Judges 7:15

KJV

And it was [so], when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was so, when Gideon {H1439} heard {H8085} the telling {H4557} of the dream {H2472}, and the interpretation {H7667} thereof, that he worshipped {H7812}, and returned {H7725} into the host {H4264} of Israel {H3478}, and said {H559}, Arise {H6965}; for the LORD {H3068} hath delivered {H5414} into your hand {H3027} the host {H4264} of Midian {H4080}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Gid'on heard the dream and its interpretation, he fell on his knees in worship. Then he returned to the camp of Isra'el and said, "Get up! because ADONAI has handed Midyan's army over to you."

Berean Standard Bible

When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.”

American Standard Version

And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped; and he returned into the camp of Israel, and said, Arise; for Jehovah hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:15 marks the dramatic turning point in Gideon's leadership, where divine confirmation transforms his lingering doubt into unwavering faith and decisive action. Having secretly overheard a Midianite soldier's dream and its prophetic interpretation, Gideon immediately responds with profound worship, recognizing God's sovereign hand in the impending victory. This newfound assurance propels him to rally his drastically reduced army, confident that the Lord has already delivered the formidable Midianite host into their hands, setting the stage for one of the most unconventional and miraculous victories in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment following Gideon's covert reconnaissance mission into the Midianite camp. It occurs specifically after he overhears a Midianite soldier recounting a dream of a barley cake overturning a tent, and another soldier interpreting it as "the sword of Gideon" and God delivering Midian into his hand, as detailed in [Judges 7:13-14](/judges/7-13-14 "Judges 7:13-14 - The Dream and Its Interpretation"). This divine, unsolicited sign directly addresses Gideon's prior need for repeated confirmation from God, as evidenced by his requests for fleece signs in [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36-40 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece Tests"). The immediate consequence of this verse is Gideon's return to his 300 men and his inspired command to prepare for the battle, outlining the unconventional strategy that follows in [Judges 7:16-22](/judges/7-16-22 "Judges 7:16-22 - Gideon's Battle Strategy and Victory"). Thus, Judges 7:15 serves as the psychological and spiritual pivot point, transitioning from a period of anxious preparation and lingering doubt to one of confident execution and bold leadership.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For seven years, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other "people of the East" had severely oppressed Israel, devastating their land and resources and forcing them into hiding in caves and strongholds, as described in [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel Oppressed by Midian"). This period of severe oppression followed Israel's disobedience, highlighting a recurring cycle of sin, oppression, cry for help, and deliverance (the Deuteronomistic cycle) in the Book of Judges. Gideon, initially a timid farmer from a relatively insignificant clan, was called by God to deliver Israel, but he struggled with fear and doubt, understandable given the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Midianite forces, estimated at 135,000 in [Judges 8:10](/judges/8-10 "Judges 8:10 - Midianite Casualties"). Culturally, dreams were often considered significant omens or divine communications in the ancient Near East, and their interpretation held considerable weight. The fact that God used a dream overheard from the enemy's camp, interpreted by one of their own, would have been a profoundly powerful and culturally resonant form of confirmation for Gideon, far more impactful than a direct angelic message at that precise moment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes within the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Assurance**, demonstrating God's willingness to provide specific, timely confirmation to His servants, especially when they face daunting odds or personal anxieties. The dream and its interpretation serve as God's final, undeniable sign to Gideon. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Faith and Worship**, as Gideon's immediate response to God's clear sign is an act of profound reverence and submission, showcasing that true faith often expresses itself in worship before action. This worship signifies a complete trust in God's word. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God's Sovereignty in Deliverance**, as Gideon's rallying cry attributes the victory entirely to the Lord, reinforcing the principle that salvation comes not by human might or numbers, but by divine power, a truth echoed in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army"). Finally, it portrays **Empowered Leadership**, showing how a leader's personal encounter with God's truth can transform their timidity into courageous conviction, enabling them to inspire and lead others into seemingly impossible situations, confident in God's pre-ordained victory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worshipped (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁחָה (H7812, _shâchâh'_) means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do obeisance." It signifies an act of deep humility, reverence, and submission to a superior being, in this case, the Almighty God. Gideon's immediate physical act of prostration upon hearing the dream's interpretation demonstrates not merely intellectual assent but a profound spiritual surrender and acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness. It is an act of adoration that precedes and empowers his subsequent courageous action, marking a complete shift from doubt to trust.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַן (H5414, _nâthan'_) means "to give," "to place," or "to hand over." In this context, "the LORD hath delivered into your hand" conveys a completed action, a divine decree that is already accomplished in God's eyes, even before the battle has begun. This perfect tense emphasizes God's active role as the one who grants victory, underscoring that the outcome is not dependent on Gideon's strength or strategy, but on the Lord's sovereign will and power. It shifts the focus from human effort to divine initiative, highlighting God as the ultimate source of victory.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew noun יָד (H3024, _yâd'_) refers to the "hand," but in this context, "into your hand" functions as an idiom signifying power, authority, or possession. It indicates that the Midianite host is now completely within Israel's grasp, under their control, by divine decree. The use of "hand" here emphasizes the transfer of power and the certainty of victory, not through Gideon's physical might, but through the divine authority granted to him by the Lord. It signifies the means by which God's deliverance is actualized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was [so], when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof":** This clause sets the immediate context and catalyst for Gideon's transformation. The divine confirmation was not a direct word from God to Gideon, but an overheard conversation among the enemy, which was precisely the sign Gideon needed to overcome his lingering apprehension. The specificity of the dream (a barley cake, common food of the poor, overturning a tent, a symbol of nomadic power) and its clear interpretation by an enemy soldier left no room for doubt, serving as a divinely orchestrated, undeniable sign.
* **"that he worshipped":** This is Gideon's immediate and profound response to the overwhelming evidence of God's faithfulness and sovereign plan. It is an act of humble adoration, gratitude, and complete submission to God's revealed will. This act of worship signifies the moment Gideon's faith moved from wavering uncertainty to firm conviction, accepting God's promise as absolute truth and acknowledging His supreme authority. It is a spiritual pivot point, demonstrating his complete trust.
* **"and returned into the host of Israel":** This signifies the transition from personal spiritual experience to public leadership. Empowered by his profound worship and renewed faith, Gideon returns to his men, no longer a hesitant or fearful leader but one filled with divine confidence and purpose, ready to lead them into battle. His return is a direct consequence of his spiritual transformation, marking his readiness to act on God's word.
* **"and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian":** This is Gideon's rallying cry, a powerful declaration of faith that attributes the victory entirely to God. The imperative "Arise" is a call to immediate, courageous action, fueled by the certainty that the battle is already won in the spiritual realm. The phrase "the LORD hath delivered" is a statement of accomplished fact, using the perfect tense to reinforce the theme that the victory belongs to God alone, not to human strength, strategy, or numbers. It instills confidence in his men, based on God's prior work.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:15 is rich in **Irony**, as God uses the very camp of the enemy to provide the decisive confirmation Gideon needs, with a pagan soldier's dream and interpretation serving as the divine message. This highlights God's ability to work through unexpected means and even through those who do not know Him, demonstrating His pervasive sovereignty. The verse also showcases a dramatic **Contrast** between Gideon's previous fear and repeated requests for signs (seen throughout Judges 6) and his newfound boldness and immediate, decisive action. This transformation underscores the profound power of divine assurance to overcome human weakness and timidity. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Emphasis** through Gideon's immediate act of worship, which is presented as the natural and necessary response to God's faithfulness and clear revelation. The declaration, "the LORD hath delivered," functions as a **Proleptic Statement**, declaring a future event as if it has already occurred, thereby instilling confidence and highlighting God's sovereign control over the outcome. This moment serves as a crucial **Turning Point** in the narrative, marking the shift from preparation and psychological struggle to decisive action and the execution of God's unconventional plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:15 profoundly illustrates the principle that God's power is perfected in human weakness, and that true victory comes not through human might or numerical superiority, but through divine intervention and unwavering faith. Gideon's transformation from a hesitant, sign-seeking leader to one filled with confident worship and bold declaration exemplifies how God empowers those He calls, often using the most unlikely individuals and unconventional methods to achieve His purposes. This moment is a powerful reminder that when God confirms His word, the appropriate response is worship and immediate, courageous obedience, trusting that what God has declared, He will surely accomplish. It teaches us that our confidence in facing overwhelming odds should stem from God's character and promises, not from our own resources or perceived strength.
* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:15 offers a timeless blueprint for how believers should respond when God provides clarity and confirmation in the midst of daunting challenges. Gideon's immediate act of worship teaches us that gratitude and adoration should precede action, acknowledging God's sovereignty and faithfulness even before the full manifestation of His promises. In our own lives, when we seek God's will and He provides clear direction—whether through His Word, wise counsel, providential circumstances, or even unexpected confirmations—our first response should be one of humble worship and thanksgiving. This worship then fuels a confident, courageous resolve to step out in obedience, knowing that the "battle" is truly the Lord's. This verse encourages us to move beyond our fears and doubts, embracing God's unconventional plans, and to lead or act with the conviction that what God has promised, He has already "delivered" in His divine economy. It calls us to trust that God's power is made perfect in our weakness, empowering us to face our own "Midianites" with divine assurance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when God provides clear direction or confirmation in my life? Is my first response worship, or do I tend to move directly to action?**
* **What "Midianites"—overwhelming challenges or fears—am I facing today that require a similar act of faith and trust in God's prior "delivery"?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart of worship that precedes and empowers courageous obedience in my daily life?**
* **How does Gideon's transformation from doubt to confidence encourage me to trust God's unconventional methods for overcoming obstacles?**

### FAQ

**Why did God reduce Gideon's army so drastically before the battle?**

Answer: God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men to ensure that the victory would be undeniably His, preventing Israel from boasting in their own strength or numbers. As stated in [Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2 - God Reduces Gideon's Army"), the Lord said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'" This act reinforced a core biblical principle: salvation and deliverance come from the Lord alone, not from human might or military prowess. It was a powerful lesson for Israel and a testament to God's sovereignty, demonstrating that His power is perfected in weakness.

**Was Gideon's visit to the Midianite camp an act of faith or doubt?**

Answer: Gideon's visit to the Midianite camp, while prompted by God's command in [Judges 7:9-11](/judges/7-9-11 "Judges 7:9-11 - God Commands Gideon to Go to the Camp"), was a divine provision to bolster his faith, which still contained elements of doubt. God, knowing Gideon's need for reassurance, specifically told him that if he was afraid, he should go down to the camp with his servant Purah and listen to what they were saying. This was not a test of Gideon's faith in the sense of a punishment for doubt, but rather a compassionate act by God to provide the final, undeniable confirmation Gideon needed to move from hesitation to unwavering conviction. It transformed lingering doubt into absolute certainty, leading to his profound act of worship and courageous leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's experience in Judges 7:15, where divine confirmation leads to worship and confident action, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect confirmation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon's victory was not by human strength or numbers but by God's power acting through an unlikely vessel and unconventional means, so too is the salvation of humanity accomplished not by our works, but by the finished work of Christ on the cross. The "host of Midian" represents the overwhelming forces of sin, death, and the devil that humanity could never overcome on its own. Yet, through Christ, God has already "delivered into our hand" the victory. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the true [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose apparent weakness on the cross led to His glorious triumph over all spiritual enemies, disarming principalities and powers and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). We, like Gideon, are called to worship in response to this divine assurance, for Christ has declared, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - I Have Overcome the World")). Our confidence in facing life's "Midianites" stems from the reality that Christ has already secured the decisive victory, empowering us to live and lead with courageous faith, knowing that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 10:4

(For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 Corinthians 10:6

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Genesis 40:8

And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and [there is] no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, [Do] not interpretations [belong] to God? tell me [them], I pray you.

Judges 4:14

And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this [is] the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

Exodus 4:30

And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.

Exodus 4:31

And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Genesis 24:48

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son.