Judges 6:21

Then the angel of the LORD extended the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. And fire flared from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight.

Study Bible

Then the Angel of the LORD
The phrase "Angel of the LORD" is significant in the Old Testament, often indicating a theophany, or a visible manifestation of God to humankind. The Hebrew term "mal'ak YHWH" suggests a divine messenger, and in this context, it is understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This highlights the continuity of God's presence and intervention in the lives of His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and personal involvement in their deliverance.

reached out with the tip of the staff
The staff in biblical times was a symbol of authority and power. In Hebrew, the word for staff is "maṭṭeh," which can also mean tribe or branch, symbolizing leadership and guidance. The act of reaching out with the staff signifies divine authority and the extension of God's power to perform a miracle. It is reminiscent of Moses' staff, which was used to perform signs and wonders, reinforcing the idea of God's miraculous intervention.

that was in His hand
The hand is often a symbol of power and action in the Bible. The Hebrew word "yad" conveys strength and capability. The fact that the staff was in the Angel's hand underscores the control and intentionality of God's actions. It is a reminder that God holds all things in His hands and orchestrates events according to His divine will.

and touched the meat and the unleavened bread
The act of touching the offering signifies acceptance and consecration. In the Hebrew sacrificial system, offerings were a means of worship and communion with God. The meat and unleavened bread represent sustenance and purity, respectively. Unleavened bread, or "matzah," is associated with the Passover, symbolizing purity and the haste of deliverance. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who is both the Bread of Life and the Lamb of God.

and fire rose from the rock
Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's presence, purification, and judgment. The Hebrew word "esh" for fire is associated with divine holiness and power. The fire rising from the rock signifies God's acceptance of the offering and His presence in the miraculous. The rock, or "tsur," is a symbol of strength and stability, often representing God Himself. This imagery points to God's unchanging nature and His role as the foundation of faith.

and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread
The consumption of the offering by fire indicates divine acceptance and the completeness of the sacrifice. In the Hebrew context, a burnt offering was wholly given to God, symbolizing total dedication and surrender. This act prefigures the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was wholly consumed by His mission to redeem humanity.

And the Angel of the LORD vanished from his sight
The sudden disappearance of the Angel signifies the completion of His mission and the mystery of God's ways. The Hebrew concept of "vanishing" or "departing" often indicates a transition from the visible to the invisible, reminding believers of the spiritual reality beyond the physical world. This moment underscores the faith required to trust in God's unseen presence and His ongoing work in the lives of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gideon
A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He is initially doubtful and seeks confirmation of God's will.

2. Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who appears to Gideon, often understood in conservative Christian theology as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, given the divine attributes and authority displayed.

3. Ophrah
The location where Gideon encounters the Angel of the LORD. It is significant as the place of Gideon's calling and commissioning.

4. Midianites
The oppressors of Israel during this period, whose dominance led the Israelites to cry out to God for deliverance.

5. The Offering
Gideon presents an offering of meat and unleavened bread, which is consumed by fire as a sign of divine acceptance and presence.

Teaching Points

Divine Encounter
Gideon's encounter with the Angel of the LORD reminds us that God meets us in our doubts and fears, offering assurance of His presence and calling.

Acceptance of Offerings
The consumption of Gideon's offering by fire signifies God's acceptance. In our lives, God desires our sincere offerings of faith and obedience.

God's Power and Presence
The miraculous sign of fire demonstrates God's power and presence, encouraging us to trust in His ability to work beyond our understanding.

Faith in Action
Gideon's initial doubt transforms into faith as he witnesses God's sign. We are called to move from doubt to action, trusting in God's promises.

God's Choice of the Humble
Gideon's humble background and initial fear highlight that God often chooses the humble and unlikely to accomplish His purposes, encouraging us to be open to His calling regardless of our perceived inadequacies.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Gideon's initial reaction to the Angel of the LORD reflect our own struggles with doubt and fear when called by God?

2. In what ways does the consumption of the offering by fire serve as a confirmation of God's presence and approval in our lives today?

3. How can we apply the lesson of God's power and presence in our current challenges and uncertainties?

4. What does Gideon's transformation from doubt to faith teach us about the process of spiritual growth and trust in God?

5. How can we be open to God's calling in our lives, even when we feel inadequate or unworthy, as Gideon initially did?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The appearance of the Angel of the LORD in Judges 6:21 can be connected to other instances in the Old Testament where the Angel of the LORD appears, such as to Hagar in Genesis 16 and to Moses in the burning bush in Exodus 3. These appearances often signify divine intervention and guidance.

The concept of fire consuming an offering as a sign of divine acceptance is also seen in 1 Kings 18, where Elijah's offering is consumed by fire from heaven, demonstrating God's power and approval.

The theme of God using unlikely individuals for His purposes is echoed in 1 Corinthians 1, where Paul speaks of God choosing the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong.