Judges 7:14
When the Midianite warrior exclaims, *“This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given Midian and all the camp into his hand” (v.14)*, he is unwittingly confirming the victory that God has already determined for Gideon. At this point in Israel’s history (c. 12th century BC), the Midianites represent a fearsome threat to the nation. Yet Gideon, who lived during the time of the Judges (circa 1185–1145 BC), is chosen by God to deliver the people. The man in the Midianite camp interprets a dream that points directly to Gideon, acknowledging that God Himself has destined the Midianite downfall. This dream and its interpretation come right before Gideon’s bold nighttime assault, underlining that the Lord’s strength—not human might—is the decisive factor in the upcoming battle. Such assurance of divine intervention echoes how God repeatedly uses humble individuals to bring about His saving purposes, an ultimate pattern fulfilled in Jesus (see John 6:38, NASB-95).
The specific detail that it is *“Gideon the son of Joash” (v.14)* emphasizes Gideon’s human lineage, placing him among ordinary Israelites living in the region of Ophrah, located in the northern territory of Manasseh. Though he lacks a grand pedigree, God still calls him to an extraordinary purpose. As the men of Midian fear the “sword of Gideon,” the phrase ultimately highlights God’s faithful might at work, granting victory against overwhelming odds. This recognition of divine strength foreshadows the way God often operates in the biblical narrative—empowering the weak so that the glory unquestionably belongs to the Lord (see 2 Corinthians 12:9, NASB-95). In this bleak setting, God’s intervention stands as a beacon of hope for deliverance, pointing forward to Jesus, who delivers humanity from the powers of sin and death through His own victory at the cross (see 1 Corinthians 15:57, NASB-95).
God declared Gideon’s success before the battle even began’s official commencement.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Daniel 7:13-14 meaning. A Son of Man arrives, surrounded by clouds. God gives Him power and glory to rule the earth forever.
- Zechariah 7:8-14 meaning. Zechariah spells out four requirements that sum up the ethical teaching of the prophets prior to Judah’s exile to Babylon. He reminds the post-exilic community of Judah that their forefathers’ rejection of that teaching was why God punished them severely by scattering them abroad at the mercy of foreign nations, consistent with the provision of God’s covenant/treaty with Israel.
- Judges 2:11-15 meaning. The Israelites fall into idolatry, abandoning the Lord to serve the Baals and Ashtaroth. This disobedience provokes God’s anger, leading to their oppression by enemies and severe distress, as He fulfills the warnings given to them.