Judges 6:23

And the LORD said unto him, Peace [be] unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Peace {H7965} be unto thee; fear {H3372} not: thou shalt not die {H4191}.

But ADONAI reassured him, "Shalom to you, don't be afraid, you won't die!"

But the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die.”

And Jehovah said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.

Context

Judges 6:23 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Gideon, a reluctant leader called by God to deliver Israel from the oppressive hand of the Midianites. For seven years, the Midianites had ravaged the land, leaving Israel impoverished and fearful (Judges 6:1). Gideon, found threshing wheat in a hidden winepress to evade the invaders, is suddenly confronted by the Angel of the LORD, who hails him as a "mighty man of valour" (Judges 6:12). After a miraculous sign where fire consumes Gideon's offering, Gideon realizes he has seen the Angel of the LORD face to face (Judges 6:21 and Judges 6:22). This realization fills him with terror, as it was a common belief that one could not see God and live, echoing sentiments found in Exodus 33:20.

Key Themes

  • Divine Assurance and Peace: The verse directly addresses Gideon's profound fear and offers immediate, comforting reassurance from God. It highlights God's compassionate response to human anxiety.
  • Overcoming Fear: "Fear not" is a recurring divine command throughout Scripture, often given when God is about to call someone to a significant task or provide a miraculous intervention. It emphasizes that God's presence, though awe-inspiring, is ultimately for good and not for destruction.
  • Preservation for Purpose: God's promise that Gideon "shalt not die" is not merely about physical survival; it underscores that God preserves those He calls for His specific purposes. Gideon's life is spared because he is chosen to deliver Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Peace [be] unto thee" translates the Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם). Shalom is far more comprehensive than merely the absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony in all aspects of life. In this context, it is a divine declaration of Gideon's safety and well-being despite his fearful encounter. The phrase "fear not" (Hebrew: אַל־תִּירָא, al-tira) is a direct imperative, a common divine reassurance found in various biblical encounters, such as when God speaks to Abraham (Genesis 15:1) or to Israel through Isaiah (Isaiah 41:10).

Practical Application

Judges 6:23 offers profound comfort and instruction for believers today. In moments of overwhelming fear, doubt, or when confronted with life's challenges, this verse reminds us that God's response to our distress is often one of peace and assurance. Just as Gideon was preserved for his divine mission to deliver Israel, God preserves and equips His followers for their unique purposes. We are called to receive God's peace, which transcends understanding, and to trust that His presence brings life and purpose, not condemnation or destruction. This verse encourages us to lay aside paralyzing fear and embrace the divine calling on our lives, knowing that God is with us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 10:19

    And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

  • Genesis 43:23

    And he said, Peace [be] to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.

  • John 20:26

    ¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you.

  • Genesis 32:30

    And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

  • John 14:27

    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

  • John 20:19

    ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

  • Psalms 85:8

    ¶ I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
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