By the simplest means character is often tested. Those who in time of peril were intent upon supplying their own wants were not the men to be trusted in an emergency. The Lord has no place in His work for the indolent and self-indulgent. The men of His choice were the few who would not permit their own wants to delay them in the discharge of duty. The three hundred chosen men not only possessed courage and 550 self-control, but they were men of faith. They had not defiled themselves with idolatry. God could direct them, and through them He could work deliverance for Israel. Success does not depend upon numbers. God can deliver by few as well as by many. He is honored not so much by the great numbers as by the character of those who serve Him.

Gideon efterkom Herrens befaling og med tungt hjerte så han 22.000 eller over to tredjedele af hele hæren drage hjem. Men Herren talte atter til ham: "Endnu er der for mange folk; før dem ned til vandet, der vil jeg sigte dem for dig. Den, jeg siger skal gå med dig, han skal gå med; men enhver, om hvem jeg siger til dig: denne skal ikke gå med dig, han skal ikke gå!" Da folket blev ført ned til vandet, troede de, at de skulle drage imod fjenden med det samme. Nogle få tog i farten lidt vand op i hånden og drak det, mens de gik videre, men de allerfleste lagde sig på knæ og gav sig god tid til at drikke. Der var kun 300 af 10.000, der tog vand op i hånden. De blev udvalgt, mens resten fik lov til at vende hjem.