A dream that one Midianite saw

We are easily dominated by fear. However, the Lord knows our weakness and provides us with the help we need. Gideon was fearful when facing a vast army of enemies (Midianites, Amalekites, and people from the east). He wondered if the 300 men would be enough. Then the Lord encouraged Gideon. (1) Gideon went down to the camp of the enemy and overheard what the Midianites were saying. (2) One of the Midianites was sharing a dream he had. The Lord speaks to foreigners through dreams. The exception was Balaam, the false prophet, whom the Lord spoke to directly. (3) The dream’s content was that a barley loaf rolled into the Midianite camp and struck a tent, causing it to collapse. The dream itself did not seem to have any special meaning, but the interpretation given by another Midianite revealed a significant message to Gideon. (4) The “barley loaf” represents Israel and Gideon’s army. Barley was the food of the poor. Now Israel had become destitute and food-deprived due to the invasion of the Midianites. The “tent” represents the Midianite camp. (5) The conclusion reached by the Midianite was that “God has given the entire camp of Midian into the hand of Gideon.”

Gideon’s worship

Upon hearing the interpretation of the dream, Gideon realized that fear of him had filled the enemy camp, and he was greatly encouraged. Surprisingly, he worshipped within the enemy camp. Then, he returned to the camp of Israel and reported, “The Lord has given the camp of Midian into your hands.” Gideon’s fear had been transformed into confidence in victory. Similarly, Paul also had an experience of being freed from fear through a dream. The Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking, and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10). What is the Lord speaking to you now?