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Phurah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in the narrative concerning Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. Phurah is identified as the servant of Gideon, playing a crucial role in the events leading up to the battle against the Midianites.

Biblical Account

Phurah's mention is found inJudges 7:9-14. The context of this passage is the preparation for battle against the Midianite army, which had been oppressing Israel. Gideon, chosen by God to deliver Israel, is instructed by the Lord to reduce his army to a mere 300 men to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength.

InJudges 7:9-11 , the Lord speaks to Gideon: "During the night, the LORD said to Gideon, 'Get up and go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand. But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Phurah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.' So he went down with his servant Phurah to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp."

Phurah accompanies Gideon to the edge of the Midianite camp, where they overhear a conversation that confirms God's promise of victory. A Midianite soldier recounts a dream to his comrade, which is interpreted as a sign that God has given the Midianite camp into Gideon's hands (Judges 7:13-14): "Gideon arrived just as a man was telling his friend about a dream. 'Behold, I had a dream,' he said, 'and a loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck a tent, overturned it, and flattened it.' His friend replied, 'This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.'"

Role and Significance

Phurah's role, though brief, is significant in the narrative. As Gideon's servant, he provides companionship and support during a critical moment of fear and uncertainty. His presence allows Gideon to fulfill God's command to spy on the Midianite camp, leading to the encouragement and confirmation Gideon needs to proceed with the attack.

Phurah's involvement highlights the importance of faithful service and companionship in fulfilling God's purposes. His willingness to accompany Gideon into potentially dangerous territory demonstrates loyalty and courage, qualities that are essential in the service of God's chosen leaders.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Phurah's role underscores the theme of divine providence and assurance. God provides not only the strategy for victory but also the means of encouragement through the presence of a trusted servant. This narrative illustrates how God often uses seemingly minor characters to accomplish His greater plans, emphasizing that every role, no matter how small, is significant in the divine narrative.

Phurah's account also serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises. By following God's instructions, Gideon and Phurah witness firsthand the fulfillment of God's word, reinforcing the belief in God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people.Phurah

that bears fruit, or grows

Phurah

(bough), Gideon's servant, probably his armor-bearer, comp. (1 Samuel 14:1) who accompanied him in his midnight visit to the camp of the Midianites. (Judges 7:10,11)

PHURAH

fu'-ra (purah, "branch").

SeePURAH.

6513. Purah -- a servant of Gideon
... Word Origin from parah Definition a servant of Gideon NASB Word Usage Purah (2).
Phurah. For p'orah; foliage; Purah, an Israelite --Phurah. see HEBREW p'orah....

A Battle Without a Sword
... We can fancy how silently he andPhurah crept down the hillside, and, with hushed
breath and wary steps, lest they should stumble on and wake some sleeper, or...

How the Midianites and Other Nations Fought against the Israelites...
... So he obeyed, and went and took his servantPhurah with him; and as he came near
to one of the tents, he discovered that those that were in it were awake, and...

Phurah (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaPHURAH. fu'-ra (purah, "branch"). See
PURAH. Multi-Version ConcordancePhurah (2 Occurrences)....

Phut (7 Occurrences)

Fifties (13 Occurrences)
... hast heard what they speak, and afterwards are thy hands strengthened, and thou
hast gone down against the camp.' And he goeth down, he andPhurah his young man...

Fearest (10 Occurrences)
... thou fearest. (DBY). Judges 7:10 But if thou fearest to go down, go thou
withPhurah thy servant down to the host: (WBS). Job 11:15...

Phrygian (1 Occurrence)

Purah (2 Occurrences)
... PURAH. pu'-ra (purah, "branch"): Gideon's "servant," literally, "young man,"
ie armor-bearer (Judges 7:10, the King James Version "Phurah")....

Extremity (46 Occurrences)
... hast heard what they speak, and afterwards are thy hands strengthened, and thou
hast gone down against the camp.' And he goeth down, he andPhurah his young man...

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