An enemy dream strengthens Gideon

If you fear to go down, take Purah

That night the LORD tells Gideon to arise and go down to the host; the LORD has delivered it into his hand. But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Purah thy servant down to the host, and thou shalt hear what they say, and afterward thine hands shall be strengthened. Gideon goes with Purah to the outside of the armed men.

Fear is named and given a companion. Taking Purah is not a leadership failure. The Midianite camp lies along the valley like grasshoppers for multitude, their camels as the sand.

A barley cake in an enemy mouth becomes Gideon's confirmation

Gideon hears a man tell a dream: a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, came to a tent, and smote it that it fell. His fellow answers, 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.

The interpretation is supplied in the story by a Midianite soldier. Barley is not a universal dream symbol, and the scene does not authorize selling dream codes or letting a private vision override law, evidence, or another person's consent. Gideon worships, returns to Israel's camp, and says, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.