Are You The Purah That Someone Needs?

“Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp” (Judges 7:9-11).

The story of Gideon is very interesting. God asks Gideon to lead the battle against the Midianites with just 300 people. Gideon goes out to war with the assurance from God. However, when he sees the Amalekite and Midianite army lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude, he was afraid.

To better appreciate the magnitude of Gideon’s fear, we need to understand that there were 300,000 fully armed enemy soldiers camped in the valley below, looking forward to have Gideon’s head on a platter. No wonder the prospect of going down alone would have been extremely frightening, especially for a man that was fearful by nature.

God knew that Gideon was afraid and asked him to go down to the enemy’s camp with his servant Purah. When they get there, they overhear a conversation where one soldier tells another one about a dream he had. The other interprets the dream saying that it meant Gideon and his army was going to be victorious. Yes, he made mention of the name of Gidoen. That was a great a confidence-booster for Gideon!

But here is the question: Why did God specifically single out Purah and not any servant?

Whenever we think of Gideon, we think of a mighty man of God. But the Bible introduces him as a timid person threshing wheat in the winepress fearing the Midianites.

He is mentioned only once in the entire Bible, so most often left unnoticed by many. Purah may seem insignificant to many but he was significant to Gideon and significant to God who trusted him and mentioned his name.

1. It seems that Purah was more experienced, older in age and more mature than Gideon.

2. Purah was loyal to Gideon - Being closely associated with Gideon, Purah knew not just his strengths but also his weaknesses. But still, he did not divulge them

3. Purah took pleasure in seeing Gideon get credit for what Purah had done - he was right by the side of Gideon to assist him when required. Also, although Purah had to go to the camp alongside Gideon, Purah was well-aware that Gideon would get the full credit for the victory. But Purah took pleasure in seeing his young protégé get the credit.

(https://writersfield.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/the-wisdom-of-purah/)

God knew the fear in Gideon’s heart. Imagine you had only 300 men to defeat a vast army? He knew that Gideon required strength to fulfil the call of God in his life and provided a wonderful person Purah by his side to encourage, comfort and protect him. Purah was there for Gideon to fulfil his calling.

What a great gift Purah must have been to Gideon!

All great spiritual leaders need a Purah during their discouraged, fearful, depressed, week and needy times.

You may feel yourself insignificant but maybe you are the PURAH someone else needs. Maybe you are the one to assist someone going through a difficult or challenging situation.