One of the most popular Bible stories is that of Gideon and his 300-man army that defeated the Midianites. The verse in particular I want to look at is Judges 7:15. God instructs Gideon to sneak down to the Midianite camp before they “strike” with their trumpets and broken jars. Gideon overhears one soldier telling another of a dream he just had that showed the entire army being overtaken by Gideon’s sword. When Gideon heard this, he worshipped God.

If you read the whole story, it is impossible to believe that this is the first time Gideon worshipped God. His obedience alone is an act of worship. I pretty sure when he woke up twice to find his request for a due covered fleece surrounded by dry ground he worshipped. However, I believe the significance of this particular moment was the realization that God was going to do what He said he would do.

Think about for a minute. If I were Gideon, I probably would have questioned God too. I mean, my army is small and weak, and I’m supposed to take them to fight an army ten times my size. Check that, God asks me to shrink it to just 10,000 men. Excuse me, He wants me to shrink it again down to just 300!?!? And He wants me to just blow trumpets and break jars while holding torches yelling “A Sword for the Lord and for Gideon.” I think I’m going to be a little nervous. Gideon might have been thinking this was his time to climb that golden ladder. Maybe God was using Him as an example for the rest of the Israelites who would rise up, band together, and in his memory take down the Midianites.

The dream was the confirmation that God really knew what he was doing. And that is the significance of this particular mention of worship. It was authentic and not just because. He really meant it. He knew God was in control and wanted to let Him know he was greatful.