Judges 6:20

And the Angel of God sayd vnto him, Take the flesh, and the vnleauened cakes, and lay them vpon this rocke, and powre out the broth. And he did so. Judges 6:20 (KJV)

This verse is part of the story of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. In Judges 6 we learn that the Israelites had done evil in the sight of the Lord, and as a consequence they were oppressed by the Midianites for seven years. God then chose Gideon to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. Gideon was initially hesitant and later sought signs from God to confirm his calling.

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he was instructed to prepare an offering consisting of a young goat without blemish and a handful of flour, the unleavened cakes. The angel told him to lay the flesh and the unleavened cakes upon this rock and to pour out the broth, a libation. Gideon complied with these instructions, and the verse records that he did so.

Placing the offering on a rock carries symbolic significance in biblical literature, where rocks often represent God or a place of divine encounter. By laying the offering on the rock, Gideon acknowledged the presence and authority of God. Pouring out the broth or libation was a common practice in Old Testament worship, signifying dedication of the offering to God and the acceptance of the offering by Him.

The passage highlights Gideon’s obedience to the angel’s instructions, demonstrating his willingness to follow what seemed an unusual command. The encounter also underscores the supernatural nature of God’s communication with Gideon, confirming divine involvement in his mission. In summary, Judges 6:20 showcases Gideon’s obedience and trust in the instructions given through the angel of the LORD, setting the stage for his leadership in delivering Israel from oppression.