Judges 6:21 - Then Yahweh’s angel stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes; and fire went up out of the rock, and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. Then Yahweh’s angel departed out of his sight.
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What does "Judges 6:21" mean?
Judges 6:21 describes a pivotal moment in Gideon's calling as a judge and leader of Israel. Let's break down the verse and explore its meaning:
"Then Yahweh’s angel stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand...": The "angel of Yahweh" (also translated as "the Angel of the Lord") is often understood as a divine manifestation of God himself in the Old Testament. This angel is carrying a staff, a symbol of authority and power.
"...and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes...": Gideon had prepared a sacrifice of meat and unleavened bread as an offering, likely as a sign of hospitality and respect, though the angel had requested it.
"...and fire went up out of the rock, and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes.": This is the miraculous event. Fire miraculously erupting from the rock and consuming the offering is a clear sign of divine acceptance and power. It's not just a random fire; it's a supernatural event directly linked to God's presence and approval.
"Then Yahweh’s angel departed out of his sight.": The sudden disappearance of the angel further emphasizes the supernatural nature of the encounter.
Meaning and Significance:
Divine Confirmation: The miraculous fire is the central point of the verse. It serves as undeniable proof to Gideon that the being he is interacting with is truly divine and has the power and authority to command him. It removes any doubt Gideon might have about the legitimacy of the call to deliver Israel.
Acceptance of the Sacrifice: The fire consuming the offering signifies God's acceptance of Gideon's sacrifice and, by extension, Gideon himself. It's a symbolic cleansing and consecration, setting Gideon apart for his divinely appointed task.
Establishment of Authority: By consuming the offering with fire from the rock, the Angel of the Lord demonstrates God's overwhelming power and authority. This is crucial because Gideon is about to be tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: leading a small force against the mighty Midianites. The miracle assures Gideon that he will have divine assistance.
Assurance to Gideon: Gideon is understandably hesitant and fearful. This event provides a tangible, unforgettable sign that God is with him and will empower him to overcome the challenges ahead. It addresses Gideon's need for reassurance before embarking on a dangerous mission.
Theophany: The entire encounter, including the appearance of the Angel of the Lord and the miraculous fire, can be seen as a theophany – a visible manifestation of God to humanity.
In Conclusion:
Judges 6:21 is a theophanic moment that marks the official commissioning of Gideon. The miraculous fire is a clear sign of divine acceptance, power, and authority, assuring Gideon of God's presence and enabling him to embrace his calling as Israel's deliverer. It's a powerful demonstration that God is not only present but actively involved in the lives of His people, even in times of hardship and oppression.
Judges 6:21 - Then Yahweh’s angel stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes; and fire went up out of the rock, and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. Then Yahweh’s angel departed out of his sight.
What does "Judges 6:21" mean?
Judges 6:21 describes a pivotal moment in Gideon's calling as a judge and leader of Israel. Let's break down the verse and explore its meaning:
"Then Yahweh’s angel stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand...": The "angel of Yahweh" (also translated as "the Angel of the Lord") is often understood as a divine manifestation of God himself in the Old Testament. This angel is carrying a staff, a symbol of authority and power.
"...and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes...": Gideon had prepared a sacrifice of meat and unleavened bread as an offering, likely as a sign of hospitality and respect, though the angel had requested it.
"...and fire went up out of the rock, and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes.": This is the miraculous event. Fire miraculously erupting from the rock and consuming the offering is a clear sign of divine acceptance and power. It's not just a random fire; it's a supernatural event directly linked to God's presence and approval.
"Then Yahweh’s angel departed out of his sight.": The sudden disappearance of the angel further emphasizes the supernatural nature of the encounter.
Meaning and Significance:
Divine Confirmation: The miraculous fire is the central point of the verse. It serves as undeniable proof to Gideon that the being he is interacting with is truly divine and has the power and authority to command him. It removes any doubt Gideon might have about the legitimacy of the call to deliver Israel.
Acceptance of the Sacrifice: The fire consuming the offering signifies God's acceptance of Gideon's sacrifice and, by extension, Gideon himself. It's a symbolic cleansing and consecration, setting Gideon apart for his divinely appointed task.
Establishment of Authority: By consuming the offering with fire from the rock, the Angel of the Lord demonstrates God's overwhelming power and authority. This is crucial because Gideon is about to be tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: leading a small force against the mighty Midianites. The miracle assures Gideon that he will have divine assistance.
Assurance to Gideon: Gideon is understandably hesitant and fearful. This event provides a tangible, unforgettable sign that God is with him and will empower him to overcome the challenges ahead. It addresses Gideon's need for reassurance before embarking on a dangerous mission.
Theophany: The entire encounter, including the appearance of the Angel of the Lord and the miraculous fire, can be seen as a theophany – a visible manifestation of God to humanity.
In Conclusion:
Judges 6:21 is a theophanic moment that marks the official commissioning of Gideon. The miraculous fire is a clear sign of divine acceptance, power, and authority, assuring Gideon of God's presence and enabling him to embrace his calling as Israel's deliverer. It's a powerful demonstration that God is not only present but actively involved in the lives of His people, even in times of hardship and oppression.