Judges 6:21

KJV

Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that [was] in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} put forth {H7971} the end {H7097} of the staff {H4938} that was in his hand {H3027}, and touched {H5060} the flesh {H1320} and the unleavened cakes {H4682}; and there rose up {H5927} fire {H784} out of the rock {H6697}, and consumed {H398} the flesh {H1320} and the unleavened cakes {H4682}. Then the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} departed {H1980} out of his sight {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the angel of ADONAI reached out with the stick he was holding, touched the meat and matzot, and fire shot up out of the rock and burned up the meat and matzot. Then the angel of ADONAI disappeared before his eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the angel of the LORD extended the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. And fire flared from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight.

American Standard Version

Then the angel of Jehovah put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there went up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and the angel of Jehovah departed out of his sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:21 presents the dramatic climax of Gideon's initial encounter with the Angel of the LORD, serving as the definitive divine validation of his call. In response to Gideon's prepared offering, the Angel miraculously touches the sacrifice with a staff, causing fire to erupt spontaneously from the rock and consume the flesh and unleavened cakes. This undeniable supernatural act provides irrefutable proof of God's presence and commission, dispelling Gideon's profound doubts and preparing him for the monumental task of delivering Israel, before the Angel of the LORD vanishes from his sight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the pivotal turning point in Gideon's call narrative, following his initial skepticism and request for a sign. The account begins with the Angel of the LORD appearing to Gideon in [Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - The Angel of the LORD Appears to Gideon"), where Gideon is found threshing wheat in secret to hide it from the Midianites. The divine commission to "save Israel from the hand of Midian" in [Judges 6:14](/judges/6-14 "Judges 6:14 - The LORD Turns to Gideon") is met with Gideon's profound humility and doubt regarding his family's standing and his own capability. His plea for a sign, detailed in [Judges 6:17-18](/judges/6-17-18 "Judges 6:17-18 - Gideon Asks for a Sign"), leads to the preparation of the elaborate offering described in [Judges 6:19-20](/judges/6-19-20 "Judges 6:19-20 - Gideon Prepares an Offering"). The miraculous consumption of this offering in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Divine Sign") serves as the irrefutable divine validation, immediately preceding Gideon's fearful realization of the Angel's true identity and his subsequent construction of an altar to the LORD in [Judges 6:22-24](/judges/6-22-24 "Judges 6:22-24 - Gideon Builds an Altar").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges vividly portrays a dark period in Israel's history, characterized by a recurring cycle of disobedience to God, subsequent foreign oppression, Israel's cry for deliverance, and God raising up a "judge" to rescue them. At this specific juncture, Israel is suffering under severe oppression from the Midianites, Amalekites, and other "people of the East," who annually invade their land, destroying crops and livestock, and forcing the Israelites into hiding in caves and strongholds ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel's, offerings and sacrifices were central to religious practice, serving purposes ranging from worship and thanksgiving to atonement and covenant ratification. The consumption of a sacrifice by fire, particularly fire originating supernaturally, was universally understood as an an extraordinary sign of divine acceptance, approval, and the tangible presence of the deity. This phenomenon is paralleled in other significant biblical events, such as the dedication of the Tabernacle ([Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire Consumes the Offering")) and Solomon's Temple ([2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1 - Fire Consumes the Sacrifice at the Temple Dedication")), cementing its profound significance as a divine seal of approval.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:21 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call") and the broader book of Judges. Foremost among these is **Divine Confirmation and Assurance**, as the miraculous fire directly addresses Gideon's deep-seated doubts and insecurities, providing an undeniable, supernatural sign of God's presence and the legitimacy of his divine commission. This event underscores **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating His ability to transcend natural laws and accomplish His purposes through extraordinary means, even when His chosen instruments are weak or hesitant. The theme of **Acceptance of Sacrifice** is vividly portrayed, where the consuming fire signifies not only God's approval of the physical offering but, more profoundly, His acceptance of Gideon's obedience and the divine call itself. Finally, the **Nature of the Angel of the LORD** is a crucial theological theme, as the Angel's actions—speaking with divine authority, performing an exclusive divine miracle, and implicitly accepting worship—strongly suggest a pre-incarnate manifestation of God Himself, often understood as a Christophany, revealing God's direct and personal engagement with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** From H4397, meaning "a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher); ambassador, angel, king, messenger." In this context, the term refers to a divine messenger who acts and speaks with the authority of God Himself, performing a miracle that only God can accomplish. The subsequent fear and realization by Gideon in [Judges 6:22](/judges/6-22 "Judges 6:22 - Gideon's Fear of Seeing the Angel of the LORD") ("I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face!") confirm that Gideon perceived this being as divine, pointing to a theophany or Christophany.
* **Staff (Hebrew, _mishʻênâh'_):** From H4938, meaning "support (abstractly), i.e. (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick; staff." Here, the staff is more than a mere walking aid; it functions as an instrument or conduit of divine power. Its touch directly initiates the miraculous fire, symbolizing the Angel's (and thus God's) direct involvement and control over the supernatural event. This echoes the use of Moses' staff in the Exodus narrative, which was repeatedly used to perform signs and wonders.
* **Fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** From H784, meaning "a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively); burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot." In biblical theology, fire frequently symbolizes God's presence, holiness, judgment, and, crucially in this instance, His acceptance and approval. The spontaneous combustion of the offering by fire from the rock is an unequivocal sign of divine acceptance and validation. It is not an ordinary fire but a supernatural manifestation, directly from God, signifying His approval of Gideon's offering and, by extension, His call upon Gideon's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that [was] in his hand":** This clause describes the deliberate and purposeful action of the divine messenger. The extension of the staff, a symbol of authority and power, indicates a controlled and intentional act, not a random occurrence. It highlights the Angel's active role in initiating the miracle, clearly demonstrating divine agency and power at work.
* **"and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes":** The precise touch of the staff upon the prepared offering signifies a direct and intimate connection between divine power and Gideon's human act of faith. The "flesh" (goat meat) and "unleavened cakes" represent the complete offering Gideon had painstakingly prepared, indicating that God's acceptance encompasses all that Gideon presented in faith and obedience.
* **"and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes":** This constitutes the miraculous core of the verse. Fire erupting from an inanimate rock is a supernatural event, defying all natural laws. Its immediate and complete consumption of the offering serves as the undeniable and unequivocal sign of divine acceptance and confirmation. The rock, often a symbol of stability and frequently associated with God Himself (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is the Rock")), becomes the unexpected source of divine power, emphasizing God's boundless ability to work through any means He chooses.
* **"Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight":** The sudden disappearance of the Angel underscores His supernatural nature and transcendence. Unlike a human messenger, a divine being can appear and vanish at will, reinforcing the awe, mystery, and divine authority surrounding His identity. This swift departure leaves Gideon with the undeniable evidence of the miracle and the profound, fearful realization of the divine encounter, setting the stage for his subsequent actions and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact. Central to the narrative is **Theophany** (or more specifically, **Christophany**), as the "Angel of the LORD" acts with divine authority, performs a miracle that only God can accomplish, and is ultimately recognized by Gideon as the LORD Himself ([Judges 6:22](/judges/6-22 "Judges 6:22 - Gideon's Fear")). **Symbolism** is profoundly employed: the **staff** represents divine authority and power, serving as a conduit for God's miraculous intervention; the **fire** signifies divine presence, purity, acceptance, and confirmation of the covenant; and the **rock** from which the fire emanates symbolizes God's steadfastness, His unexpected means of intervention, and His foundational nature. The immediate and complete **consumption** of the offering serves as a powerful visual metaphor for God's absolute and unreserved acceptance. Furthermore, an element of **Dramatic Irony** is present, as Gideon's initial profound doubt and fear are starkly contrasted with the overwhelming and undeniable display of divine power, which ultimately transforms his apprehension into conviction and courageous obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:21 stands as a profound testament to God's active and personal involvement in human affairs, particularly in confirming His divine call and dispelling the doubts of His chosen servants. This miraculous consumption of Gideon's sacrifice by fire from the rock echoes earlier, foundational instances of divine acceptance of offerings, signifying that God intimately sees, hears, and responds to His people, even in their weakness, fear, and skepticism. It powerfully underscores that God's power is limitless and not constrained by human understanding, natural laws, or perceived limitations; His validation is the ultimate and sufficient foundation for any divine commission. The nature of the Angel of the LORD as a divine manifestation further elevates the significance of this encounter, revealing a personal, powerful, and compassionate God who condescends to meet His servants precisely in their moment of greatest need and uncertainty.

* [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Fire Consumes the Offering at the Tabernacle Dedication")
* [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "Elijah's Sacrifice Consumed by Fire on Mount Carmel")
* [2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "Fire Consumes the Sacrifice at the Temple Dedication")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This pivotal moment in Gideon's narrative offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating their own journeys of faith and calling today. Just as God met Gideon in his profound fear and doubt with an undeniable, supernatural sign, so too does He often provide assurance and confirmation when we genuinely seek His will and are willing to step out, however hesitantly, in faith. The spontaneous fire erupting from the rock serves as a powerful reminder that God's power is limitless and entirely unconstrained by our circumstances, our perceived inadequacies, or the limitations of human capabilities; He can and will achieve His purposes through extraordinary means. For those wrestling with a sense of inadequacy, uncertainty, or fear concerning a divine calling or a significant step of faith, this passage serves as a powerful and encouraging reminder that God's confirmation strengthens faith, dispels apprehension, and equips us for the challenges ahead, transforming our initial trepidation into courageous obedience. It encourages us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's supernatural ability to work beyond what we can possibly imagine, empowering us to serve Him with unwavering confidence, knowing that His validation is our ultimate strength and sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking divine confirmation or reassurance regarding a decision or calling?**
* **How does the miraculous nature of this event challenge your understanding of God's power and His ability to intervene supernaturally in your life today?**
* **What specific doubts or fears might be holding you back from fully embracing a calling or task you believe God has placed before you?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's supernatural provision and guidance, even when circumstances seem impossible or beyond your control?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "Angel of the LORD" in this passage?**

Answer: The "Angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: *Malakh Yahweh*) in Judges 6:21, and indeed throughout many Old Testament passages, is widely interpreted by theologians as more than just a created angelic being. The actions, words, and inherent authority attributed to this figure—speaking as God, performing divine acts, accepting worship, and being perceived as God by those He encounters (as vividly seen in Gideon's reaction in [Judges 6:22](/judges/6-22 "Judges 6:22 - Gideon's Fear"))—strongly suggest a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, often referred to as a Christophany. This interpretation highlights God's direct, personal, and sovereign involvement with His people even before the incarnation of Christ.

**Why did God use fire to consume the offering?**

Answer: The use of fire to consume the offering in Judges 6:21 carries profound symbolic and theological significance. In the Old Testament, fire originating supernaturally from heaven or from God's presence to consume a sacrifice was the ultimate and undeniable sign of divine acceptance and approval. It served as a powerful demonstration of God's tangible presence, His holiness, and His direct validation of the offering itself, and by extension, the person making it. This miraculous fire provided Gideon with an unequivocal, supernatural sign that God not only accepted his offering but also unequivocally confirmed His divine call upon Gideon's life, effectively dispelling all his doubts and preparing him for the daunting task of delivering Israel. This event echoes similar instances of divine fire consuming sacrifices, such as Elijah's sacrifice on Mount Carmel in [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah's Sacrifice Consumed by Fire").

**What is the significance of the Angel touching the offering with a staff?**

Answer: The Angel of the LORD touching the offering with the end of His staff is deeply significant because the staff in biblical narratives often symbolizes authority, power, and divine agency. This was not a casual or incidental touch, but a deliberate, purposeful act that served as the immediate catalyst for the miraculous eruption of fire. This action underscores that the fire was not a natural phenomenon, a coincidence, or a trick, but a direct, controlled manifestation of divine power channeled through the Angel. It emphasizes God's active initiation and sovereign control over the supernatural confirmation given to Gideon, leaving no room for doubt about its divine origin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:21, with its profound display of divine confirmation and the mysterious figure of the Angel of the LORD, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Angel of the LORD, often understood as a Christophany, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the incarnate Christ, who is the ultimate and perfect manifestation of God to humanity, the One through whom God is fully revealed ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, But the Son Has Revealed Him")). Just as the fire consumed Gideon's offering as an undeniable sign of divine acceptance, Christ Himself became the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice, consumed by the righteous fire of God's wrath against sin on the cross ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ Appeared to Put Away Sin by the Sacrifice of Himself")). His atoning sacrifice was fully accepted by God, evidenced by His triumphant resurrection from the dead and His glorious ascension, thereby providing eternal redemption and justification for all who place their faith in Him ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Was Delivered Up for Our Trespasses and Raised for Our Justification")). Furthermore, the divine confirmation granted to Gideon prefigures the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer, empowering them for service and bearing witness with their spirit that they are indeed children of God ([Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Bears Witness with Our Spirit")). Christ is the true "Rock" from whom living water flows ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The Spiritual Rock Was Christ")), and it is through His finished work alone that we receive divine validation, spiritual power, and the ability to live out our callings, not by our own strength or merit, but by His Spirit and His abundant grace.

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

Leviticus 9:24

And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

1 Kings 18:38

Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that [was] in the trench.

2 Chronicles 7:1

¶ Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

1 Chronicles 21:26

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

Judges 13:20

For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on [it], and fell on their faces to the ground.