The 9700 were the most miserable

When someone tells the story of Gideon*, the emphasis is usually on his 300 warriors. And rightly so. They were the ones who made a difference. If not for them, the whole nation would have gone on being pushovers of the Midianites.

But we already knew this. The spotlight is always on the heroes.But in the shadows, right there between the light of the 300 warriors and the darkness of the 22000 who were ​​timid and afraid, were the 9700. Who were they, anyway? Cowards? Warriors? That’s the thing. Even they didn’t know who they were.

When Gideon told those who showed up for the battle that whoever was timid and afraid should return home, 22000 card-carrying cowards admitted their fear and left for their “comfortable” caves. As much as I try, I cannot find an adjective that could describe this group. Such people don’t expect anything from life. So when they get nothing, they’re not surprised. But I won’t focus on them today.

The 9,700 were the real disappointment in the story.

They thought they were brave. They thought they were ready for battle. But when they were tested, they discovered something about themselves: They were as cowardly as the others who left before them.

The worst position you can find yourself in is sitting on the fence. Which side are you on? Are you hot, cold, or lukewarm? Is your decision yes, no, or maybe? Do you believe in God, not believe in Him, or just don’t know?

Decide who you are. Know where you stand.

Among the three groups in Gideon’s story, the 9700 were the most miserable. Doubt, hesitation, and half-hearted commitment, are the great reasons behind people’s miseries and failures.

* Find Gideon’s story in the Bible, book of Judges chapters 6, 7, & 8.