“Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history when they were governed by judges who were raised up by God to deliver them from oppression. In Judges 6, the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites because of their disobedience to God. The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, who was called to be a judge and deliver Israel from their enemies.
Gideon’s encounter with the angel:In this particular verse, Gideon asks the angel to wait until he brings a present or an offering before him. Gideon wanted assurance and confirmation that the angel’s visitation was from God.
The significance of the present:Gideon’s desire to bring a present or an offering indicates his reverence and recognition of God’s authority. In the Old Testament, offering sacrifices and gifts was a common way to seek God’s favour and express gratitude. By bringing a present, Gideon was acknowledging God’s presence and seeking His guidance.
Gideon’s faith and obedience:The angel’s response to Gideon’s request reveals Gideon’s faith and obedience. Despite his doubts and fears, Gideon was willing to trust God and carry out His instructions. Gideon’s statement, “I will tarry until thou come again,” indicates his willingness to wait for the angel’s return and follow God’s leading.
Lessons for us today:
- Recognizing God’s authority:Like Gideon, we should acknowledge God’s authority in our lives and seek His guidance. We can do this through prayer, studying His Word, and obeying His commands.
- Trusting God’s promises:Gideon’s faith and obedience demonstrate the importance of trusting in God’s promises, even when faced with doubts or fears. We can find encouragement in knowing that God is faithful and will fulfil His promises to us.
- Waiting on God’s timing:Gideon’s willingness to wait for the angel’s return teaches us the value of patience and waiting on God’s timing. It is important to seek God’s guidance and wait for His leading rather than rushing ahead in our own strength.
In summary, Judges 6:18 highlights Gideon’s recognition of God’s authority, his faith and obedience, and the importance of waiting on God’s timing. This verse serves as a reminder for us to trust in God, seek His guidance, and patiently wait for His leading in our lives.
