Meaning of Judges 6:20

This verse depicts a pivotal moment in Gideon's encounter with the divine, occurring within the broader narrative of Israel's oppression by the Midianites. Gideon, in fear and uncertainty, has prepared an offering, and the angel of God, manifesting a divine presence, instructs him on how to present it. This act is not merely a ritualistic offering but a charged interaction where God initiates a transformative process in Gideon, moving him from a position of hidden fear to one of potential leadership and divine empowerment. The specific instructions to place the meat and unleavened bread on the rock and pour out the broth signify a direct presentation to God, a tangible act of faith and obedience in response to a supernatural revelation.

Context and Background

The book of Judges chronicles a cycle of Israelite apostasy, divine discipline through oppression, and subsequent deliverance by appointed judges. In chapter 6, Israel has fallen into deep sin, leading to severe oppression by the Midianites, who would plunder their harvests and livestock. Gideon, a man from the least significant clan of Manasseh, is introduced as he is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. He is characterized by his doubt and fear, questioning God's presence and power in the face of their suffering ("'But sir,' Gideon asked, 'if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?'"). It is in this state of despair and questioning that the angel of the Lord appears to him, identifying him as a mighty warrior, which Gideon finds incongruous with his current circumstances.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Initiative and Revelation: God actively seeks out and commissions Gideon, demonstrating that divine intervention often begins with God's initiative, not human readiness. The angel's appearance is a direct revelation of God's presence and purpose.
• Faith in the Face of Doubt: Gideon's initial reaction is fear and disbelief, reflecting genuine human apprehension. However, his obedience to the angel's instructions, even while still uncertain, marks the beginning of his faith journey.
• Sacrifice and Offering: The act of presenting the food and broth is a sacrificial offering. In this context, it serves as a catalyst for divine action, leading to a miraculous sign that validates God's commission.
• Transformation of the Called: God calls Gideon a "mighty warrior" despite his current timidity. This verse is the first step in God transforming Gideon from a fearful man hiding in a winepress into the leader who will deliver Israel.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse highlights the importance of responding to divine instruction with obedience, even when we do not fully understand or feel equipped. Gideon's willingness to follow the angel's specific commands, despite his fear, is crucial. It demonstrates that faith is not the absence of doubt but the act of trusting and obeying God in spite of doubt. For believers today, this signifies that God can use ordinary, even fearful, individuals for extraordinary purposes. Our obedience, however small or hesitant, can be the conduit through which God works to bring about His will and to empower us for His service.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This encounter with Gideon is a prime example of God's covenant faithfulness. Despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, God consistently provides deliverers. Gideon's story, beginning with this divine commissioning, fits into the larger pattern of God calling and equipping leaders throughout Scripture. It foreshadows the New Testament concept of God calling ordinary people to be His representatives and empowers them by His Spirit, as seen in the calling of the disciples. The miraculous sign that follows this offering (Judges 6:21) is a hallmark of God's interaction with His people in the Old Testament, confirming His presence and power.

Analogies

One analogy for Gideon's experience is that of a student who is intimidated by a challenging exam. The teacher, recognizing the student's potential, gives specific instructions on how to prepare. The student, though still anxious, follows the instructions meticulously. This act of diligent preparation, even with lingering doubt, is the first step toward eventual success and a growing confidence in their abilities. Similarly, Gideon’s obedience, though born of fear, is the crucial first step in his journey of becoming the leader God intended.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is intimately connected with the preceding and succeeding verses in Judges 6.

• Judges 6:11-16: This passage details Gideon's questioning and his own sense of inadequacy, setting the stage for the angel's appearance and commission.
• Judges 6:21-24: Immediately following this verse, the angel touches the food with his staff, and fire consumes the offering, accompanied by a divine pronouncement of peace. This miraculous sign validates God's presence and Gideon's calling, leading him to name the altar "The Lord is Peace" (Yahweh Shalom).
• Hebrews 11:32: This verse in the Hall of Faith lists Gideon among those who "by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised." This highlights that Gideon's eventual faith and victory were rooted in initial acts of obedience like the one described in Judges 6:20.