The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”
- Judges 7:20
“Up and down the hollows and hills, farms and houses had been carved out of dense forests. They had faced many hardships, but now a greater threat was headed straight for them. Should they wait until the enemy showed up on their doorstep?
“’No,’ shouted [Princeton grad Samuel] Doak, ‘it shall not be. Go forth then in the strength of your manhood to the aid of your brethren, the defense of your liberty, and the protection of your homes. And may the God of Justice be with you and give you victory.’ Then, looking over the motley group of mountaineers, he shouted, ‘Shall we pray?’
“Almighty and gracious God! Thou hast been the refuge and strength of Thy people in all ages. In the time of sorest need we have learned to come to Thee-our Rock and our Fortress. Thou knowest the dangers and snares that surround us on march and in battle. Thou knowest the dangers that constantly threaten the humble but well-beloved homes Thy servants have left behind them. Oh, in Thine infinite mercy, save us from the cruel hand of the savage and the Tyrant. Thou, who promised to protect the sparrow in its flight, keep ceaseless watch by day and by night, over our loved ones Oh, God of Battle, arise in Thy Spirit. Avenge the slaughter of Thy people. Confound those who plot for our destruction. Crown this mighty effort with victory and smite those who exalt themselves against liberty and justice and truth. Help us as good soldiers to wield the sword of the Lord and of Gideon. Amen!”
- Robert J. Morgan, 100 Bible Verses That Made America
In my recent trip to visit the grandchildren, the oldest of them went with me to Nashville, to sell used books and games. One of the books that I purchased in return was 100 Bible Verses That Made America by Robert J. Morgan. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the birth of the USA, I thought I would do a condensed mini-series on some of these verses, four posts per week for a few weeks – maybe not all 100 verses.
When Gideon’s Army shouted “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon” did any of those 300 hand-picked men have a sword?
No. You might say that their war cry was a prayer to God for God to deliver the swords.
They blew their trumpets. They yelled. They uncovered their hidden torches.
But what happened beforehand? Gideon went into the camp and learned they had been given a dream that scared the Midianites. God had preconditioned the Midianites to act irrationally. The mighty army awoke, hearing the trumpets and the screams, seeing the lit torches, and the Midianites in sheer panic drew their swords and blindly started to kill each other. When they regained their senses, what was left fled the encampment.
There were plenty of swords that lay on the battlefield for Gideon’s army to gather and use in the chase.
The Overmountain Men knew those mountains. They made their way quickly to Kings Mountain.
Waiting for any resistance was British Major Patrick Ferguson. He had boasted that God Himself could not drive him from that place. But God hates boasts of that nature. God does not take a challenge like that lightly.
And with a psychological advantage of a pastor who challenged them to obtain a sword for the Lord and one for Gideon, the Overmountain Men drove Major Ferguson from Kings Mountain.
How much of this was adrenaline? How much of this was reading their own press clippings, and thinking themselves invincible?
No, God ensured the victory.
Soli Deo Gloria. Only to God be the Glory.
Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley 
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