Sound and Fury: The Syntax and Strategy in Judges 7:18

וְתָקַעְתִּי֙ בַּשֹּׁופָ֔ר אָנֹכִ֖י וְכָל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתִּ֑י וּתְקַעְתֶּ֨ם בַּשֹּׁופָרֹ֜ות גַּם־אַתֶּ֗ם סְבִיבֹות֙ כָּל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם לַיהוָ֥ה וּלְגִדְעֹֽון׃
(Judges 7:18)

Word Order and Flow

This verse is a military directive. The sentence begins with a sequential waw-consecutive verb (וְתָקַעְתִּי), continuing a chain of action. The subject follows the verb (אָנֹכִי), and the object is clear: בַּשֹּׁופָר, “the shofar.” The second clause mirrors the first, reinforcing the coordinated movement of Gideon’s men.

Morphology

1. וְתָקַעְתִּי (vetāqaʿtī) –
   Root: תקע;
   Form: Qal waw-consecutive perfect 1cs;
   Translation: “And I will blow”;
   Notes: The perfect form with וְ indicates future action in narrative sequence.
2. תְקַעְתֶּם (tekʿaʿtem) –
   Root: תקע;
   Form: Qal perfect 2mp;
   Translation: “you shall blow”;
   Notes: Imperative intention in perfect form, used in instructions.
3. וַאֲמַרְתֶּם (vaʾamartem) –
   Root: אמר;
   Form: Qal waw-consecutive perfect 2mp;
   Translation: “and you shall say”;
   Notes: The final command of the coordinated battle cry.

Syntax and Clause Dynamics

The passage moves from the commander’s action to the soldiers’ imitation. The repeated use of waw-consecutive perfect forms creates a rhythmic and forward-driving syntax. The use of גַּם־אַתֶּם emphasizes inclusion and synchrony with Gideon’s act.

Discourse and Emphasis

This command is framed dramatically with repetition and coordinated shofar blasts. The naming of both יְהוָה and גִּדְעוֹן in the final cry reinforces divine-human partnership in Israel’s victory.

Colorful Parsing Table

Echoes of Victory

The grammar of Judges 7:18 functions like a trumpet blast: tight, direct, escalating. Each verbal form conveys coordination and urgency. The use of Qal stem verbs with waw-consecutive and second person plural subjects creates synchronized choreography on the battlefield — a linguistic mirror of the military strategy.