“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.”
Context:The book of Judges recounts a period in Israel’s history when they were governed by judges, chosen by God to deliver the people from their oppressors. During this time, the Israelites went through cycles of rebellion, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. In Judges 6, we read about how the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern nations, were oppressing Israel, destroying their crops, and causing great hardship.
Gideon’s background:Gideon was an Israelite from the tribe of Manasseh, and he was chosen by God to lead the Israelites in their battle against the Midianites. At the beginning of Judges 6, we find Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him and called him a “mighty man of valor,” commissioning him to deliver Israel from the Midianite oppression.
The sword of Gideon:In verse 14, one of Gideon’s companions overhears a dream recounted by an enemy soldier, in which a cake of barley bread rolls into the Midianite camp and destroys a tent. The fellow soldier interprets the dream, recognizing it as a symbol of Gideon’s victory. He identifies the sword as the weapon that will bring about the defeat of the Midianites and declares that God has delivered the enemy into Gideon’s hand.
God’s deliverance:This verse emphasizes that Gideon’s success against the Midianites was not due to his own strength or military prowess but was a result of God’s intervention. The phrase “for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host” highlights that God orchestrated the circumstances and empowered Gideon to carry out the deliverance.
Symbolic significance:The dream and its interpretation carry symbolic meaning. The barley bread symbolizes Gideon and the Israelites, who were seen as lowly and insignificant in the eyes of the enemy. The tent represents the entire Midianite camp. The dream suggests that God would use Gideon, with his small army, to bring about a great victory over a seemingly overwhelming force. It emphasizes God’s ability to accomplish mighty acts through humble and willing vessels.
Faith and trust in God:Gideon’s story teaches us the importance of faith and trust in God’s promises. Despite his initial doubts and insecurities, Gideon eventually trusted God’s guidance and obeyed His instructions. Through Gideon’s obedience and reliance on God, the Midianites were defeated, and peace was restored to Israel for a time.
Application:
- Dependence on God:Like Gideon, we should recognize our dependence on God and trust in His power to deliver us from any situation. When faced with challenges or battles in our lives, we can take courage, knowing that God is with us and will fight on our behalf.
- Faith in God’s promises:Gideon’s story reminds us to have faith in God’s promises even when the odds seem stacked against us. We may feel weak or insignificant, but God can work through us and accomplish great things when we surrender our lives to Him.
- Obedience to God’s leading:Gideon’s victory came as a result of his obedience to God’s instructions. We should seek God’s guidance through prayer and study of His Word and be willing to obey His commands, even when they seem unconventional or challenging.
Humility and reliance on God’s strength:Gideon’s story teaches us the value of humility. We should not boast in our own strength or abilities but acknowledge that it is God who empowers us to overcome obstacles. We can find strength and courage in surrendering ourselves to Him and relying on His strength.
Conclusion:
Judges 7:14 highlights the divine intervention and deliverance orchestrated by God through Gideon. It demonstrates the importance of faith, trust, obedience, and humility in our relationship with God. By studying this verse and the broader context of Gideon’s story, we can draw valuable lessons that apply to our own lives as we seek to serve and follow God faithfully.
