Judges 6:21

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

This pivotal moment in Gideon's story occurs after the Angel of the LORD has appeared to him, calling him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon, filled with doubt and a sense of his own weakness, asks for a sign to confirm that it is truly the LORD speaking to him. He prepares an offering of goat meat and unleavened cakes, which the Angel instructs him to place on a rock. Verse 21 describes the miraculous consumption of this offering, serving as an undeniable divine confirmation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Confirmation: The fire consuming the offering is a clear, supernatural sign that God accepts Gideon's offering and, more importantly, validates His call upon Gideon's life. It dispels Gideon's lingering doubts.
  • The Power of God: The spontaneous fire rising from the rock demonstrates God's absolute power and His ability to work outside natural laws. It underscores that the deliverance of Israel would be by divine might, not human strength.
  • Acceptance of Sacrifice: In Old Testament times, fire from heaven consuming a sacrifice was a powerful symbol of God's acceptance and approval (e.g., 1 Kings 18:38). This act signifies that Gideon's offering, and by extension his obedience, was pleasing to the LORD.
  • The Nature of the Angel of the LORD: The "Angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: Malakh Yahweh) in Judges and other Old Testament books is often interpreted by theologians as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. The authority, divine acts, and ability to accept worship (as seen later in Judges 13) point to a divine being, not merely a created angel. His sudden departure emphasizes His supernatural nature.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the angel of the LORD" is significant. The Hebrew word malakh means 'messenger' or 'angel,' but when paired with Yahweh (the covenant name of God), it often refers to a divine manifestation. The actions of this "Angel" throughout Judges 6-7—speaking with authority, performing miracles, and being perceived as God Himself by Gideon (Judges 6:22)—strongly suggest a unique and divine personage.

Significance and Application

Judges 6:21 is a pivotal moment that transforms Gideon from a fearful, doubting farmer into a man ready to obey God's command. It teaches us several valuable lessons:

  • God Meets Our Doubts: Just as God provided a clear sign for Gideon, He often provides assurance and confirmation when we seek Him with honest questions and a desire to obey.
  • God's Power is Absolute: This miracle reminds us that God is not limited by circumstances or human capabilities. He can bring fire from a rock to achieve His purposes.
  • Confirmation for Service: For those called to serve God, this verse illustrates that divine confirmation can strengthen faith and prepare one for the challenges ahead, helping to overcome initial apprehension.
  • The Supernatural Reality: The sudden appearance and disappearance of the Angel, coupled with the miraculous fire, underscore the reality of the supernatural realm and God's active involvement in human history.

This act of divine consumption empowered Gideon to step out in faith, knowing that the LORD was indeed with him, as He had promised.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 9:24 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.