“And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.”
This verse is part of the story of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. In this particular passage, Gideon has an encounter with the angel of God. The context:leading up to this verse is essential for a better understanding.
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 sought signs from God to confirm his calling.
Now, let’s focus on the specific details of Judges 6:20. When the angel of God appeared to Gideon, Gideon requested a sign to prove that it was truly God speaking to him. Gideon prepared an offering of a young goat and unleavened cakes, which he presented to the angel. In response, the angel instructs Gideon to lay the flesh and the unleavened cakes upon a rock and pour out the broth.
This act of placing the offering on a rock and pouring out the broth carries symbolic significance. The rock, in biblical symbolism, often represents God or a place of divine encounter. By placing the offering on the rock, Gideon acknowledged the presence and authority of God. The pouring out of the broth signified the acceptance of the offering by God, just as pouring out a drink offering was a common practice in Old Testament worship.
This verse highlights Gideon’s obedience to the angel’s instructions. Gideon followed the divine command precisely, indicating his submission to God’s authority. It demonstrated his willingness to trust and obey the instructions he received, even though they may have seemed unusual or unconventional.
Furthermore, this verse also reveals the supernatural nature of the encounter. Gideon witnessed an angel of God, and the interaction itself was a confirmation of God’s presence and involvement in his life. The sign Gideon requested was granted, assuring him of God’s calling and empowering him to fulfill his role as a deliverer.
In summary, Judges 6:20 showcases Gideon’s obedience and trust in God’s instructions. It highlights the significance of the rock as a symbol of God’s presence and the pouring out of the broth as an act of offering and acceptance. This verse ultimately sets the stage for Gideon’s journey to become a mighty leader who would bring deliverance to the Israelites.
