Judges 6:11 - Yahweh’s angel came, and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites.
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What does "Judges 6:11" mean?
This verse from Judges 6:11 sets the scene for a pivotal encounter between God and Gideon, highlighting the desperate situation of the Israelites and the unlikely character chosen to deliver them. Here's a breakdown of the verse:
"Yahweh’s angel came..." This introduces a divine messenger, representing God's presence and authority. The "angel of the Lord" (or "Yahweh's angel") is often interpreted as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God himself.
"...and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite." This establishes the location of the encounter. Ophrah is a real place. Joash the Abiezrite is Gideon's father, identifying his family lineage and social standing within the Israelite community. The oak tree provides a specific, somewhat secluded spot for this important meeting.
"His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press..." This reveals Gideon's occupation and the desperate circumstances. Normally, wheat is threshed on a threshing floor, an open, elevated area where the wind can help separate the grain from the chaff. However, Gideon is secretly threshing wheat in a wine press, a pit or vat typically used for crushing grapes. This would be a very small, inefficient space for threshing wheat.
"...to hide it from the Midianites." This explains Gideon's unusual and secretive behavior. The Midianites were a nomadic people who frequently raided and oppressed the Israelites, stealing their crops and livestock. Gideon is trying to conceal the small amount of wheat he has salvaged from the Midianites to prevent them from taking it.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of:
Divine intervention: God is aware of the Israelites' suffering and is sending his messenger.
Oppression and fear: The Israelites are living in fear of the Midianites, reduced to hiding their food.
Gideon's character: He is portrayed as a cautious and resourceful individual, trying to protect his family's livelihood despite the difficult circumstances. He is working in secret and fear.
Humility: Gideon is not a powerful warrior or leader; he's a farmer secretly trying to salvage what he can. This makes him an unlikely choice for a national hero, which emphasizes God's power and sovereignty in choosing whom he will use.
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where God calls Gideon to lead the Israelites to victory over the Midianites. Gideon's initial reluctance and doubts are highlighted by his current situation, making his eventual acceptance of God's call even more remarkable.
Judges 6:11 - Yahweh’s angel came, and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites.
What does "Judges 6:11" mean?
This verse from Judges 6:11 sets the scene for a pivotal encounter between God and Gideon, highlighting the desperate situation of the Israelites and the unlikely character chosen to deliver them. Here's a breakdown of the verse:
"Yahweh’s angel came..." This introduces a divine messenger, representing God's presence and authority. The "angel of the Lord" (or "Yahweh's angel") is often interpreted as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God himself.
"...and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite." This establishes the location of the encounter. Ophrah is a real place. Joash the Abiezrite is Gideon's father, identifying his family lineage and social standing within the Israelite community. The oak tree provides a specific, somewhat secluded spot for this important meeting.
"His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press..." This reveals Gideon's occupation and the desperate circumstances. Normally, wheat is threshed on a threshing floor, an open, elevated area where the wind can help separate the grain from the chaff. However, Gideon is secretly threshing wheat in a wine press, a pit or vat typically used for crushing grapes. This would be a very small, inefficient space for threshing wheat.
"...to hide it from the Midianites." This explains Gideon's unusual and secretive behavior. The Midianites were a nomadic people who frequently raided and oppressed the Israelites, stealing their crops and livestock. Gideon is trying to conceal the small amount of wheat he has salvaged from the Midianites to prevent them from taking it.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of:
Divine intervention: God is aware of the Israelites' suffering and is sending his messenger.
Oppression and fear: The Israelites are living in fear of the Midianites, reduced to hiding their food.
Gideon's character: He is portrayed as a cautious and resourceful individual, trying to protect his family's livelihood despite the difficult circumstances. He is working in secret and fear.
Humility: Gideon is not a powerful warrior or leader; he's a farmer secretly trying to salvage what he can. This makes him an unlikely choice for a national hero, which emphasizes God's power and sovereignty in choosing whom he will use.
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where God calls Gideon to lead the Israelites to victory over the Midianites. Gideon's initial reluctance and doubts are highlighted by his current situation, making his eventual acceptance of God's call even more remarkable.