"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."
Context:The book of Judges recounts the period of Israel’s history after they settled in the Promised Land, but before the establishment of a monarchy. The Israelites went through a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. In this particular chapter, Gideon is chosen by God to lead the Israelites against the Midianites.
Dream Revelation:In this verse, we encounter a man sharing a dream with his fellow soldier. The dream involves a "cake of barley bread" that tumbles into the Midianite camp and destroys a tent. Dreams and their interpretation were significant in biblical times, often used by God to communicate messages. In this case, the dream foreshadows the victory that Gideon and the Israelites will achieve over the Midianites.
Symbolism of the Cake of Barley Bread:The cake of barley bread mentioned in the dream represents Gideon and his army. Barley bread was a common food of the poor, indicating the humble and weak state of the Israelites compared to the mighty Midianite army. God often chooses the weak and insignificant to accomplish His purposes, showcasing His power and sovereignty.
Destruction of the Tent:The falling cake of barley bread destroys a tent in the dream. This represents the collapse of the Midianite camp, as it signifies the imminent defeat of their forces. The dream assures Gideon that God will give him victory and that the Midianites will be overthrown.
Encouragement for Gideon:This dream serves as encouragement and confirmation for Gideon, who is hesitant and uncertain about leading the Israelites into battle. God uses this dream to bolster Gideon’s faith and assure him of the upcoming triumph. It reveals God’s plan to deliver the Israelites through Gideon and reinforces the promise of victory.
Trusting God’s Plan:Judges 7:13 underscores the importance of trusting God’s plan and relying on His strength rather than relying on human might or resources. Despite Gideon’s small army of three hundred men compared to the vast Midianite forces, God’s power will bring about their victory.
Application:As believers, we can draw several lessons from this passage. We should remember that God can use ordinary and seemingly insignificant individuals to accomplish His purposes. It is crucial to trust in God’s promises and seek His guidance, even in the face of overwhelming odds. God’s power is not limited by human limitations, and when we place our faith in Him, He can bring about extraordinary victories.
Remember to study the surrounding verses and consult commentaries or study guides for further insights into the book of Judges and the story of Gideon.
