for weakness, note 11:35b-40 and 2 Cor.12:10. For victory, see 11:30-35a and 1 John 5:4-5.
- The obedience of those with faith.
- 11:30. The command is strange for Joshua; same with Gideon, where he is reduced to 300 men. But faith obeys.
- The imperfection of those with faith.
- 11:31. Calvin: ‘In every saint there is always to be found something reprehensible.’ (a) Gideon knew fear – Judges 6:27; and was a stumbling block to Israel – read Judges 8:27, 30. (b) Barak too hesitated because of fear – Judges 4:8. (c) Samson was a sensuous thug at times – e.g. Judges 16:1, 4. (d) Jephthah was rash in the extreme – read Judges 11:30-31. (e) David committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Sam.11). (f) Samuel and the prophets all shared in human sin. Muslims say the prophets were all sinless, but see Isa.6:3-5.
- The victory of those with faith.
- (a) kingdoms were conquered e.g. by David. (b) justice was enforced e.g. 1 Samuel 12:3-4. (c) promises were obtained. (d) the mouths of lions were stopped (Dan.6). (e) fire was quenched (Dan.3). (f) escapes from the sword e.g. Elijah from Jezebel. (g) the weak were made strong e.g. Jeremiah (Jer.1). (h) they were made mighty in war. (i) foreign armies were put to flight. (j) women received back their dead (1 Kings 17:17-22; 2 Kings 4:18-20, 32-35). These were rehearsals of the final victory.