“And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.”
Context:The book of Judges is set during a time of repeated cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance in the history of Israel. In this particular chapter, the Israelites had done evil in the sight of the Lord, and as a result, they were under the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon, who would later become a judge and leader of Israel, was called by God to deliver His people from the Midianite oppression.
Gideon’s encounter:In Judges 6:11-21, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon while he was threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding from the Midianites. The angel greeted Gideon with the words, “The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12, KJV) and proceeded to give him instructions for delivering Israel.
Gideon’s response:When Gideon realised that he was in the presence of an angel, he was overwhelmed and fearful. He exclaimed, “Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face” (Judges 6:22, KJV). Gideon recognised the significance of this encounter and understood that seeing an angel face to face was an extraordinary and awe-inspiring event.
Lessons from Gideon’s response:
- Reverence for God:Gideon’s reaction demonstrates deep reverence for the Lord. He acknowledged the presence of God’s messenger and the significance of the encounter. It reminds us of the majesty and holiness of God, and the awe-inspiring nature of His divine interventions.
- God’s presence with His people:Gideon’s exclamation, “O Lord GOD!”, recognises the presence of God in his life and in the midst of Israel’s struggles. Despite the challenging circumstances, Gideon understood that God was with him and that His power could bring deliverance.
- Awareness of personal unworthiness:Gideon’s response also reveals a sense of personal unworthiness. He realised that he was in the presence of the divine and that it was a humbling experience. This highlights the humility required for those whom God chooses and calls to serve Him.
Application:
- Recognising God’s presence:Like Gideon, we should be aware of God’s presence in our lives, especially during times of difficulty. The Lord is with His people, offering comfort, guidance, and deliverance.
- Responding with reverence:When we encounter God or His messengers, whether in His Word, through prayer, or in our daily lives, it is essential to respond with reverence and awe. We should approach God with humility, recognising His holiness and sovereignty.
- Embracing God’s calling:Gideon’s encounter led to his commissioning as a deliverer of Israel. Similarly, when God calls us to a task or purpose, we should trust in His power and provision, despite any feelings of inadequacy we may have.
Remember, this Bible study provides an overview and key points for reflection on Judges 6:22. Further study of the surrounding verses and the entire book of Judges will provide additional insights into the narrative and its significance in the context of Israel’s history.
