Judges 6:19

So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread and an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to present to Him under the oak.

Study Bible

So Gideon went in
The phrase indicates Gideon's immediate obedience and willingness to serve. The Hebrew root for "went in" (בּוֹא, bo) often implies entering into a significant action or event. Gideon's action here is a step of faith, as he prepares to meet the divine messenger. This reflects a heart ready to respond to God's call, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible where God calls individuals to step out in faith.

prepared a young goat
The preparation of a young goat signifies a sacrificial offering, a common practice in ancient Israelite worship. The Hebrew word for "prepared" (עָשָׂה, asah) suggests careful and intentional action. This act of preparation is not just physical but spiritual, symbolizing Gideon's readiness to honor God. The young goat, a valuable asset, represents a significant offering, showing Gideon's reverence and commitment.

and unleavened bread
Unleavened bread, or matzah, is bread made without yeast, symbolizing purity and the absence of sin. In the Hebrew tradition, unleavened bread is associated with the Passover, a reminder of God's deliverance. The use of unleavened bread here underscores the sacredness of the offering and Gideon's desire to present something pure and holy before the Lord.

from an ephah of flour
An ephah is a substantial measure, approximately 22 liters or about half a bushel. This indicates the abundance and generosity of Gideon's offering. The Hebrew term for "ephah" (אֵיפָה, eyphah) reflects a standard measure used in trade and offerings, emphasizing the importance of giving God our best and most generous portion.

He placed the meat in a basket
The act of placing the meat in a basket suggests order and care in presenting the offering. The basket (סַל, sal) in Hebrew culture was a common vessel for carrying food, symbolizing provision and sustenance. This detail highlights the thoughtful preparation and presentation of the offering, reflecting Gideon's respect and devotion.

and the broth in a pot
The broth, placed in a pot, complements the meat, indicating a complete and thoughtful offering. The Hebrew word for "pot" (פָּרוּר, parur) suggests a vessel used for cooking or serving, emphasizing the hospitality and completeness of Gideon's offering. This act of bringing both solid and liquid elements signifies a holistic approach to worship and sacrifice.

brought them out
Gideon's action of bringing the offerings out signifies a public declaration of faith and obedience. The Hebrew root (יָצָא, yatsa) for "brought out" often implies going forth with purpose. This act of bringing the offering to the divine messenger underlines Gideon's readiness to act upon his faith and trust in God's presence.

and offered them to Him
The offering to "Him" refers to the Angel of the Lord, a theophany or manifestation of God. The Hebrew word for "offered" (קָרַב, qarab) means to draw near, indicating an act of worship and submission. This offering is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt act of devotion, acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His favor.

under the oak
The oak tree, often a symbol of strength and endurance, serves as a significant location for this divine encounter. In ancient Near Eastern culture, trees were seen as sacred spaces, places of meeting between the divine and human. The oak here represents a place of revelation and covenant, where Gideon meets God and receives His commission. This setting underlines the sacredness of the moment and the divine presence in Gideon's life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gideon
A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God.

2. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who appears to Gideon, often understood in conservative Christian theology as a theophany, or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.

3. The Oak
A significant location where Gideon encounters the Angel of the LORD. Oaks were often places of meeting and worship in ancient Israel.

4. Young Goat and Unleavened Bread
The offering prepared by Gideon, symbolizing hospitality and reverence. The unleavened bread signifies purity and readiness.

5. Ephah of Flour
A large quantity of flour, indicating the significance and sincerity of Gideon's offering.

Teaching Points

Hospitality as Worship
Gideon's preparation of a meal for the Angel of the LORD demonstrates that acts of hospitality can be a form of worship and reverence towards God.

Generosity in Offering
The use of an ephah of flour shows Gideon's willingness to give abundantly to God, teaching us to offer our best to the Lord.

Divine Encounters in Ordinary Places
The meeting under the oak reminds us that God can meet us in our everyday environments, transforming ordinary moments into sacred encounters.

Faith in Action
Gideon's preparation of the offering, despite his initial doubts, illustrates the importance of acting in faith even when we seek reassurance from God.

Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
The unleavened bread signifies purity and readiness, encouraging believers to live lives of holiness and preparedness for God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Gideon's preparation of the offering reflect his attitude towards God, and what can we learn from this about our own approach to worship and service?

2. In what ways does the account of Gideon parallel the hospitality shown by Abraham in Genesis 18, and how can we apply these lessons of hospitality in our lives today?

3. Considering the significance of unleavened bread in both Judges 6:19 and Exodus 12, how can we incorporate the symbolism of purity and readiness into our spiritual practices?

4. How does the setting of the oak tree in Gideon's account remind us of God's ability to meet us in our everyday lives, and how can we be more attentive to divine encounters in our own routines?

5. Reflect on a time when you, like Gideon, needed reassurance from God. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to act in faith even amidst uncertainty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 18
Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors, paralleling Gideon's offering to the Angel of the LORD, highlighting themes of reverence and divine encounter.

Exodus 12
The use of unleavened bread during the Passover, symbolizing purity and haste, connecting to Gideon's offering as a sign of readiness and consecration.

Hebrews 13
Encouragement to show hospitality, reflecting Gideon's actions as a model of welcoming God's presence.