Judges 7:13
And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along.
Judges 7:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Judges describes a dream that a man had about a cake of barley bread tumbling into the camp of the Midianites and causing destruction. The symbolism in this dream is rich and carries a powerful message. The barley bread represents humility and simplicity, as barley was considered a lesser grain in ancient times. The fact that it tumbles into the enemy camp signifies an unexpected and unconventional approach to warfare. The destruction of the tent symbolizes the defeat and downfall of the Midianites. This dream foreshadows the victory that Gideon and his army will achieve over their enemies through the guidance and intervention of God. It serves as a reminder that God works in mysterious ways and can use the most unlikely of circumstances to bring about justice and deliverance for His people.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Judges can reveal various symbolic meanings. The mention of Gideon, a significant figure chosen by God to lead the Israelites against their enemies, highlights the theme of divine intervention and deliverance. The dream involving a cake of barley bread tumbling into the host of Midian and causing destruction can be interpreted as a foreshadowing of the victory that God has planned for His people. The use of barley bread, a humble and inexpensive food, signifies God's ability to use the weak and insignificant to achieve His purposes. The imagery of the tent being overturned can represent the collapse of the enemy's stronghold and the fulfillment of God's judgment. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's power to work through unexpected means to bring about His will and deliver His people from their enemies.
Judges 7:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man telling a dream unto his fellow; and he said, Behold, I dreamed a dream; and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian, and came unto the tent, and smote it so that it fell, and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.
World English Bible
When Gideon had come, behold, there was a man telling a dream to his fellow; and he said, “Behold, I dreamed a dream; and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian, and came to the tent, and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.”
Douay-Rheims
And when Gedeon was come, one told his neighbour a dream: and in this manner related what he had seen: I dreamt a dream, and it seemed to me as if a hearth cake of barley bread rolled and came down into the camp of Madian: and when it was come to a tent, it struck it, and beat it down flat to the ground.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when Gideon was come, beholde, a man tolde a dreame vnto his neighbour, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dreame, and lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled from aboue into the hoste of Midian, and came vnto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and ouerturned it, that the tent fell downe.