Who Was Purah in the Bible?
Purah is a relatively minor figure mentioned in the book of Judges in the Bible. His name appears in Judges 7:10-11, where he is described as the servant of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. The specific verse states: “But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” (Judges 7:10-11, NIV).
Biblical Account of Purah
Context of Gideon’s Call
The story of Purah is set during the period of the judges, a time when Israel was repeatedly oppressed by surrounding nations due to their disobedience to God. God raised up judges to deliver Israel from their enemies. Gideon was one such judge, called to deliver Israel from the Midianites.
Gideon initially struggled with fear and doubt about his ability to lead Israel against the Midianites. In Judges 6, we see God reassuring Gideon through various signs. When the time came for battle, God further reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 men to just 300 to demonstrate that victory would come from Him and not from human strength.
Purah’s Role
Purah’s role comes into focus in Judges 7:10-11. God, knowing Gideon’s fear, instructs him to go down to the Midianite camp with Purah to listen to what the enemy is saying. This act of listening to the enemy’s conversation is meant to bolster Gideon’s courage.
Judges 7:10-11 (NIV): “But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.”
Purah accompanies Gideon to the edge of the Midianite camp, where they overhear a Midianite soldier recounting a dream and its interpretation, which foretells their defeat by Gideon’s hand. This encouragement from God, facilitated through Purah’s presence, gives Gideon the confidence to proceed with the attack.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Obedience and Trust
Purah’s role, though minor, underscores the importance of obedience and trust in God’s plans. Gideon’s obedience to God’s instructions, including taking Purah with him to the Midianite camp, highlights the necessity of following God’s guidance, even when it may not make sense from a human perspective. Modern Christians are reminded to trust and obey God’s direction in their lives, knowing that He sees the bigger picture. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The Power of Encouragement
Purah’s presence provided Gideon with the encouragement he needed to face his fears and move forward. This teaches the value of companionship and support within the Christian community. Encouraging one another, especially in times of doubt and fear, can strengthen faith and resolve. Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
God’s Strength in Weakness
The story of Gideon, including Purah’s involvement, highlights the theme of God’s strength being made perfect in human weakness. By reducing Gideon’s army and using a servant like Purah in a crucial moment, God demonstrated that victory comes from Him alone. Modern Christians can take comfort in knowing that God often works through our weaknesses and limitations to show His power and glory. 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Understanding of Our Fears
God’s instruction to Gideon to take Purah with him to the Midianite camp shows His understanding of human fears and His compassion in addressing them. God did not rebuke Gideon for his fear but provided a way to reassure him. This demonstrates God’s loving and patient nature, willing to meet us in our fears and provide the support we need. Psalm 103:13-14 reflects this, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
Divine Encouragement
Through Purah’s accompaniment, God provided Gideon with the encouragement needed to carry out His plan. This illustrates how God often uses people around us to deliver His encouragement and support. Christians are encouraged to be attentive to how God might use them to support others, as well as be open to receiving support from fellow believers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 advises, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
Christ as Our Ultimate Encourager
Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, often encouraged His followers and provided them with the strength and confidence needed to face various challenges. Just as Purah was a source of encouragement for Gideon, Jesus is our ultimate source of encouragement and strength. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Serving Others
Purah’s willingness to serve Gideon mirrors the servanthood of Christ. Jesus came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Modern Christians are called to emulate this servanthood, supporting and encouraging one another in their faith journeys. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Conclusion
Purah, though a minor figure in the Bible, played a significant role in the story of Gideon. His presence and support were instrumental in encouraging Gideon to trust God’s plan and lead the Israelites to victory against the Midianites. Purah’s example teaches modern Christians about the importance of obedience, trust, encouragement, and servanthood. It also highlights God’s loving and compassionate nature, understanding our fears and providing the support we need. Ultimately, Purah’s story points us to Jesus Christ, our ultimate encourager and servant, who empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and humility. Through the lessons learned from Purah, believers are reminded of the importance of community, support, and trusting in God’s sovereign plan.