His friend replied: "This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand." His friend repliedThis phrase indicates a conversation between two Midianite soldiers. The term "friend" here suggests a close companion or fellow soldier, highlighting the camaraderie and shared experiences of those in battle. In the Hebrew context, the word used can imply a sense of trust and mutual understanding, which is crucial in interpreting the weight of the dream's interpretation. This interaction underscores the divine orchestration in revealing the fear and impending defeat to the Midianites themselves. This is nothing but
This phrase signifies a definitive interpretation, leaving no room for doubt. It reflects the certainty and clarity with which God communicates His plans, even to those who do not follow Him. The Midianite soldier's confidence in the interpretation suggests a supernatural influence, as it is unlikely for an enemy to so readily accept their own defeat without divine intervention. the sword of Gideon
The "sword" symbolizes power, authority, and impending judgment. In the context of Gideon, it represents the instrument through which God will deliver Israel. Historically, swords were the primary weapon of warfare, and mentioning Gideon's sword signifies the personal and direct involvement of Gideon in the battle. This phrase also foreshadows the victory that God has promised through Gideon, emphasizing that the battle belongs to the Lord. son of Joash
Identifying Gideon as the "son of Joash" roots him in his family lineage, which is significant in Hebrew culture. It connects Gideon to his heritage and the covenant promises made to Israel. This familial reference also serves to remind the reader of Gideon's humble beginnings and the transformation God has wrought in him from a timid man to a mighty warrior. the Israelite
This designation highlights Gideon's identity as part of God's chosen people. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and the divine favor that accompanies this relationship. The term "Israelite" also contrasts with the Midianites, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural divide between the two groups and the reason for the conflict. God has delivered
This phrase is a declaration of divine intervention and sovereignty. The Hebrew root for "delivered" often implies a completed action, indicating that God has already secured the victory. It reflects the biblical theme of God as the deliverer of His people, fulfilling His promises and demonstrating His power over nations. Midian and the whole camp
The mention of "Midian and the whole camp" signifies the totality of the victory God has ordained. It is not just a partial defeat but a comprehensive overthrow of the enemy forces. Historically, the Midianites were a formidable adversary, and their complete defeat underscores the miraculous nature of God's deliverance. into his hand
This phrase symbolizes the transfer of power and control. In biblical terms, being delivered "into his hand" indicates that Gideon is now the instrument through which God will execute His judgment and fulfill His promises. It reflects the trust and responsibility placed upon Gideon by God, as well as the assurance of victory that comes from divine backing. Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God. 2. MidianitesA nomadic people who oppressed Israel for seven years, leading to the Israelites' cry for deliverance. 3. The Camp of MidianThe location where the Midianites and their allies were encamped, which God delivered into Gideon's hands. 4. The DreamA prophetic dream given to a Midianite soldier, interpreted as a sign of Gideon's impending victory. 5. The Sword of GideonSymbolic of God's power and deliverance through Gideon, despite his small army. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in DeliveranceGod orchestrates events and uses unlikely means to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over all situations. Faith Over FearGideon's account encourages believers to trust in God's promises and power, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The Power of God's WordThe interpretation of the dream highlights the importance of God's word and promises, which bring assurance and victory. God's Strength in Our WeaknessJust as God used Gideon's small army, He can use our weaknesses to display His strength and bring about His plans. Encouragement Through CommunityThe Midianite soldier's interpretation of the dream served as encouragement for Gideon, showing the importance of community in bolstering faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Gideon's account in Judges 7:14 demonstrate God's ability to use unlikely people for His purposes? Reflect on a time when God used you or someone you know in an unexpected way. 2. In what ways does the account of Gideon encourage you to trust God in the face of overwhelming odds? How can you apply this trust in your current life situation? 3. How does the interpretation of the Midianite soldier's dream serve as a reminder of the power of God's word? What steps can you take to ensure you are listening to and applying God's word in your life? 4. Compare Gideon's victory with the account of David and Goliath. What similarities do you see, and how do these accounts reinforce the theme of God's strength in our weakness? 5. How can you be an encouragement to others in your community, as the Midianite soldier's interpretation was to Gideon? Identify specific ways you can support and uplift those around you. Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 6Provides the background of Gideon's calling and his initial doubts, setting the stage for the events in Judges 7. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath, where God uses an unlikely hero to deliver Israel, similar to Gideon's account. 2 Corinthians 12:9Paul's teaching on God's power being made perfect in weakness, reflecting how God used Gideon's small army to defeat a large force. People Abel, Amalek, Amalekites, Asher, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Oreb, Phurah, ZeebPlaces Abel-meholah, Beth-barah, Beth-shittah, Harod, Jordan River, Midian, Mount Gilead, Ophrah, Tabbath, ZererahTopics Answereth, Army, Camp, Certainly, Companion, Comrade, Delivered, Fellow, Friend, Gideon, Hands, Host, Israelite, Joash, Jo'ash, Less, Midian, Mid'ian, Midianites, Nothing, Replied, Responded, Save, SwordDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 7:13-14 1443 revelation, OT Judges 7:13-15 1409 dream
5244 camp Library A Great victory
TEXT: "And they stood every man in his place round about the camp, and all the host ran, and cried, and fled."--Judges 7:21. Few things in this world are so inspiring to the traveler and at the same time so depressing as a city or temple in ruins. I remember a delightful experience in passing through the ruins of Karnak and Luxor, on the Nile in Egypt, and later passing through Phylae at Assuan on the Nile; and these two thoughts, each the opposite of the other, kept constantly coming to my mind. …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas IscariotAugust 18. "The Three Hundred Blew the Trumpets" (Judges vii. 22).
"The three hundred blew the trumpets" (Judges vii. 22). We little dream, sometimes, what a hasty word, a thoughtless speech, an imprudent act, or a confession of unbelief and fear may do to hinder our highest usefulness, or turn it aside from some great opportunity which God has been preparing for us. Although the Holy Ghost uses weak men, He does not want them to be weak after He chooses and calls them. Although He uses the foolish things to confound the wise, He does not want us to be foolish after …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth 'Fit, Though Few'
'Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2. And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. 3. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Battle Without a Sword
'And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley-bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. 14. And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host. 15, And it was so, when Gideon heard the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Wyclif of the East --Bible Translation
1801-1832 The Bible Carey's missionary weapon--Other vernacular translators--Carey's modest but just description of his labours--His philological key--Type-cutting and type-casting by a Hindoo blacksmith--The first manufacture of paper and steam-engines in the East--Carey takes stock of the translation work at the opening of 1808--In his workshop--A seminary of Bible translators--William Yates, shoemaker, the Coverdale of the Bengali Bible--Wenger--A Bengali Luther wanted--Carey's Bengali Bible--How …
George Smith—The Life of William Carey The New Convert.
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Whether Divination by Auguries, Omens, and by Like Observations of External Things is Unlawful?
Objection 1: It would seem that divination by auguries, omens, and by like observations of external things is not unlawful. If it were unlawful holy men would not make use thereof. Now we read of Joseph that he paid attention to auguries, for it is related (Gn. 44:5) that Joseph's steward said: "The cup which you have stolen is that in which my lord drinketh and in which he is wont to divine [augurari]": and he himself afterwards said to his brethren (Gn. 44:15): "Know you not that there is no one …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Fear is a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that fear is not a mortal sin. For, as stated above ([3323]FS, Q[23], A[1]), fear is in the irascible faculty which is a part of the sensuality. Now there is none but venial sin in the sensuality, as stated above ([3324]FS, Q[74], A[4]). Therefore fear is not a mortal sin. Objection 2: Further, every mortal sin turns the heart wholly from God. But fear does not this, for a gloss on Judges 7:3, "Whosoever is fearful," etc., says that "a man is fearful when he trembles at the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Immanuel
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name IMMANUEL , God with us. T here is a signature of wisdom and power impressed upon the works of God, which evidently distinguishes them from the feeble imitations of men. Not only the splendour of the sun, but the glimmering light of the glow-worm proclaims His glory. The structure and growth of a blade of grass, are the effects of the same power which produced the fabric of the heavens and the earth. In His Word likewise He is …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his Approaching Passion.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke XII. 1-59. ^c 1 In the meantime [that is, while these things were occurring in the Pharisee's house], when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another [in their eagerness to get near enough to Jesus to see and hear] , he began to say unto his disciples first of all [that is, as the first or most appropriate lesson], Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [This admonition is the key to the understanding …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 7:14 NIVJudges 7:14 NLTJudges 7:14 ESVJudges 7:14 NASBJudges 7:14 KJV
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