Judges 6:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:23 records the LORD's immediate and profound reassurance to Gideon, who is paralyzed by fear after realizing he has encountered the Angel of the LORD. God's declaration, "Peace [be] unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die," directly addresses Gideon's terror, offering not just an absence of conflict but a comprehensive divine well-being and a promise of preservation, underscoring that God's presence brings life and purpose, not death, to those He calls for His redemptive plans.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:23 is a pivotal moment following Gideon's dramatic encounter with the Angel of the LORD. The narrative begins with Israel's seven-year oppression by the Midianites, leading to their desperate cry to God for deliverance. Gideon, a seemingly insignificant figure from the tribe of Manasseh, is found secretly threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the invaders. The Angel of the LORD appears to him, hailing him as a "mighty man of valour" ([Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - Angel's Greeting to Gideon")), a title that starkly contrasts with Gideon's self-perception and current fearful state. Gideon's initial skepticism and request for a sign are met with a miraculous display where fire consumes his offering ([Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - Fire Consumes Offering")). It is immediately after this supernatural confirmation, and his realization that he has seen the Angel of the LORD face-to-face ([Judges 6:22](/judges/6-22 "Judges 6:22 - Gideon's Realization")), that Gideon cries out in terror, believing he will die. Verse 23 is God's direct, compassionate response to this specific fear, setting the stage for Gideon's reluctant acceptance of his divine commission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a tumultuous period in Israel's history, characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, divine judgment (oppression by foreign powers), repentance, and deliverance through a divinely raised judge. The Midianite oppression described in [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call") was particularly severe, involving systematic raids that destroyed crops and livestock, leaving Israel impoverished and demoralized ([Judges 6:3-6](/judges/6-3 "Judges 6:3-6 - Midianite Oppression")). Culturally, there was a deeply ingrained belief that seeing God face-to-face would result in death, a conviction rooted in passages like [Exodus 33:20](/exodus/33-20 "Exodus 33:20 - Moses Cannot See God's Face") where God states, "no man shall see me, and live." This fear was not irrational but a theological understanding of God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness. Gideon's reaction is thus entirely consistent with the prevailing theological and cultural understanding of his time, making God's direct reassurance all the more impactful and necessary.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Calling**, demonstrating that God actively seeks out and commissions individuals, often unlikely ones, for His purposes, as seen in His call to Gideon despite his fear and perceived weakness. The immediate divine response of "Peace [be] unto thee; fear not" underscores the theme of **God's Compassionate Presence and Assurance**, revealing a God who meets human terror with comforting reassurance, rather than condemnation. This directly counters the common fear of divine encounter. Furthermore, the promise "thou shalt not die" emphasizes **Preservation for Purpose**, illustrating that God preserves the lives of those He calls, not merely for their survival, but specifically so they can fulfill the divine mission entrusted to them. This theme is crucial for understanding God's faithfulness in equipping His chosen instruments, despite their initial reluctance or fear, to accomplish His will for His people, as Gideon is preserved to deliver Israel from the Midianites ([Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, שָׁלוֹם, _shalom'_):** This word is far more comprehensive than merely the absence of conflict. In this context, it signifies wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony in all aspects of life. It is a divine declaration of Gideon's safety and well-being, a restoration of inner tranquility and external security, despite his profound fear and the imminent danger he perceives from having seen the Angel of the LORD. It encompasses not only his physical preservation but also his spiritual and psychological state.
* **Fear not (Hebrew, אַל־תִּירָא, _al-tira'_):** This is a direct imperative, a common divine reassurance found throughout Scripture when God is about to call someone to a significant task or provide a miraculous intervention. It functions as a command to trust, to lay aside paralyzing anxiety, and to recognize that God's presence, though awe-inspiring, is ultimately for good and not for destruction. Here, it specifically counters Gideon's terror of immediate death, inviting him to a posture of faith.
* **Die (Hebrew, מוּת, _mut'_):** This refers to physical death, but in the context of Gideon's fear, it specifically relates to the cultural and theological belief that seeing God face-to-face would result in immediate demise. God's explicit negation of this outcome ("thou shalt not die") directly addresses Gideon's deepest fear, confirming that the divine encounter is not a harbinger of judgment but a prelude to commissioning and life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto him":** This emphasizes the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of the divine communication. It is God Himself, not merely an angel acting on His behalf, who addresses Gideon's specific fear, demonstrating His attentiveness and compassion.
* **"Peace [be] unto thee":** This is a profound declaration of divine favor and assurance. It is God's active impartation of _shalom_ to Gideon, calming his spirit and declaring his security. It reassures him that the encounter is not hostile but benevolent, intended for his good and for God's purposes.
* **"fear not":** A direct, compassionate command that cuts through Gideon's panic. It is an invitation to trust God's character and intentions, to release the grip of terror, and to prepare for the divine instruction that will follow. This imperative is foundational for anyone called to a challenging task by God.
* **"thou shalt not die":** This is the explicit counter to Gideon's immediate and overwhelming fear. It directly negates the cultural belief that seeing God results in death, confirming God's preserving power and His specific intention to keep Gideon alive for the mission He is about to entrust to him. It is a promise of life and purpose, not condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several impactful literary devices. **Direct Discourse** is prominent, as God's words are presented verbatim, lending immediate authority and intimacy to the divine reassurance. This direct address underscores the personal nature of God's interaction with Gideon. The phrase "fear not" is an example of **Divine Reassurance**, a recurring motif throughout biblical narratives where God calms the anxieties of His servants, often preceding a significant commissioning or miraculous intervention. This motif highlights God's compassionate character and His desire to equip His people with courage. There is also an element of **Irony** in the narrative: Gideon, initially hailed as a "mighty man of valour" ([Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - Angel's Greeting to Gideon")), is found trembling in fear, emphasizing that God's power is made perfect in human weakness ([2-corinthians/12-9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")). Finally, the promise "thou shalt not die" functions as **Foreshadowing**, indicating that Gideon's life is being preserved for a significant future purpose—the deliverance of Israel—thereby setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of his leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:23 offers a profound glimpse into the character of God, revealing Him as one who is not only powerful and awe-inspiring but also deeply compassionate and attentive to the fears of His chosen servants. This divine assurance of peace and life in the face of terror establishes a crucial theological principle: God's presence, when encountered by those He calls, is ultimately for their good and for the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, rather than for judgment or destruction. It underscores God's faithfulness in equipping and preserving those He commissions, demonstrating that His call comes with His enabling presence and protection. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenantal commitment to His people, providing comfort and strength even in moments of profound human weakness and fear.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Help")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")
* [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "Genesis 15:1 - God's Reassurance to Abram")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:23 offers profound comfort and instruction for believers today. In a world often fraught with anxiety, doubt, and overwhelming challenges, this verse reminds us that God's response to our distress, even when our fears are rooted in a sense of our own unworthiness or the sheer magnitude of His presence, 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 ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), 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, not to destroy, but to empower and enable us to accomplish His will. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate anxieties and to recognize God's preserving hand in our lives, empowering us to step into the roles He has prepared for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's declaration of "peace" (shalom) in this verse challenge your understanding of His presence in fearful or overwhelming situations?**
* **Where in your life do you specifically need to hear God's "fear not" today, and what specific anxieties might that address?**
* **How does the promise "thou shalt not die" encourage you to embrace God's purpose for your life, even when it feels overwhelming or beyond your capabilities?**

### FAQ

**Why was Gideon so afraid after seeing the Angel of the LORD?**

Answer: Gideon's fear stemmed from a deeply ingrained cultural and theological belief prevalent in ancient Israel that no one could see God face-to-face and live. This conviction is reflected in passages like [Exodus 33:20](/exodus/33-20 "Exodus 33:20 - Moses Cannot See God's Face"), where God tells Moses, "Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live." Similarly, Jacob feared for his life after wrestling with God at Peniel ([Genesis 32:30](/genesis/32-30 "Genesis 32:30 - Jacob Wrestles with God")). Gideon, realizing he had encountered a divine being, naturally assumed his death was imminent due to his unworthiness and the sheer holiness of the encounter. His fear was a testament to his understanding of God's awesome power and purity.

**What is the significance of "peace" (shalom) in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _shalom_ is far richer than merely the absence of conflict. In this context, when God declares "Peace [be] unto thee," it signifies a comprehensive state of wholeness, well-being, security, and divine favor. It's a declaration that Gideon is safe, that his life is preserved, and that he is in a state of harmony with God despite the awe-inspiring and terrifying encounter. It's not just a calming of his fear but a divine impartation of complete well-being, assuring him that God's presence is not for his destruction but for his preservation and commissioning.

**How does this verse relate to God's calling of individuals?**

Answer: Judges 6:23 beautifully illustrates God's method of calling individuals, particularly the weak and fearful, for His purposes. Like Moses ([Exodus 3:11-12](/exodus/3-11 "Exodus 3:11-12 - Moses' Reluctance")), Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 1:6-8](/jeremiah/1-6 "Jeremiah 1:6-8 - Jeremiah's Call")), and others, Gideon is initially reluctant and filled with doubt. God's immediate response of "fear not" and "thou shalt not die" is a consistent pattern of divine reassurance given to those He calls. It demonstrates that God's call comes with His empowering presence and protection, ensuring that the chosen individual will be preserved and equipped to fulfill the divine mission, even when their own abilities or courage fall short. It highlights that God's power is made perfect in human weakness ([2-corinthians/12-9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:23, with its profound declaration of "Peace [be] unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Angel of the LORD, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany), here offers Gideon peace and life, directly countering the fear of death associated with encountering God. This foreshadows the incarnate Christ, who is Himself our true **Peace** ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), reconciling humanity to God and breaking down the wall of hostility. Jesus frequently commanded His disciples, "Fear not" ([Matthew 14:27](/matthew/14-27 "Matthew 14:27 - Jesus Walks on Water"); [Luke 12:32](/luke/12-32 "Luke 12:32 - Fear Not, Little Flock")), assuring them of God's sovereign care and their ultimate security in Him. Most significantly, Christ's victory over sin and death on the cross means that those who believe in Him truly "shall not die" spiritually, but have eternal life ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"); [Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Gideon's preservation for the physical deliverance of Israel points to Christ's ultimate preservation of His people for eternal salvation, delivering them from the bondage of sin and the ultimate fear of spiritual death. In Christ, the peace offered to Gideon becomes a permanent reality for all believers, removing all fear of divine judgment and securing everlasting life.

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

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.