Judges 6:20

KJV

And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay [them] upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the angel {H4397} of God {H430} said {H559} unto him, Take {H3947} the flesh {H1320} and the unleavened cakes {H4682}, and lay {H3240} them upon this {H1975} rock {H5553}, and pour out {H8210} the broth {H4839}. And he did {H6213} so.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and matzot, lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth." Gid'on did so.

Berean Standard Bible

And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so.

American Standard Version

And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures the precise moment when the Angel of God, appearing to Gideon, issues specific instructions for the arrangement of the prepared offering—the flesh and unleavened cakes to be laid upon a rock, and the broth poured out. The immediate and unquestioning obedience of Gideon, succinctly noted by "And he did so," sets the stage for a dramatic divine revelation, confirming the Angel's identity and validating God's call for Gideon to lead Israel against their Midianite oppressors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:20 is nestled within the pivotal narrative of Gideon's calling and initial encounter with the Angel of the Lord. The chapter opens with Israel's severe oppression by the Midianites, leading to their cry for deliverance. The divine messenger finds Gideon, a seemingly insignificant figure, engaged in an act of fear-driven resourcefulness—threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the invaders. The Angel's initial greeting, "The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor" ([Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - The Angel's Greeting to Gideon")) is met with Gideon's profound skepticism and a plea for a sign to confirm the messenger's identity. In response, Gideon prepares a humble yet substantial offering of a young goat and unleavened bread ([Judges 6:19](/judges/6-19 "Judges 6:19 - Gideon Prepares His Offering")), which he brings before the Angel. Judges 6:20 then records the precise divine instructions for the arrangement of this offering, immediately preceding the miraculous consumption by fire in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Miraculous Sign"). This sequence underscores the divine initiative and Gideon's cautious, yet ultimately obedient, response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a tumultuous period in Israel's history, characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, foreign oppression, cries for help, and divine deliverance through a series of "judges." At this time, Israel was suffering under the harsh seven-year oppression of the Midianites, who, along with Amalekites and other "people of the East," would raid the land, destroying crops and livestock, driving the Israelites into hiding in caves and strongholds. This context of severe economic hardship and national despair explains Gideon's initial fear and doubt. The act of preparing an offering was a deeply ingrained cultural and religious practice in ancient Israel, a means of seeking divine favor, expressing devotion, or, as in this case, seeking confirmation of a divine encounter. The use of a "rock" as a makeshift altar was not uncommon in early Israelite worship, particularly before the establishment of a central sanctuary, transforming an ordinary geological feature into a sacred space for divine encounter and revelation.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Confirmation**. Despite Israel's spiritual decline and Gideon's personal doubts, God actively intervenes, choosing an unlikely leader and providing undeniable proof of His presence and purpose. This divine validation is crucial for Gideon's hesitant faith, as seen throughout [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Commission"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Obedience and Faith**. Gideon's immediate compliance, "And he did so," demonstrates that even partial or hesitant obedience is a necessary step towards experiencing God's miraculous power. This sets a precedent for his later, more courageous acts of faith. Finally, the interaction with the "angel of God" reinforces the recurring theme of **Divine Manifestation and Presence**. The specific instructions and subsequent supernatural act confirm the divine nature of the messenger, a recurring motif in the Old Testament where God reveals Himself directly or through His special messenger, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, as seen in passages like [Genesis 16:7](/genesis/16-7 "Genesis 16:7 - Hagar and the Angel of the Lord") and [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2 - Moses and the Burning Bush").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel of God (Hebrew, _mal'akh Elohim'_):** This phrase refers to a divine messenger, but in many Old Testament contexts, including this one, it is understood as a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. This figure consistently speaks with divine authority, accepts worship, and performs divine acts (e.g., consuming sacrifices with fire), distinguishing Himself from ordinary created angels. His presence here signifies the direct, personal involvement of God in Gideon's calling and Israel's deliverance, lending ultimate authority to the instructions given.
* **Rock (Hebrew, _hat-tsur'_):** More than just a geological feature, the "rock" here becomes a divinely designated altar. In ancient Israel, natural rocks often served as places for sacrifice and divine encounter, transforming mundane locations into sacred spaces. This specific rock, chosen by the Angel, is about to become the site of a profound miraculous sign, symbolizing God's stable and unyielding presence and His ability to consecrate even the ordinary for His extraordinary purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel of God said unto him":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine authority behind the subsequent commands. It highlights that the instructions are not merely suggestions but direct divine imperatives from the messenger of God, emphasizing the seriousness and significance of what is about to transpire.
* **"Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay [them] upon this rock":** This is the first specific instruction given to Gideon. The "flesh" (likely from the young goat Gideon prepared) and "unleavened cakes" (bread made without yeast, often associated with haste or purity in offerings) constitute the sacrificial meal. The command to "lay [them] upon this rock" designates a specific, divinely chosen location for the offering, transforming an ordinary stone into a temporary altar. This precise directive tests Gideon's obedience and prepares the scene for the miraculous sign.
* **"and pour out the broth":** This second instruction is distinct from the solid components of the meal. The "broth" (liquid from cooking the meat) is to be poured out, not placed with the solids. This detail further emphasizes the Angel's meticulous instructions, ensuring Gideon's exact adherence. The pouring out of the liquid, separate from the solid offering, may symbolize a libation or simply be part of the distinct preparation for the impending divine act.
* **"And he did so":** This concise statement is profoundly significant. It marks Gideon's immediate and unquestioning obedience to the divine command. Despite his earlier doubts and requests for signs, Gideon acts precisely as instructed, demonstrating a crucial step in his journey of faith. This act of compliance is the human prerequisite for the divine manifestation that immediately follows in the narrative, highlighting the principle that God often acts powerfully in response to simple obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:20 employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as Gideon's precise arrangement of the offering on the rock, under divine instruction, directly sets the stage for the miraculous consumption by fire in the very next verse. This act of obedience is a necessary prelude, creating anticipation for the divine confirmation. The "rock" itself functions as **Symbolism**, transforming from a mundane object into a sacred altar, representing God's stable presence and His ability to consecrate ordinary elements for extraordinary purposes. It also evokes a sense of **Theophany** or **Christophany**, as the specific instructions from the "angel of God" and the subsequent divine fire underscore the direct, powerful intervention of God Himself. Furthermore, the brevity of "And he did so" is an example of **Narrative Economy**, powerfully conveying Gideon's immediate obedience without extensive elaboration, thereby emphasizing the decisive nature of his response and its pivotal role in the unfolding narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:20 is rich with theological implications, primarily emphasizing God's meticulous involvement in His redemptive plan and the necessity of human obedience. The specific, detailed instructions from the Angel of God underscore divine sovereignty and the precision of God's will, even in seemingly minor details of a sacrificial offering. This divine specificity serves not only to test Gideon's obedience but also to prepare him for a dramatic revelation of God's power. The immediate compliance of Gideon ("And he did so") illustrates a foundational biblical principle: obedience, even when the purpose is not fully understood, is often the prerequisite for experiencing God's miraculous intervention and confirming His word. This moment marks a turning point for Gideon, moving him from doubt and hesitation towards active faith, demonstrating that God meets us in our weakness but calls us to respond in trust. The "angel of God" acting with divine authority also points to the recurring theme of God's direct self-revelation in the Old Testament, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, highlighting the personal nature of God's engagement with His people.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative in Judges 6:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Gideon's initial hesitation and subsequent immediate obedience serve as a powerful reminder that God often calls us to act in faith even before we fully comprehend His plan or see the outcome. The Angel's precise instructions highlight that God's will is often specific, requiring our careful attention and diligent adherence, not just a general willingness. Our "rock" moments might be ordinary circumstances where God asks us to do something seemingly small or illogical, yet it is precisely in these acts of simple obedience that He often chooses to reveal His power and confirm His presence. This verse encourages us to move beyond our doubts and fears, trusting that when God gives a clear directive, our prompt "And he did so" opens the door for Him to work miraculously in our lives and through us for His purposes. It underscores that true faith is demonstrated not merely by belief, but by responsive action to divine instruction, preparing us for greater works of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling for simple, immediate obedience, even if you don't fully understand the outcome?**
* **How does Gideon's "And he did so" challenge your own tendencies to hesitate or seek further signs before acting on God's clear directives?**
* **Consider a "rock" in your life—an ordinary place or situation where God might be calling you to prepare for a divine encounter or manifestation. How can you consecrate that space through obedience?**

### FAQ
**Who was "the angel of God" in Judges 6:20?**

Answer: The "angel of God" (Hebrew: _mal'akh Elohim_) in Judges 6:20, and indeed throughout many Old Testament narratives, is widely interpreted by theologians as a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. This figure consistently speaks with divine authority, accepts worship, and performs divine acts that only God can do, such as consuming the sacrifice with fire in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Miraculous Sign"). Unlike created angels, this "Angel of the Lord" often identifies Himself as Yahweh or speaks on Yahweh's behalf in a way that implies divine identity. Other instances include the Angel of the Lord appearing to Hagar in [Genesis 16:7-13](/genesis/16-7 "Genesis 16:7-13 - Hagar's Encounter with the Angel of the Lord") and to Moses in the burning bush in [Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2-6 - Moses and the Burning Bush"). His presence here emphasizes the direct and personal involvement of God in Gideon's calling and the deliverance of Israel.

**Why did the Angel of God give such specific instructions about the offering?**

Answer: The Angel of God's specific instructions for laying the flesh and cakes on the rock and pouring out the broth served multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they were a test of Gideon's obedience and faith. God often requires precise adherence to His commands, even in seemingly small details, to cultivate a heart of trust and submission. Secondly, these instructions were a necessary prelude to the miraculous sign that would immediately follow in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Miraculous Sign"), where fire consumed the offering. The exact placement ensured the conditions were met for God to supernaturally confirm His identity and Gideon's calling. Thirdly, the specificity underscored the divine authority of the messenger; such detailed commands distinguish a divine encounter from a mere human interaction, leaving no doubt about the source of the instructions. This attention to detail reflects God's sovereignty and His meticulous involvement in His redemptive plans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:20, with its depiction of the "angel of God" giving precise instructions for a sacrificial offering on a rock, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "angel of God" is widely understood as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God, meaning it is Christ Himself who is instructing Gideon. This foreshadows His ultimate role as the one who not only gives divine instructions but also perfectly fulfills them. The offering itself—flesh, unleavened cakes, and broth—points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Just as Gideon's offering was consumed by divine fire as a sign of acceptance, so too was Christ's sacrifice on the cross the perfect, once-for-all offering that satisfied divine justice and was accepted by God, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Single Sacrifice"). The "rock" upon which the offering was laid can be seen as a type of altar, pointing to Christ as both the sacrifice and the ultimate altar, the foundation upon which our faith is built, as declared by Peter in [1 Peter 2:4-8](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-8 - Christ the Living Stone"). Gideon's simple obedience, "And he did so," anticipates the perfect obedience of Christ, who came not to do His own will but the will of the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Thus, Judges 6:20 is not merely a historical account of a divine encounter but a rich tapestry woven with threads that ultimately lead to the person and redemptive work of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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.

1 Kings 18:33

And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid [him] on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour [it] on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood.

1 Kings 18:34

And he said, Do [it] the second time. And they did [it] the second time. And he said, Do [it] the third time. And they did [it] the third time.