out close by. No wonder they fled in panic - right into the arms of Gideon's men.

I guess the question might remain with us: is God the victor here or is trickery?

I am not a real trickery kind of gal. I am more disposed to confront someone head-on (usually with a good bit of anger and not much forethought). I guess that trickery does involve complex understanding of the situation, planning and strategy. I would not make a good general. I also would make a lousy Gideon.

Probably also a good thing I'm not God.

Good thing that, whether by trickery or miracles, God is going to come out the winner.

God, all the glory and praise belongs to you! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: When have you used complex means or trickery to resolve a conflict?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims