Scripture Text: Judges 7:8-15
That same night the Lord said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand.
Judges 7:9
The assurance of victory was already given by God to Gideon, but the Lord knew that Gideon was still afraid to attack the huge armies of the enemy (Midianites and their allies). That same night, the Lord did not allow Gideon to ask Him again for another sign; that's why He immediately challenged and encouraged him to go to the camp of the enemies and hear what they were saying so that his hands would be strengthened.
When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, “Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.” And his comrade answered, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.” (Judges 7:13-14)
Noticeably, the interpreter who explained the dream to his comrade had knowledge about the goodness of the Lord, the God of Israel, and the God of all nations. He also had knowledge about Gideon, who was appointed by God as judge of Israel to deliver His people against Midian. When Gideon heard those words, he immediately worshiped the Lord (v. 15a). Gideon realized that God always makes a way for the sake of His name and for the sake of His people.
In addition, the Lord provided Gideon with encouraging intelligence information for the battle (vv. 8-14). Although revelations through dreams are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, both the dreamer and the interpreter in this case were not Israelites (vv. 13-14). This is in contrast to Joseph, who interpreted dreams in Egypt (Genesis 40:1-22, 41:1-32), and Daniel, who interpreted dreams in Babylon (Daniel 2:1-45, 4:4-27).
Therefore, as Christian readers and believers-followers of Christ, we cannot question nor ignore the ways of God. Whether He uses the Israelites or non-Israelites through dreams or not, what's important to Him is to fulfill His divine purpose through His ways and ultimately glorify His mighty Name.
Reflect
1. Do you truly keep the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from God?
2. Do you truly trust the Lord in all His ways so that you can give Him glory forever?
Remember
God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in Him (2 Samuel 22:31).
Therefore, you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).
Read
2 Samuel 22:1-51 (David's Songs of Deliverance)
Pray
Heavenly Father, I pray, inspired by the story of Gideon. Teach me faith and obedience. Help me trust Your guidance in overwhelming circumstances. Give me courage to face challenges and discern Your voice amidst doubt. Illuminate my path and empower me to step out in faith. Grant me victory in my battles, both personal and societal. I offer this prayer in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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