Judges 7:14
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 7:14 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Judges, we see the recognition and acknowledgment of the power of God in the life of Gideon, a man chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon, the son of Joash, was a humble man from Israel who was not initially confident in his ability to lead. However, with the assurance of God's presence and guidance, Gideon stepped into his role as a mighty warrior. The speaker in this verse identifies the sword of Gideon as a symbol of the divine intervention that led to the victory over Midian. It serves as a reminder that God can use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things when they trust in His power. This verse highlights the theme of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in delivering His people from their enemies, showing that nothing is impossible with His help.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse is that it highlights the theme of divine deliverance in the Bible. The mention of Gideon, a man of Israel chosen by God to lead the Israelites against their oppressors, demonstrates how God works through ordinary individuals to accomplish His will. Gideon's victory over the Midianites with only a small army was a testament to the power of God and His faithfulness to His people. This account serves as a reminder to readers that God is able to deliver His children from any situation, no matter how impossible it may seem. Furthermore, the recognition of the sword of Gideon as a symbol of God's deliverance emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in God's redemptive plan. Through this perspective, readers can be encouraged to trust in God's sovereign power and seek His guidance in times of trouble.
Judges 7:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: into his hand God hath delivered Midian, and all the host.
World English Bible
His fellow answered, “This is nothing other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel. God has delivered Midian into his hand, with all the army.”
Douay-Rheims
He to whom he spoke, answered: This is nothing else but the sword of Gedeon, the son of Joas, a man of Israel. For the Lord hath delivered Madian, and all their camp into his hand.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And his fellow answered, and sayde, This is nothing els saue the sworde of Gideon the sonne of Ioash a man of Israel: for into his hande hath God deliuered Midian and all the hoste.