Judges 6:19

KJV

And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought [it] out unto him under the oak, and presented [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gideon {H1439} went in {H935}, and made ready {H6213} a kid {H5795}{H1423}, and unleavened cakes {H4682} of an ephah {H374} of flour {H7058}: the flesh {H1320} he put {H7760} in a basket {H5536}, and he put {H7760} the broth {H4839} in a pot {H6517}, and brought it out {H3318} unto him under the oak {H424}, and presented {H5066} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Gid'on went in, cooked a young goat and made matzot from a bushel of flour. He put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, brought them out to him under the pistachio tree and presented them.

Berean Standard Bible

So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread and an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to present to Him under the oak.

American Standard Version

And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of meal: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:19 meticulously details Gideon's earnest preparation of a substantial meal—a young goat and a significant quantity of unleavened cakes—which he presents to the mysterious divine messenger under the oak. This act, born out of a blend of traditional hospitality and a desperate plea for divine confirmation, sets the stage for a miraculous sign that will unmistakably reveal the identity of his guest and validate God's extraordinary call upon Gideon's life to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is pivotal within the broader narrative of [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Doubts"), specifically following the initial, startling encounter between Gideon and the Angel of the Lord. In [Judges 6:11-12](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-12 - The Angel of the Lord Appears to Gideon"), the Angel addresses Gideon as a "mighty man of valor," a title that starkly contrasts with Gideon's self-perception and the dire circumstances of Israel. Gideon's subsequent expressions of doubt and questioning of God's presence and power ([Judges 6:13-16](/judges/6-13 "Judges 6:13-16 - Gideon's Doubts and God's Assurance")) lead him to request a sign to confirm the messenger's identity and the divine nature of his commission ([Judges 6:17-18](/judges/6-17 "Judges 6:17-18 - Gideon Asks for a Sign")). Judges 6:19 describes Gideon's diligent response to this request, preparing the offering that will immediately precede the miraculous consumption of the food by fire in [Judges 6:20-21](/judges/6-20 "Judges 6:20-21 - The Miraculous Sign Confirms God's Call"). This sequence highlights God's patience with Gideon's doubt and His willingness to provide tangible assurance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, during the period of the Judges, was marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and "people of the East," had subjected Israel to severe economic and social hardship for seven years ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")). This oppression often involved raiding crops and livestock, leaving the Israelites impoverished and fearful. In this context, Gideon's hiding while threshing wheat ([Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - Gideon Threshing Wheat in a Winepress")) underscores the pervasive fear. The act of preparing a meal for a guest, especially a significant one like a "kid" and an "ephah of flour," was a deeply ingrained custom of hospitality in the ancient Near East, signifying honor and respect. However, in this specific instance, it also carries the weight of an offering, a test, and a plea for divine intervention, reminiscent of sacrificial practices or the preparation of a covenant meal. The setting "under the oak" often denoted a place of significance or worship, adding to the solemnity of the encounter.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes within [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Doubts") and the book of Judges. Foremost is the theme of **divine calling and human inadequacy**. Gideon, initially a man riddled with doubt and fear, is called to an impossible task, mirroring Israel's own spiritual weakness. His request for a sign and the subsequent preparation of the meal highlight the theme of **seeking divine confirmation**. God's patient response to Gideon's uncertainty underscores **God's condescension and faithfulness** to His chosen instruments, even when they falter in faith. The act of preparation itself signifies **diligence in the face of doubt**, demonstrating that even hesitant obedience can pave the way for God's mighty work. Furthermore, the detailed description of the meal emphasizes **sacrifice and offering**, foreshadowing the miraculous divine acceptance that will follow and setting the stage for Gideon's eventual, albeit imperfect, leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kid (גְּדִי, _g'di_):** Refers to a young goat, typically a male. In ancient Israel, a kid was a valuable animal, commonly used for food, especially for guests, and for various sacrifices (e.g., [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - Do Not Boil a Kid in Its Mother's Milk")). Offering a whole kid indicates the significance Gideon placed on his visitor and the earnestness of his request for a sign. It was a substantial and honorable offering, not a meager meal.
* **Ephah (אֵיפָה, _ephah_):** A dry measure of considerable size in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about 2/3 of a bushel (approx. 0.6 bushels). This quantity of flour for unleavened cakes signifies a generous and abundant provision, far more than a simple snack. It underscores Gideon's diligence and the monumental nature of the "meal" he was preparing, which was intended as a test and an offering.
* **Unleavened cakes (מַצּוֹת, _matzot_):** Flatbreads made without yeast. Unleavened bread was often prepared in haste (as seen in [Exodus 12:39](/exodus/12-39 "Exodus 12:39 - The Israelites Leave Egypt in Haste")) or for special ritual purity, particularly for offerings and the Passover meal ([Exodus 12:8](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Passover Instructions")). Their inclusion here suggests not just a meal of hospitality, but one with potential sacrificial or ritualistic overtones, fitting for an encounter with a divine messenger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid":** This clause highlights Gideon's immediate and diligent response to the Angel's instruction to prepare an offering ([Judges 6:18](/judges/6-18 "Judges 6:18 - Gideon Asks for a Sign")). Despite his profound doubts and fear, he demonstrates a willingness to obey and engage with the divine messenger. The "kid" signifies a valuable and substantial offering, reflecting the seriousness with which Gideon approached this pivotal encounter.
* **"and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour":** The addition of a large quantity of unleavened cakes further emphasizes the generosity and significant effort Gideon invested. The unleavened nature of the bread may subtly hint at the haste of preparation or, more likely, its suitability for a sacred offering, aligning with the purity requirements for various biblical sacrifices.
* **"the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot":** This detailed separation of the meat from its broth suggests a specific culinary preparation, possibly for a stew or a roasted meat dish served with its accompanying liquid. This meticulousness underscores Gideon's carefulness and thoroughness in fulfilling the request, preparing a meal that was both substantial and properly presented according to custom.
* **"and brought [it] out unto him under the oak, and presented [it]":** Gideon's act of bringing the prepared meal out to the Angel, who had patiently waited, signifies the culmination of his preparation. The setting "under the oak" adds a solemn, almost sacred, atmosphere to the presentation, setting the stage for the dramatic and miraculous confirmation of the Angel's identity and God's power that immediately follows in [Judges 6:20-21](/judges/6-20 "Judges 6:20-21 - The Miraculous Sign Confirms God's Call"). The word "presented" (וַיַּגֵּשׁ, _vayyaggesh_) implies a formal offering or presentation, not merely serving a meal.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:19 is rich in literary devices that enhance its narrative impact. The **detailing** of Gideon's preparations—specifying "a kid," "an ephah of flour," "flesh in a basket," and "broth in a pot"—serves to emphasize Gideon's earnestness and the substantial nature of his offering. This meticulous description builds narrative tension, as the reader anticipates the outcome of such a significant preparation. There is an element of **foreshadowing** in the sacrificial nature of the meal and its careful presentation; it hints at the miraculous consumption by fire that will immediately follow, confirming the divine identity of the messenger. The scene also carries **symbolism**: the meal is not merely food but a tangible expression of Gideon's desperate plea for a sign, representing his faith (however nascent) and his willingness to engage with the divine. Furthermore, the patience of the Angel of the Lord, waiting while Gideon prepares, subtly highlights God's **condescension** and His willingness to meet humanity in its doubt and weakness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:19, though seemingly a simple description of hospitality, is deeply imbued with theological significance, reflecting humanity's desire for divine assurance and God's patient condescension. Gideon's meticulous preparation of the offering, despite his profound doubts, mirrors the human yearning to tangibly interact with the divine, to "test" the spirits, and to seek undeniable proof of God's presence and will. It speaks to the tension between human fear and divine calling, illustrating that even in our uncertainty, acts of diligent obedience or seeking can open the door for God to reveal Himself powerfully. This encounter sets a precedent for how God often meets His people in their weakness, providing concrete signs to bolster faith and confirm His extraordinary purposes.

* [Genesis 18:1-8](/genesis/18-1 "Genesis 18:1-8 - Abraham's Hospitality to Three Visitors")
* [Leviticus 2:1-16](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1-16 - The Grain Offering")
* [1 Kings 18:30-38](/1_kings/18-30 "1 Kings 18:30-38 - Elijah's Sacrifice on Mount Carmel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's diligent preparation in Judges 6:19 offers a profound lesson for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God often calls us to tasks that feel overwhelming, even impossible, and it is natural to experience doubt and fear. Yet, Gideon's response—to act in obedience, to prepare with diligence even while seeking further confirmation—serves as a powerful model. Our "preparations" might not involve a literal kid and unleavened cakes, but they could be acts of prayer, studying God's Word, seeking wise counsel, or taking a hesitant first step in faith toward a daunting calling. This verse encourages us that God is patient with our doubts and often provides the very assurance we need *after* we have taken a step of faith, however small. Our earnestness in seeking Him and our willingness to prepare for His work, even amidst our uncertainty, creates the space for Him to reveal His power and affirm His purpose for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing doubt or fear regarding God's call or direction?**
* **What "preparations" or diligent steps can you take, even in your uncertainty, to open yourself to God's confirmation?**
* **How does Gideon's request for a sign, and God's patient response, encourage you to be honest with God about your doubts?**
* **What small act of obedience or hospitality might God be prompting you to undertake that could precede a profound divine encounter?**

### FAQ

**Was Gideon's offering a sacrifice or just a meal of hospitality?**

Answer: While Gideon's actions certainly exhibit traditional ancient Near Eastern hospitality, the context strongly suggests his preparation was intended as an offering, a plea for divine confirmation, rather than merely a meal. His request for the messenger to wait while he prepared a "present" (מִנְחָה, _minchah_, often translated "offering" or "tribute" in other contexts, as in [Genesis 4:3](/genesis/4-3 "Genesis 4:3 - Cain's Offering")), combined with the specific use of unleavened cakes (often associated with ritual purity and offerings, as in [Leviticus 2:4](/leviticus/2-4 "Leviticus 2:4 - Grain Offering Instructions")), points to a deeper, more sacred intention. The miraculous consumption of the offering by fire in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Miraculous Sign Confirms God's Call") definitively confirms its nature as a divinely accepted offering, akin to a sacrifice. Gideon was seeking a sign to confirm the messenger's identity and the truth of his commission, and this offering was the vehicle for that divine revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's earnest preparation of an offering in Judges 6:19, intended to confirm the divine identity of his visitor, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon sought a sign to validate a divine messenger, humanity continually seeks proof of God's presence and power. Jesus, however, is not merely a messenger but the very embodiment of God's revelation, the ultimate "sign" given to humanity ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Immanuel Prophecy"); [Matthew 12:39-40](/matthew/12-39 "Matthew 12:39-40 - The Sign of Jonah")). The "kid" prepared by Gideon, a valuable animal for food and sacrifice, foreshadows the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, whose perfect sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate, divinely accepted offering ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Furthermore, the unleavened cakes, symbolic of purity and haste, point to Christ as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), whose body was broken for us, and whose perfect life and sacrifice provide true spiritual nourishment. The fire that consumed Gideon's offering in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Miraculous Sign Confirms God's Call") signified divine acceptance; similarly, God's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice is evidenced by His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In Christ, God patiently meets our doubts, not with a temporary sign, but with the eternal reality of His incarnate presence and redemptive work, inviting us to partake of the true feast of salvation.

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 18:6

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead [it], and make cakes upon the hearth.

Genesis 18:8

And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set [it] before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

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.

Judges 13:19

So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered [it] upon a rock unto the LORD: and [the angel] did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.

Leviticus 2:4

And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, [it shall be] unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.