²⁷ When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.^(A)

⁵ The Philistines assembled^(A) to fight Israel, with three thousand^[a] chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand^(B) on the seashore. They went up and camped at Mikmash,^(C) east of Beth Aven.^{(D) 6} When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid^(E) in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns.^{(F) 7} Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad^(G) and Gilead.

Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking^(H) with fear. ⁸ He waited seven^(I) days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter.

⁵ They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts.^(A) It was impossible to count them or their camels;^(B) they invaded the land to ravage it.

¹¹ I have seen something else under the sun:

⁷ “Be strong and courageous.^(A) Do not be afraid or discouraged^(B) because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.^{(C) 8} With him is only the arm of flesh,^(D) but with us^(E) is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”^(F) And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

² Saul was staying^(A) on the outskirts of Gibeah^(B) under a pomegranate tree^(C) in Migron.^(D) With him were about six hundred men,

⁸ So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.

Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.

¹¹ “Go through the camp^(A) and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions^(B) ready. Three days^(C) from now you will cross the Jordan^(D) here to go in and take possession^(E) of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’”