Judges 6:20

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Context

Judges 6:20 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Gideon's calling by the Angel of the Lord to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. Israel had been severely afflicted for seven years, and Gideon, a humble man from the tribe of Manasseh, was commissioned by a divine messenger. After preparing a humble meal as an offering, and expressing his doubts and desire for a sign, this verse records the specific instructions given by the Angel for the placement of that offering, setting the stage for a miraculous confirmation of His identity and message.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Specificity: The "angel of God" issues precise instructions regarding the flesh, unleavened cakes, and broth. This demonstrates divine authority and attention to detail, indicating that God's plans are specific and require exact obedience, even in seemingly small matters.
  • Gideon's Obedience: The simple phrase "And he did so" highlights Gideon's immediate and unquestioning obedience. This act of following the divine command, despite his earlier doubts and requests for signs, marks a crucial step in his journey of faith and leadership. It shows his willingness to act on the instruction given.
  • Preparation for a Sign: This action of laying the offering on the rock and pouring out the broth was a direct prelude to the supernatural sign of fire that would consume the sacrifice. This act of obedience prepared the way for God to reveal His power and confirm His word to Gideon.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the angel of God" (Hebrew: mal'akh Elohim) is often interpreted by theologians as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, known as a Christophany. This divine messenger throughout the Old Testament consistently speaks with divine authority, accepts worship, and performs divine acts, distinguishing Himself from ordinary angels. The "rock" (Hebrew: hat-tsur) upon which the offering was laid becomes more than just a stone; it is transformed into a significant altar, a place of divine encounter and revelation for Gideon.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today. It underscores the importance of simple, immediate obedience to God's instructions, even when we don't fully understand the purpose or the outcome. Gideon's willingness to follow through on seemingly ordinary commands led to an extraordinary divine manifestation. It also reminds us that God is patient with our doubts but expects us to act in faith when His will becomes clear, preparing us for His greater works.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 13:19 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.