GIDEON. 123

Grandfather. It was the will of the Lord at this time
to conquer the children of the east by a very small
number, and the reason he gives to Gideon for this is
expressed in these words, “ Lest Israel vaunt them-
selves against me, saying, mine own hand hath saved
me.” Ten thousand men were too many; they must be
still further reduced. The Lord directed Gideon how
this was to be done. The people were taken down to
the water to drink; the greater number bowed down on
their knees to drink; three hundred only lifted the
water to their mouths in their hands. By direction of
the Almighty, Gideon sent away all those who had
bowed on their knees to drink, he kept only the three
hundred with himself. This was a great trial of
Gideon’s faith, but it did not waver; his confidence
in God could not be shaken.

George. How large was the army of the Midianites,
grandfather ?

Grandfather. One hundred and thirty-five thousand
men.

Johnnie. Why were the soldiers sent away because
they bowed down to drink?

Grandfather. It has been thought that by lying down
to drink they shewed how eager they were to have
their thirst gratified, while those who drank from their
hands shewed by that how able they were to endure
thirst and fatigue. But the surest reason doubtless is
that it was the will of God to reduce the army to a very
small number, and this test was used because at a sul-