Judges 7:15 - It was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and its interpretation, that he worshiped. Then he returned into the camp of Israel, and said, “Arise; for Yahweh has delivered the army of Midian into your hand!”

Generated Verse: Judges 7:15

What does "Judges 7:15" mean?


This verse from Judges 7:15 describes a pivotal moment in Gideon's story, revealing a turning point in his faith and strategy. Let's break it down:

"It was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and its interpretation...": Gideon, already hesitant about leading the small Israelite force against the massive Midianite army, had requested a sign to bolster his faith. He and his servant snuck into the Midianite camp and overheard a conversation between two soldiers. One soldier recounted a dream of a loaf of barley bread tumbling into their camp and destroying a tent (representing a single Israelite destroying the Midianite army). The other soldier interpreted the dream as a clear sign of Israel's victory.

"...that he worshiped.": This is a crucial element. Hearing the dream and its interpretation dramatically strengthened Gideon's faith. He recognized it as a direct message from God. His act of worship demonstrates his acknowledgement of God's power and his submission to God's plan. He goes from a place of doubt and fear to one of profound confidence in God's ability to deliver them.

"Then he returned into the camp of Israel, and said, 'Arise; for Yahweh has delivered the army of Midian into your hand!'": Gideon's newfound faith translates into action. He returns to the Israelite camp and confidently commands them to prepare for battle. He doesn't say "Yahweh will deliver," but "Yahweh has delivered," indicating his complete trust that the victory is already assured. He's not relying on his military strength or strategy, but on God's promise. The dream served as a catalyst for faith, empowering Gideon to boldly lead his people.

In Summary:

The verse showcases how:

Divine Confirmation Strengthens Faith: God provided Gideon with a specific and personalized message of victory through the dream.
Faith Leads to Worship: Gideon's response to the divine message was worship, demonstrating his recognition of God's power.
Faith Empowers Action: Gideon's newfound faith transformed his leadership. He confidently motivated his troops based on God's promise.
Victory is Attributed to God: The verse emphasizes that the victory is not due to Israel's strength but to Yahweh's intervention and power. Gideon makes it clear that Yahweh is the one delivering the Midianites into their hands.

This moment marks a turning point in Gideon's narrative, solidifying his role as a divinely appointed leader and setting the stage for the miraculous victory that follows. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and trusting in God's promises.