THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
God declared through the prophet, ‘If My people had heeded Me, Israel would have walked in My ways; for I would have subdued his adversaries.’ This speaks of a certain and effortless triumph over enemies: ‘for I would have subdued his adversaries.’ God attributes such a victory to Himself, to His blessing and His hidden or, when necessary, manifest miraculous assistance bestowed upon His chosen people. This aid is granted not arbitrarily, nor without moral and spiritual conditions: ‘If My people would heed Me, Israel would walk in My ways.’ Israel could possess warriors, arms, leaders, and an abundance of might and skill; while this is commendable, it is not sufficient. His foes might have been more numerous, more skilled, and bolder, but that poses no issue.
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It is crucial for Israel to listen to God and to follow the path of the Lord. Belief in God, earnest prayer, attentive listening to His words, and adherence to His commandments—living justly, morally, and humanely—are essential. If one has sinned, one should readily repent and seek restoration; reliance should not be on oneself, but on God. He stands ready to ‘subdue your adversaries’ and to grant you a certain and effortless victory over them. Despite the Israelites’ idolatry, leading them to be ravaged by the Midianites, Gideon, inspired by the angel, replaces the altar of Baal with the altar of the one true God. As a result, with three hundred unarmed men and a battle cry of ‘A sword for the Lord and for Gideon’ (Judges 7:18), he incites chaos and division in the Midianite camp, rendering direct combat unnecessary—only the pursuit and destruction of the hostile forces remain.