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.

JUDGES 7:15KJV
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Judges 7:15 (KJV)

What does Judges 7:15 mean?

Judges 7:15 describes how Gideon, after overhearing the telling and interpretation of a dream that confirmed Israel’s victory, worshipped God and returned to rally his troops, declaring that the LORD had given them victory over the Midianite army. This verse marks the moment when Gideon’s doubts are replaced by confidence, and he acts decisively to lead Israel into battle.

Gideon is the main figure here, and he has just secretly listened to a Midianite soldier recount a dream and its meaning, which foretold Midian’s defeat. Deeply moved and reassured by this sign, Gideon responds by bowing in worship, then returns to the Israelite camp to encourage his men, urging them to rise because God has already delivered the enemy into their hands.

The Hebrew behind Judges 7:15

  • The word for “worshipped” is שָׁחָה (shachah), which often means to bow down or prostrate oneself, showing deep reverence or submission. Here, it highlights Gideon’s immediate and humble response to God’s confirmation.
  • The word for “delivered” is נָתַן (nathan), meaning to give or hand over. Gideon’s declaration that the LORD has “delivered” Midian into Israel’s hand shows he sees the victory as already accomplished by God, not by Israel’s strength.
  • The word for “host” is מַחֲנֶה (machaneh), meaning camp or army. This word appears twice, referring both to the Israelite camp and the Midianite army, emphasizing the confrontation between the two groups.

Why Judges 7:15 matters

  • This verse shows the turning point in Gideon’s faith, moving from fear and uncertainty to bold leadership based on God’s assurance.
  • The emphasis on worship before action underlines the importance of recognizing God’s role before claiming victory.
  • The connection to the wider passage highlights how God uses unexpected means—a dream of an enemy soldier—to encourage and direct His chosen leader.

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.

“interpretation” Hebrew H7667 · used in 41 verses

  • Leviticus 21:19 Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded,
  • Isaiah 51:19 These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
  • Jeremiah 30:15 Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

“dream” Hebrew H2472 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • Genesis 41:11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
  • Job 7:14 Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

“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.