“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.”– Judges 6:20 (KJV)
“The angel of God said to him, ‘Take the meat and the unleavened bread, and lay them on this rock, and pour the broth over them.’ And Gideon did as he was told.”– Judges 6:20 (NLT)
“The angel of God said to him, ‘Get rid of the meat and bread, and put them on that rock. Then pour out the broth.’ Gideon did what he was told.”– Judges 6:20 (MSG)
What Does Judges 6:20 Mean?
This verse is an intriguing part of Gideon’s story. It takes place when the angel of God has appeared to Gideon, a young man from the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon is uncertain of his own ability, but he feels called to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites, who were oppressing them. The angel instructs him to prepare an offering. This act of offering signifies a key moment where Gideon begins to recognize his role and purpose within God’s greater plan. When the angel asks him to place the meat and unleavened bread on a rock, he is not just commanding an ordinary task; it is infused with meaning and purpose. Gideon, in obedience, takes action and prepares the offering as instructed. This illustrates that God often calls us to participate in His plans, sometimes in ways that seem simple or small, yet hold immense spiritual significance.
This action brings forth a greater understanding of what it means to offer ourselves, our resources, and even our doubts to God. It showcases Gideon’s growing faith and willingness to trust in God’s guidance. The angel’s request, combined with Gideon’s response, signifies a transforming moment. Through such acts of obedience, we are often led into deeper revelations of our faith and a closer relationship with God. This reminds us that God often meets us in our uncertainty and strengthens us through our willingness to act, even if it’s taking a small, simple step.
Judges 6:20 Explanation and Commentary
Gideon was living during a troubling time for the Israelites. They had forsaken God and, as a result, found themselves facing oppression from the Midianites. In this context, God sends an angel to speak to Gideon. His task seems daunting, yet it starts with something seemingly simple, an offering. As we reflect on what Gideon is asked to do, we realize it represents much more than a physical offering; it symbolizes total surrender and readiness to accept God’s calling.
The act of laying the meat and bread upon the rock also carries profound symbolism in biblical texts. Rocks in scripture often represent strength and stability, and here they serve as a foundation for Gideon’s commitment to God. The rock serves as a reminder that through faith, one can find strength in God and His promises. Just as Gideon presented his offering, we are invited to lay our own burdens or feeble trusts at His feet. We are not so different from Gideon, being called to offer up our doubts, our fears, and even our desires for God’s greater purpose.
Moreover, pouring out the broth is equally symbolic. It illustrates that what we have, however insignificant we believe it to be, can be used by God when we offer it fully. The act of pouring can be understood as releasing our aspirations and trusting Him with the outcomes. Just as Gideon’s obedience sets the stage for his calling, we too should reflect on areas in our own lives where we may be hesitating to step out in faith.
Gideon’s trepidation is palpable through this narrative. He is fearful, questioning whether he is adequate for the task at hand. Most of us will experience moments of uncertainty on our faith journey. But God doesn’t call us based on our perceived strengths; He equips us for His purpose. Gideon’s journey begins here, and it serves as a vivid reminder that we are called to respond to God’s promptings despite our insecurities.
In reflecting on Gideon’s offering, we must ask ourselves: What is God asking us to lay down? What steps of obedience are we being invited to take? There are many layers to our personal relationship with God, and often it unfurls with acts of faith, like taking up small offerings within our own lives. This passage not only speaks to Gideon’s life but extends to our own, fostering a spirit of courage and readiness to act.
Context of Judges 6:20
To fully appreciate Judges 6:20, we should consider the surrounding events that led to this powerful moment. The Book of Judges tells the story of Israel’s cycle of sin, suffering, supplication, and salvation. In this chapter, we see that the Israelites are currently oppressed and miserable due to their disobedience. This sets the stage for God’s response to their cries, where He decides to raise up a deliverer in the form of Gideon.
Gideon is initially skeptical and full of fear about this divine assignment. His lack of confidence in his own abilities reflects a common human experience. Throughout the Bible, we see God calling people from different backgrounds, equipping them for His purpose, and often these individuals face their own fears and doubts. In Gideon’s case, his family is the least in the tribe, and he views himself as the weakest. God meets him in his doubt, just as He meets us in ours. This moment signifies God’s approach towards those who feel inadequate.
This scene where the angel appears and instructs Gideon to make an offering takes place after Gideon’s initial reluctance. This gives us insight into the important transition happening in Gideon’s life. God is prompting him not merely with a call to deliver but also teaching him the importance of faith and obedience through physical action. The surrounding culture at that time was deeply affected by the cycle of idolatry, leading to dependency on foreign powers like the Midianites. Hence, this calling to Gideon is as much about saving his people as it is about establishing a new faith foundation.
Yet, it is important to note that God doesn’t simply ask for something. He requests Gideon to openly demonstrate his commitment to Him through a specific action. This act of offering sets off a series of events that lead to his empowerment and eventual victory against the Midianites. Thus, the context of Judges 6:20 is essential for grasping its significance. This pivotal moment not only changes Gideon’s life but has lasting effects on the history of the Israelites.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Judges 6:20
When we read Judges 6:20, we should pay attention to several significant components of this verse. The first aspect is the role of the angel and the divine instruction Gideon receives. Angels serve as God’s messengers, and their involvement represents God’s care and attention towards His people.
Next, Gideon’s action of offering meat and unleavened bread showcases his willingness to obey God’s directive. The process of offering reflects a readiness to trust God despite feelings of inadequacy. When we see Gideon taking something valuable to him, it reminds us that God desires more than mere rituals; He wants our hearts, our obedience, and our trust.
The instruction to lay the food on the rock is symbolic. It indicates a place of strength where Gideon is called to lay down something precious to him. Laying our burdens or hopes on solid ground represents trusting that God will work through them. Gideon’s choice to follow the angel’s guidance illustrates a remarkable transition in his mindset, moving from disbelief to faith. It emphasizes that in our own lives, significant growth and transformation can occur through seemingly small acts of obedience.
The next vital part is the serving of the broth over the offering. This pouring action can represent an outward declaration of faith and commitment, symbolizing that we are relinquishing our control over the outcomes to God. Each of these elements blends together, creating a powerful commentary on faith, obedience, and the readiness to step into God’s calling.
Lessons to Learn From Judges 6:20
Judges 6:20 teaches us multiple lessons about faith, obedience, and God’s willingness to meet us where we are. We can start by recognizing that both Gideon and we, at times, feel inadequate for the tasks that God may call us to take. It is easy to look at our limitations and focus on what we see as weaknesses. However, God sees potential in our perceived shortcomings. Just like Gideon, we are called to respond to God’s prompts, showing that He values obedience over our feelings of self-doubt.
Moreover, this passage encourages us to reflect on our trust in God’s plan. The command to offer and pour out indicates that we are not meant to hoard our resources or keep our gifts hidden. Instead, when we offer our all to God – be it our time, skills, or inner fears – we begin to see how God can multiply our contributions for His glory. It reminds us that even small acts of faith can lead to significant outcomes when they come from an obedient heart.
Another lesson we can gather is that true faith often requires action. Gideon didn’t just hear the angel’s message; he took action. This recognition points us to the reality that faith without works can be lifeless. Engaging in our faith journey means actively participating in what God is laying on our hearts. Whether it represents a physical, spiritual, or emotional offering, each step we take helps foster a deeper relationship with God.
Ultimately, Judges 6:20 showcases how God prepared Gideon for a significant role in the liberation of his people. We, too, are invited into God’s story, often through challenges. The invitation to offer ourselves completely and to take that leap into the unknown reflects a loving God who desires us to partake in His plans. As we meditate on this passage, we should be inspired by Gideon’s response and consider our own readiness to offer our lives back to God.
Final Thoughts
We all encounter moments when we feel subdued by fear or self-doubt, just as Gideon experienced. Yet through the storytelling in Judges 6:20, we can find encouragement in understanding that God sees us beyond our limitations. It’s His strength that empowers us to pursue a purpose far greater than ourselves. As we read this passage, we should reflect on what offerings we can bring before God and how we can step out in obedience to fulfill His call on our lives.
In conclusion, we are reminded that God desires our hearts, our trust, and our commitment. Let this passage inspire us not to hold back what we can offer to God but to give Him all that we are. The journey that Gideon embarked upon after this moment encourages us to embark on our own paths. We can trust that God will guide us, just as He did with Gideon, and will help us to discover His plan for our lives.
If you’re looking for more inspiring topics to explore, consider reading about Joshua 10:16 or Acts 14:3. Each verse brings its own unique insight into faith, and we encourage you to learn and grow.