3. So call your troops together and tell them that anyone who is really afraid can leave Mount Gilead and go home.”Twenty-two thousand men returned home, leaving Gideon with only ten thousand soldiers.
4. “Gideon,” the Lord said, “you still have too many soldiers. Take them down to the spring and I'll test them. I'll tell you which ones can go along with you and which ones must go back home.”
5. When Gideon led his army down to the spring, the Lord told him, “Watch how each man gets a drink of water. Then divide them into two groups—those who lap the water like a dog and those who kneel down to drink.”
6. Three hundred men scooped up water in their hands and lapped it, and the rest knelt to get a drink.
7. The Lord said, “Gideon, your army will be made up of everyone who lapped the water from their hands. Send the others home. I'm going to rescue Israel by helping you and your army of three hundred defeat the Midianites.”
8. Then Gideon gave these orders, “You three hundred men stay here. The rest of you may go home, but leave your food and trumpets with us.”Gideon's army camp was on top of a hill overlooking the Midianite camp in the valley.
9. That night, the Lord said to Gideon. “Get up! Attack the Midianite camp. I am going to let you defeat them,