Judges 7:21

Modern

Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.

Traditional

And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.

Literal

And every man stood in his place all around the camp, and all the camp ran and cried out and fled.

Latin

…stantes singuli in loco suo per circuitum castrorum hostilium. Omnia itaque castra turbata sunt, et vociferantes ululantesque fugerunt:

Hebrew

English

Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.

The warriors stayed in place while God fought the battle (compare Exodus 14:13; 1 Samuel 12:16; Revelation 19:11–16).
The Midianites’ camels (Judges 6:5) might have caused panic. Camels usually gave a military advantage, but here they were a problem. They were likely tied up for the night, and camels can panic easily.

Gideon's time as a judge ends the first era of judges.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
Exodus 14:25
He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!”
2 Kings 7:6–7
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.”
2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”
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.
Job 15:21–22
Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.
Isaiah 30:7
Egypt’s help is futile and empty; therefore I have called her Rahab Who Sits Still.
Isaiah 30:15
For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence—but you were not willing.”