The passages describe Gideon's call and preparation to save Israel from the Midianites. God calls Gideon, a humble man from the weakest clan, and tells him God will be with him. God has Gideon reduce his army from 32,000 to only 300 men to demonstrate that victory will come from God, not the size of their forces. God then promises Gideon victory over the Midianites with the small group of 300 men who drank water in a unique way.