Judges 7:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Some individuals may glorify the valor found in warfare, believing that true bravery is revealed solely in combat, and I highlight the other dimension of bravery only because martial courage feels distant from us. Consider the courageous act of Joshua, who, in a single confrontation, overcame and captured five kings along with their armies. In fact, Joshua fought not just for glory but to defend the Gabaonites, with whom he had formed an alliance. He was concerned that darkness might impede his victory, and in an extraordinary display of spirit and faith, he called out, "Let the sun stand still!" (Joshua 10:12), and the sun paused until triumph was secured. Similarly, Gideon, with only three hundred men, triumphed over a massive force of a ruthless adversary. Reflect on the boldness of the young Jonathan, who demonstrated great courage in battle, as noted in the accounts (Judges 7:1-25; 1 Kings 14:1-15). And what can be said of the Maccabees?