Judges 7:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Judges 7:15
15 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.
Chapter Context
Judges 7 is a cyclical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, obedience, discipleship. Written during the pre-monarchic period (c. 1375-1050 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Without central leadership, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding peoples like the Philistines and Midianites.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Judges and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Judges 7:15
15 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.
Analysis
Hearing this providential dream and interpretation, Gideon worships: 'he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.' His worship response demonstrates transformed faith—from fearful thresher requesting signs to confident leader worshiping before battle. The Hebrew vayishtachu (וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ, 'and he worshipped') depicts prostration, humble acknowledgment of God's power. His subsequent command 'Arise' echoes God's earlier command to him (verse 9), showing how encountering God's faithfulness empowers us to call others to action.
Historical Context
Worship in military contexts appears throughout Scripture—Israel worshipped after Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 15), Jehoshaphat sent singers before the army (2 Chronicles 20:21), Judas Maccabeus prayed before battles. This pattern demonstrates that victory belongs to God, not human strength. Gideon's worship before the battle rather than only afterward shows faith trusting God's promise before seeing its fulfillment.
Reflection
- How does worship before victory demonstrate greater faith than thanksgiving only after success?
- What role should worship play in preparing for difficult tasks and spiritual battles?
- How did Gideon's transformed confidence from fearful to bold encourage the 300 warriors following him?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Judges 4:14
- Worship: Genesis 24:48
- Parallel theme: Genesis 40:8, 41:11