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.

JUDGES 7:14KJV
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Judges 7:14 (KJV)

What does Judges 7:14 mean?

Judges 7:14 describes how one Midianite soldier interprets a dream as a sign that God has given Gideon, an Israelite leader, victory over the Midianite army. The verse shows that even the enemies of Israel recognize that Gideon, with God's help, will defeat them.

In the story, Gideon overhears two Midianite soldiers talking in their camp. One shares a dream, and the other responds by saying the dream can only mean that Gideon (named as "the son of Joash," a man of Israel) will defeat Midian. The verse highlights the fear and sense of doom among the Midianites, and it sets the stage for Gideon's surprising victory with a small force.

The Hebrew behind Judges 7:14

  • "Sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): This word means a literal sword, but it often represents military power or victory. Here, the "sword of Gideon" stands for the coming defeat of Midian by Gideon's hand.
  • "Delivered" (נָתַן, natan): This verb means "to give" or "to deliver." The Midianite soldier uses it to say that God has handed over Midian and all their army into Gideon's control, showing a sense of total defeat.
  • "Host" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh): This word means "camp" or "army." The verse emphasizes that not just some, but the entire Midianite force is believed to be given over to Gideon.

Why Judges 7:14 matters

  • Judges 7:14 shows that even Israel’s enemies recognize God’s power at work through Gideon, which builds suspense and highlights the miraculous nature of the coming victory.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by showing how God encourages Gideon’s faith through the words of his enemies, just before Gideon leads his small group to victory.
  • This verse clears up any idea that Gideon’s success is due to his own strength; the Midianite’s words make it clear that the victory is credited to God’s intervention.

Where else these words appear

“Gideon” Hebrew H1439 · used in 37 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • Judges 7:4 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.
  • Judges 8:11 And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.

“Joash” Hebrew H3101 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • 2 Kings 13:10 In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:25 Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;

“Midian” Hebrew H4080 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 25:2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
  • Judges 6:2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
  • Judges 7:25 And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.