“And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it”
Context:The book of Judges recounts the period of Israel’s history after they had settled in the Promised Land. During this time, the Israelites went through a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance by various judges whom God raised up. In Judges 6, we find the story of Gideon, who was chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.
Gideon’s preparation:In this verse, we see Gideon responding to God’s call by making preparations. He prepared a young goat (kid) and unleavened cakes of flour. This act of preparing a meal signifies Gideon’s hospitality and his willingness to obey God’s command.
Offering hospitality:Gideon brings the prepared food to the Angel of the Lord who appeared to him. Offering hospitality and food was a customary act of respect and honor in the ancient Near East. By bringing the meal, Gideon was showing reverence and readiness to receive the message or instruction from the Angel.
Symbolism of the meal:The choice of a kid and unleavened cakes holds some symbolic significance. The kid represents an offering, possibly indicating Gideon’s desire to offer a sacrifice to God. The unleavened cakes, made without yeast, symbolize purity and sincerity. In Jewish culture, yeast or leaven was often associated with impurity or sin, and the use of unleavened bread for sacred purposes was common.
Faith and obedience:Gideon’s actions demonstrate his faith and obedience to God. Despite his doubts and fears, Gideon followed God’s instructions and prepared the meal as requested. This act of obedience sets the stage for God’s further guidance and affirmation of Gideon’s role as a deliverer.
Lessons:
- Readiness to obey:Gideon’s immediate response to God’s call teaches us the importance of being ready to obey when God speaks to us. Sometimes, God may call us to a task that seems daunting or beyond our abilities, but if we are willing to obey and step out in faith, God will equip and guide us.
- Offering our best:Gideon’s choice to offer a young goat and unleavened cakes demonstrates the principle of giving our best to God. It reflects a heart that is willing to go the extra mile and present offerings of sincerity and purity. In our own lives, we should strive to offer our best to God in all areas, whether it’s our time, talents, or resources.
- Hospitality and reverence:Gideon’s act of offering a meal to the Angel of the Lord highlights the importance of hospitality and reverence in our relationship with God. Just as Gideon showed respect and honor through his actions, we can also demonstrate our reverence for God by offering our time, attention, and resources in worship and service.
- Trusting God in the face of doubts:Gideon’s story is marked by moments of doubt and insecurity. Yet, despite his doubts, he chose to trust God and step out in obedience. We can learn from Gideon’s example and trust in God’s faithfulness, even when we face uncertainties or challenges.
In summary, Judges 6:19 reveals Gideon’s readiness to obey God, his offering of hospitality and reverence, and his demonstration of faith and obedience. It reminds us of the importance of being ready to obey God, offering our best to Him, showing hospitality and reverence, and trusting in Him even in the midst of doubts.
