12000 men responded to Gideon's call to fight the Midians but God said they were too many, Gideon then asked those in fear to leave and 2000 men left but God still said the men were too many. They men were then taken to drink water as God commanded and the ones who drunk on their knees lapping like dogs were sent home while the 300 that drunk water by their palms were chosen by God to fight.