What does Judges 7:11 mean?
The Lord is speaking to Gideon in the night. He has told him to attack (Judges 7:9) the massive swarms of Midianites in the valley below (Judges 8:10). Knowing how doubtful Gideon can be (Judges 6:17, 36–40), God offers to let him spy on the enemy first (Judges 7:10). Gideon can take his servant Purah with him for the short nighttime hike to the outskirts of the camp. God's purpose in allowing this detour is to further strengthen Gideon's resolve. By spying on the enemy, Gideon will overhear something that will give him strength.In this case, Gideon seems to obey without challenging or pushing back. After all, in this case, God didn't wait for Gideon to make excuses or ask for signs: He simply told him to go if he was afraid. The two men sneak down until they come near the outer guard posts of the Midianite camp. This puts them in a dangerous area; to be discovered would be certain death.