Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Watch me,” he told them. “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. New Living Translation Then he said to them, “Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do. English Standard Version And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. Berean Standard Bible “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. Berean Literal Bible And he said to them, “You⁺ shall look at me, and likewise you⁺ shall do. And behold, I am coming to the edge of the camp, and as I do, so you⁺ shall do. King James Bible And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. New King James Version And he said to them, “Look at me and do likewise; watch, and when I come to the edge of the camp you shall do as I do: New American Standard Bible Then he said to them, “Look at me and do likewise. And behold, when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. NASB 1995 He said to them, “Look at me and do likewise. And behold, when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. NASB 1977 And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. And behold, when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. Legacy Standard Bible Then he said to them, “Look at me and do likewise. And behold, I will come to the outskirts of the camp, and it will be that just as I do so you do likewise. Amplified Bible And he said to them, “Look at me, then do likewise. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do. Berean Annotated Bible “Watch me and do as I do, Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. Christian Standard Bible “Watch me,” he said to them, “and do what I do. When I come to the outpost of the camp, do as I do. Holman Christian Standard Bible Watch me,” he said, “and do the same. When I come to the outpost of the camp, do as I do. American Standard Version And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. English Revised Version And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. GOD'S WORD® Translation He said to them, "Watch me, and do what I do. When I come to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. Good News Translation He told them, "When I get to the edge of the camp, watch me, and do what I do. International Standard Version He instructed them, "Watch me, and do what I do. When we come to the outer perimeter of the encampment, do what I do. NET Bible He said to them, "Watch me and do as I do. Watch closely! I am going to the edge of the camp. Do as I do! New Heart English Bible He said to them, "Look at me, and do likewise. And look, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so you shall do. Webster's Bible Translation And he said to them, Look on me, and do likewise: and behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that as I do, so shall ye do. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. World English Bible He said to them, “Watch me, and do likewise. Behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so you shall do. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says to them, “Look at me, and thus do; and behold, I am coming into the extremity of the camp—and it has been—as I do so you do; Berean Literal Bible And he said to them, “You⁺ shall look at me, and likewise you⁺ shall do. And behold, I am coming to the edge of the camp, and as I do, so you⁺ shall do. Young's Literal Translation And he saith unto them, 'Look at me, and thus do; and lo, I am coming into the extremity of the camp -- and it hath been -- as I do so ye do; Smith's Literal Translation And he will say to them, Ye shall look upon me, and so shall ye do: and behold me coming to the extremity of the camp, and it was as I shall do, so ye shall do. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to them: What you shall see me do, do you the same: I will go into one part of the camp, and do you as I shall do. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to them: “What you will see me do, do the same. I will enter a portion of the camp, and what I do, you shall follow. New American Bible “Watch me and follow my lead,” he told them. “I shall go to the edge of the camp, and as I do, you must do also. New Revised Standard Version he said to them, “Look at me, and do the same; when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to them, Watch me and do as I do; and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, as I do, so shall you do. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to them: “Watch me and thus do; behold I am going inside the camp; just as I do, do likewise OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said unto them: 'Look on me, and do likewise; and, behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. Brenton Septuagint Translation and he said to them, Ye shall look at me, and so shall ye do; and behold, I will go into the beginning of the host, and it shall come to pass that as I do, so shall ye do. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gideon Defeats Midian…16And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. 17“Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. 18When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’ ”… Cross References “Watch me and do as I do,” 1 Corinthians 11:1 You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. Philippians 3:17 Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Gideon said. Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 2 Samuel 10:12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47 But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, 1 Samuel 14:1-13 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. / Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men, / including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left. … Joshua 8:3-8 So Joshua and the whole army set out to attack Ai. Joshua chose 30,000 mighty men of valor and sent them out at night / with these orders: “Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready. / Then I and all the troops with me will advance on the city. When they come out against us as they did the first time, we will flee from them. … 2 Kings 7:5-7 So they arose at twilight and went to the camp of the Arameans. But when they came to the outskirts of the camp, there was not a man to be found. / For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. do exactly as I do. 1 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 1 Peter 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering. 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. John 13:15 I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. Treasury of Scripture And he said to them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall you do. Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done. Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Jump to Previous Camp Edge Exactly Extremity Eyes Likewise Outer Outermost Outside Outskirts Part Tents Watch WhateverJump to Next Camp Edge Exactly Extremity Eyes Likewise Outer Outermost Outside Outskirts Part Tents Watch WhateverJudges 7 1. Gideon's army of thirty-two thousand is brought to three hundred9. He is encouraged by the dream and interpretation of the burley cake 16. His plan of trumpets and lamps in pitchers 24. The Ephraimites take Oreb and Zeeb Watch me and do as I do Gideon, chosen by God to lead Israel against the Midianites, emphasizes the importance of imitation and obedience. This reflects the biblical principle of leadership by example, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:1 where Paul urges believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ. Gideon's directive underscores the necessity of unity and trust in leadership, crucial for the success of their mission. Gideon said When I come to the outskirts of the camp do exactly as I do Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonThe central figure in this passage, Gideon is a judge of Israel chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He is known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God, yet he becomes a mighty warrior through faith and obedience. 2. The 300 Men These are the select group of warriors chosen by God to accompany Gideon in the battle against the Midianites. Their small number highlights God's power in delivering victory through seemingly impossible odds. 3. The Midianite Camp The location where the Midianites and their allies are encamped, representing the oppressive force against Israel. The camp is the target of Gideon's strategic attack. 4. The Trumpets and Torches Instruments used by Gideon and his men to create confusion and fear in the Midianite camp, symbolizing unconventional warfare tactics directed by divine wisdom. 5. The Edge of the Camp The strategic position where Gideon instructs his men to follow his lead, emphasizing the importance of unity and obedience in executing God's plan. Teaching Points Leadership by ExampleGideon's instruction to "watch me" and "follow my lead" underscores the importance of leading by example. As Christians, we are called to model Christ-like behavior for others to follow. Obedience to God's Plan The success of Gideon's mission depended on strict adherence to God's unconventional strategy. This teaches us the importance of trusting and obeying God's guidance, even when it defies human logic. Faith Over Fear Gideon's transformation from a hesitant leader to a bold warrior demonstrates the power of faith in overcoming fear. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises and step out in faith. Unity in Purpose The unity of Gideon's 300 men in following his lead highlights the strength found in collective obedience and purpose. As the body of Christ, we are called to work together in unity for God's kingdom. God's Strength in Our Weakness The victory over the Midianites with a small army illustrates how God can use our weaknesses to display His strength and glory. We should rely on His power rather than our own abilities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 7:17?2. How can we emulate Gideon's leadership example in Judges 7:17 in our lives? 3. What does Gideon's command reveal about the importance of obedience in spiritual battles? 4. How does Judges 7:17 connect with Jesus' call to follow Him in Matthew 4:19? 5. In what ways can we "do as I do" to inspire others spiritually? 6. How can Gideon's strategy in Judges 7:17 apply to modern Christian discipleship? 7. How does Judges 7:17 demonstrate leadership and faith in God's plan? 8. What is the significance of Gideon's actions in Judges 7:17 for believers today? 9. How does Judges 7:17 illustrate the concept of leading by example? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 7? 11. How can Deuteronomy 7:16's promise of victory over enemies be reconciled with records of Israel's military setbacks in other biblical accounts? 12. In Judges 7:13-14, does relying on an enemy soldier's dream as proof of victory raise questions about historical plausibility? 13. Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges? 14. How did Judith save Israel from Holofernes' army? What Does Judges 7:17 Mean Watch me and do as I do“Watch me,” Gideon said, “and do likewise” (Judges 7:17a). In a moment when only three hundred men stand against a massive Midianite host, Gideon doesn’t offer a lecture—he offers himself. • Leadership by example: Like Paul urging, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1), Gideon knows people learn faith best when they can see it lived. • Visible faith: Earlier the Angel of the LORD called Gideon a “mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12). Now Gideon’s actions begin to match that title, fulfilling Hebrews 13:7’s call to consider the outcome of a leader’s way of life and imitate their faith. • Modeling obedience: Peter describes shepherds as “examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). Gideon’s willingness to step out first gives his men confidence that God truly “saves not by sword or by spear” (1 Samuel 17:47). When I come to the outskirts of the camp “When I come to the outskirts of the camp” (Judges 7:17b) pinpoints the decisive moment. • Stepping into enemy territory echoes the Red Sea crossing, where Moses had to move forward before the waters parted (Exodus 14:15-16). • God-given timing: Earlier that night, Gideon overheard a Midianite dream confirming victory (Judges 7:13-15). Trusting that divine cue, he approaches the perimeter exactly when fear already grips the foe, much like Jonathan timing his climb against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:6-15). • Faith at the edge: The “outskirts” represent the threshold between safety and risk. Israel’s history shows God acting when His people stand at such edges—Jericho’s walls fell only after Israel marched right up to them (Joshua 6:1-20). Do exactly as I do “Do exactly as I do” (Judges 7:17c). Precision matters. • Complete obedience: Israel’s earlier failures came from partial obedience (Judges 2:1-3). Now success depends on following Gideon’s actions to the letter, paralleling Joshua’s charge, “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city” (Joshua 6:16). • Unity of action: Romans 15:5-6 links like-mindedness with glorifying God “with one voice.” Gideon’s force must move as one—blowing trumpets, breaking jars, raising torches—so the enemy perceives a vast army (Judges 7:20-22). • Imitation rooted in faith: Jesus said, “I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Gideon foreshadows that principle—victory comes when followers mirror the divinely appointed leader, and the leader mirrors God’s direction. summary Judges 7:17 captures Gideon’s battle plan in three short commands that reveal timeless truths. First, leadership grounded in visible faith invites others to follow. Second, courage steps to the very edge where God’s deliverance is poised to appear. Third, wholehearted, unified obedience unlocks the victory God has already promised. (17) Look on me.--He showed all the three hundred the way in which he wished them, at a given signal, to break the pitchers, wave the torches, and shout. The signal would be given by the one hundred whom he himself headed.Hebrew “Watch meתִרְא֖וּ (ṯir·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see and do תַּעֲשׂ֑וּ (ta·‘ă·śū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 6213: To do, make as I do,” וְכֵ֣ן (wə·ḵên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus [Gideon] said. וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “When I אָנֹכִ֥י (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 595: I come בָא֙ (ḇā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to the outskirts בִּקְצֵ֣ה (biq·ṣêh) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7097: End, extremity of the camp, הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army do אֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה (’e·‘ĕ·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make exactly as כַאֲשֶׁר־ (ḵa·’ă·šer-) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I do. תַּעֲשֽׂוּן׃ (ta·‘ă·śūn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun Strong's 6213: To do, make Links Judges 7:17 NIVJudges 7:17 NLT Judges 7:17 ESV Judges 7:17 NASB Judges 7:17 KJV Judges 7:17 BibleApps.com Judges 7:17 Biblia Paralela Judges 7:17 Chinese Bible Judges 7:17 French Bible Judges 7:17 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 7:17 He said to them Look on me (Jd Judg. 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