Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 7:14. It's a really important and somewhat surprising part of the story. Here’s what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is actively using a military force – specifically, a sword – to protect a particular area. It’s saying that Gideon, a man who was chosen by God to lead Israel, has been tricked or manipulated into allowing this military action to continue. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Judges 7:14” : This is the verse itself, giving us the context. “And his fellow answered and said…” : It’s talking about people who were around Gideon at the time. “…This [is] nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash…” : This is the key part. It’s saying that Gideon has been given this military force by God. The name “Gideon” is being used to describe this powerful weapon. “The son of Joash” refers to a specific, older version or leader of Gideon. “[for] into his hand hath God delivered Midian…” : This is where it gets really significant. “Midian” was a region in the Levant (modern-day Israel and Lebanon). The word "delivered" means protected . God has given this sword to Gideon, protecting the land of Midian from enemies. "...and all the host." : This emphasizes that this isn’t just about one specific battle or conflict. It's a sustained effort to keep the region safe. In simpler terms: Gideon was tricked by someone (likely a deceitful leader) who allowed God to use a powerful military force to protect a valuable area, and that force is continuing to be used. What’s the big takeaway? It highlights a few things: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is actively involved in protecting His people and their lands. Divine Intervention: It suggests that God uses His power to protect, even when it seems like someone is being manipulated or deceived. Trusting in God: It can be a reminder to trust in God's plan, even when things seem difficult or uncertain. Important Note: This verse doesn’t necessarily mean Gideon was evil . It simply means he made a mistake and allowed himself to be used by others. It’s about the use of the sword, not the intent behind it. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance in a particular historical context? Provide a related story or example?