Judges 6:18

KJV

Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set [it] before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.

KJV (with Strong's)

Depart {H4185} not hence, I pray thee, until I come {H935} unto thee, and bring forth {H3318} my present {H4503}, and set {H3240} it before {H6440} thee. And he said {H559}, I will tarry {H3427} until thou come again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Please don't leave until I go and return with a gift and present it to you." He replied, "I'll wait till you come back."

Berean Standard Bible

Please do not depart from this place until I return to You. Let me bring my offering and set it before You.” And the LORD said, “I will stay until you return.”

American Standard Version

Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and lay it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:18 captures a pivotal moment in Gideon's initial encounter with the Angel of the Lord, where Gideon, filled with doubt and a desire for confirmation, requests the divine messenger to wait while he prepares a "present." This act, seemingly one of hospitality, is also a test, a plea for tangible proof of the visitor's identity and divine authority. The Angel's immediate agreement to tarry underscores God's profound patience and willingness to accommodate human skepticism, setting the stage for a miraculous revelation that will solidify Gideon's understanding of who is truly speaking to him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:18 is nestled within the opening narrative of Gideon's call, immediately following the Angel of the Lord's declaration of Gideon as a "mighty man of valour" and Gideon's subsequent expression of profound doubt regarding God's presence and Israel's deliverance from Midianite oppression. The preceding verses [Judges 6:11-17](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-17 - Gideon's Call and Initial Doubts") establish Gideon's humble circumstances (threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the Midianites) and his questioning of God's past actions and present involvement. His request in verse 18 is a direct response to the Angel's commission, serving as a practical means to verify the divine identity of his visitor before he commits to such a monumental task. This verse directly anticipates the miraculous consumption of the offering by fire in [Judges 6:19-21](/judges/6-19 "Judges 6:19-21 - The Miraculous Sign of the Offering"), which provides the definitive sign Gideon seeks, leading to his realization of the Angel's true identity in [Judges 6:22](/judges/6-22 "Judges 6:22 - Gideon's Realization").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. At this time, Israel was under severe oppression from the Midianites, who regularly raided their crops and livestock, leading to widespread poverty and fear, as depicted in [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression"). In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty, often involving the preparation and sharing of a meal. A host would go to great lengths to provide for a guest, and a refusal to offer or accept hospitality could be seen as a grave insult. Gideon's offer of a "present" (מִנְחָה, *minchah*) would have been understood initially as an act of customary hospitality, but in the context of a divine encounter, it also carried the potential for a sacrificial offering, a common practice for seeking divine favor or confirmation. Such offerings were often accompanied by signs or omens, which people of that era would actively seek to discern the will or presence of a deity.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:18 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine patience and accommodation**, as God, through His Angel, willingly condescends to Gideon's human doubt and need for tangible proof, rather than demanding immediate, unquestioning obedience. This divine patience is a recurring motif in God's dealings with His often-faithless people. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **human doubt and the need for confirmation** when faced with an overwhelming divine call. Gideon's cautious approach foreshadows his later, more famous requests for signs involving the fleece in [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - Gideon's Fleece Tests"), emphasizing a pattern of seeking tangible assurance before stepping out in faith. Finally, the "present" itself introduces the theme of **sacrificial offering and divine consumption**, which moves beyond mere hospitality to reveal the supernatural nature of the encounter and the divine acceptance of Gideon's offering, thereby confirming the Angel's identity and God's commissioning of Gideon.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Present (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** The Hebrew word מִנְחָה (*minchah*) is multifaceted. While it can refer to a general gift, tribute, or offering, it frequently denotes a "grain offering" or "meal offering" in a religious context (e.g., [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - The Grain Offering")). In Judges 6:18, Gideon's use of *minchah* initially appears to be an act of hospitality—a meal for his guest. However, the subsequent miraculous consumption of this "present" by fire in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Angel Consumes the Offering") transforms it into a divinely accepted sacrifice, revealing the true, sacred nature of the encounter. This dual meaning highlights Gideon's initial human understanding versus the divine reality.
* **Tarry (Hebrew, _yashab'_):** The Hebrew verb יָשַׁב (*yashab*) means "to sit," "to dwell," or "to remain." In this context, the Angel's response, "I will tarry," signifies a willingness to wait patiently and remain in place. This simple affirmation is profound, demonstrating God's condescension and willingness to meet Gideon's request for time and confirmation. It contrasts sharply with the urgency often associated with divine commands, emphasizing God's understanding of human weakness and doubt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee,"**: This is Gideon's earnest plea to the mysterious visitor. The phrase "I pray thee" (נָא, *na*) adds a sense of urgency and respect to his request. He is asking the visitor to pause their journey or departure, indicating his desire for a continued presence and interaction. This request stems from his uncertainty about the visitor's identity and his need for a tangible sign or confirmation, which he believes will be provided through the "present" he intends to bring.
* **"and bring forth my present, and set [it] before thee."**: Here, Gideon specifies his intention: to bring an offering or a meal. The "present" (מִנְחָה, *minchah*) is not just a casual gift but something prepared with significance. The act of "setting it before" the visitor implies a formal presentation, an act of hospitality, but also a test or an offering to discern the visitor's nature and acceptance. This clause sets up the dramatic revelation that follows, where the nature of this "present" is clarified as a sacrifice.
* **"And he said, I will tarry until thou come again."**: This is the Angel of the Lord's simple yet powerful response. The immediate agreement to "tarry" (יָשַׁב, *yashab*) demonstrates divine patience and accommodation. There is no hesitation or rebuke for Gideon's doubt; instead, there is an affirmation of willingness to engage with Gideon's human need for reassurance. This divine patience is crucial for building Gideon's faith and preparing him for the immense task ahead.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and dramatic impact. **Dialogue** is central, driving the narrative forward and revealing character. Gideon's respectful but demanding plea ("Depart not hence, I pray thee...") and the Angel's concise, affirming response ("I will tarry...") highlight the interaction between human doubt and divine patience. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Gideon's request for a "present" (מִנְחָה), which initially seems like hospitality but subtly hints at its eventual sacrificial nature, anticipating the miraculous consumption by fire in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Angel Consumes the Offering"). This transformation of a meal into a sacrifice is a form of **Symbolism**, where the ordinary act of offering food becomes a profound sign of divine presence and acceptance. There is also a subtle **Irony** in Gideon's initial skepticism, as he demands a sign from the very One who has just declared him a "mighty man of valour," yet this doubt is met not with condemnation but with patient accommodation, ultimately strengthening his faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:18 powerfully illustrates God's profound condescension and patience with human weakness and doubt. Gideon, a man of humble origins and significant insecurity, is met not with divine impatience or rebuke for his skepticism, but with a willingness to engage on his terms. This moment reveals a God who is not distant or demanding of blind faith, but one who draws near, accommodates human limitations, and provides tangible assurance to build faith for the daunting tasks He calls His people to undertake. It underscores that God often meets us in our questions, using our very requests for confirmation as opportunities for deeper revelation, transforming doubt into conviction.

* [Exodus 4:1-9](/exodus/4-1 "Exodus 4:1-9 - Moses's Signs from God")
* [Matthew 12:38-40](/matthew/12-38 "Matthew 12:38-40 - The Sign of Jonah")
* [Luke 24:36-43](/luke/24-36 "Luke 24:36-43 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:18 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating moments of doubt or uncertainty in their spiritual journey. Gideon's hesitation, far from being a sign of unfaithfulness, becomes an occasion for God to reveal Himself more clearly. This passage invites us to be honest with God about our questions, our fears, and our need for assurance, especially when faced with calls that seem overwhelming or impossible. Just as the Angel of the Lord patiently waited for Gideon, God is patient with us, willing to meet us where we are, to provide the confirmation we need, and to transform our skepticism into steadfast faith. It reminds us that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the courage to bring our doubts before God, trusting that He will respond with grace, revelation, and the necessary strength to obey His call. Our "presents"—our questions, our vulnerabilities, our offerings of obedience—are met with divine presence and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's confirmation or a clearer sign of His will?**
* **How does God's patience with Gideon's doubt encourage you in your own moments of uncertainty?**
* **What "present" (whether it be your doubts, your fears, or your offerings of service) are you being called to lay before God today, trusting in His response?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater openness to God meeting you in unexpected ways, even through your questions?**

### FAQ
**Why was Gideon so doubtful, even after the Angel of the Lord called him a "mighty man of valour"?**

Answer: Gideon's doubt stemmed from a combination of factors. First, Israel was under severe Midianite oppression, leading to a sense of national despair and a questioning of God's presence and power ([Judges 6:13](/judges/6-13 "Judges 6:13 - Gideon's Questioning")). Second, Gideon himself came from the weakest clan in Manasseh, and he was the least in his family ([Judges 6:15](/judges/6-15 "Judges 6:15 - Gideon's Humility and Doubt")). This personal insecurity, coupled with the dire national situation, made the Angel's declaration seem utterly unbelievable to him. His doubt was not a rejection of God, but a desperate plea for tangible proof and reassurance that such an impossible task could truly be accomplished through him by God's power. He needed to verify the identity and authority of the one speaking to him.

**What is the significance of Gideon's "present" becoming a sacrifice consumed by fire?**

Answer: The "present" (מִנְחָה, *minchah*) initially offered as hospitality, transformed into a divinely accepted sacrifice when the Angel of the Lord touched it with the tip of His staff, and fire consumed it ([Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Angel Consumes the Offering")). This miraculous consumption by fire served as a definitive sign of divine acceptance and confirmation. In the Old Testament, fire from heaven often symbolized God's presence, power, and acceptance of an offering (e.g., [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the Lord Consumes the Offering"), [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah's Sacrifice Consumed by Fire")). For Gideon, this act unequivocally revealed that his visitor was indeed a divine messenger, the Angel of the Lord, and that God was truly with him and would empower him for the task of delivering Israel. It moved his understanding from a mere human encounter to a profound divine revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:18, with the Angel of the Lord's patient willingness to "tarry" and accommodate Gideon's doubts, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate condescension and patience of God found in Jesus Christ. The Angel of the Lord, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, demonstrates a divine willingness to meet humanity in its weakness and skepticism. Just as the Angel waited for Gideon's offering and confirmed His divine identity, so too does Christ patiently engage with our doubts and provide the ultimate "sign" of His identity and authority through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. He did not demand blind faith but offered tangible proofs, allowing Thomas to touch His wounds ([John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus Appears to Thomas")), and repeatedly revealing Himself to His disciples after His resurrection ([Luke 24:36-43](/luke/24-36 "Luke 24:36-43 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples")). The "present" Gideon brought, which became a divinely consumed sacrifice, points forward to Christ Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, whose body was broken and whose blood was shed to take away the sin of the world ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). In Christ, God not only tarries with us but dwells among us, becoming the ultimate assurance and fulfillment of all our deepest longings for divine presence and confirmation ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 18:3

And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

Judges 13:15

¶ And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.

Genesis 18:5

And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.

Genesis 19:3

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.