So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outermost part of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch, when they had but newly set the watch. Then they blew the trumpets and broke in pieces the pitchers that were in their hands.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 19. Watch. This was the second of the three watches known to the ancient Hebrews: in the New Testament, they followed the Roman discipline, and admitted four. Matthew 14:25. Calmet.—Menochius thinks they did the same at this time. Bible.—Alarmed. They were not asleep. Menochius.—We read of similar stratagems in the Roman history. The Falisci threw the Romans into consternation, by appearing among them in mourning weeds; ( Calmet.) others read in priestly attire, ( Bible.) with flambeaux and serpents; as those of Veii did by means of burning torches. Grot. Frontin. Strat. ii. 4, and so forth Calmet.—Trumpets. In a mystical sense, the preachers of the gospel, in order, to spiritual conquests, must not only sound with the trumpet of the word of God, but must also break the earthen pitchers, by the mortification of the flesh and its passions, and carry lamps in their hands by the light of their virtues. Challoner.—These lamps denote the virtues and miracles of the martyrs. V. Bede, chapter 5. The things which would seem ridiculous, fill the enemy with terror and dismay. ibid. Worthington.