Judges 7:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
בִּלְתִּ֗י
H1115
בִּלְתִּ֗י
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
7 of 21
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
חֶ֛רֶב
This is nothing else save the sword
H2719
חֶ֛רֶב
This is nothing else save the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 21
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִ֣ישׁ
a man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
נָתַ֤ן
delivered
H5414
נָתַ֤ן
delivered
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
hath God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
hath God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 21
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְּיָד֔וֹ
for into his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֔וֹ
for into his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
16 of 21
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִדְיָ֖ן
Midian
H4080
מִדְיָ֖ן
Midian
Strong's:
H4080
Word #:
18 of 21
midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The Midianites' knowledge of Gideon by name and his God-given authority shows that news of the Baal altar destruction and Israel's mobilization had reached the enemy camp. Ancient armies gathered intelligence through spies, deserters, and local informants. The Midianites feared Yahweh based on reports of the Exodus and conquest (paralleling Rahab's confession in Joshua 2:9-11), understanding that Israel's God determined battle outcomes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the enemy's fearful recognition of God's power demonstrate that those who oppose God's people do so against their own knowledge?
- What does the Midianite's interpretation teach about how God's reputation precedes His people's actions?
- How should Christians respond when even opponents acknowledge God's work in their lives?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The companion immediately interprets the dream: '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.' The interpretation's specificity is remarkable—not merely 'Israel will win' but naming Gideon specifically and attributing victory to divine agency ('God delivered'). That pagans recognize Yahweh's power and Gideon's role shows God's reputation and Gideon's emerging fame. The phrase 'into his hand hath God delivered' echoes God's promise to Gideon (verse 9), confirming through enemy admission that divine decree determines outcomes regardless of human strength.