Judges 7:9-15 – Reassurance for Gideon
Left with only three hundred men at his command, Gideon takes up position above the Midianites, Amalekites, and people of the East who are encamped in the Jezreel valley near Mt. Moreh. In contrast to Gideon’s small force, the enemy is said to be “like locusts in abundance.” We can imagine just about anyone having doubts in the face of such opposition. Most certainly Gideon, who has questioned and tested the LORD, desires reassurance at this time. Again, we see God’s gracious accommodation to Gideon’s weakness. He instructs him to sneak into the enemy camp, and to take his servant Purah if he is fearful. Taking Purah with him, Gideon makes his way into the valley to the outposts of the camp of Midian.
Here, Gideon overhears one man telling another his dream, in which a barley cake tumbled into the camp and knocked a tent flat. His companion interprets this to mean that Gideon will defeat them. Before the battle begins, the LORD is already using psychological warfare on Israel’s behalf. This is enough reassurance for Gideon, who worships God and returns to his camp saying to his men, “Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand.”
It can be easy for us to become discouraged in the face of setbacks and great opposition, or when we find ourselves too weak (as we think) to accomplish the tasks before us. However, we can take assurance from events like this, recorded in God’s Word, that it is not by our power, but by His strength that we are able to accomplish the tasks God has set before us. Even when we are not aware of it, God is working out His good purposes and plans for us. Our response to this should be the same as Gideon’s – worship.
Questions
- How did God graciously assure Gideon of his coming victory?
- How did the LORD conduct psychological warfare against Midian?
Prayer Points
- Thank God that He works on our behalf, even when we cannot see it.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.