What is the meaning of Judges 6:18? Please do not depart from this place “Please do not depart from this place…” (Judges 6:18a) • Gideon has just realized that the One speaking to him is “the Angel of the LORD” (v. 17). With holy fear he pleads for the Divine Presence to remain. • Like Moses, who petitioned, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here” (Exodus 33:15), Gideon knows victory is impossible without the Lord nearby. • The request shows humility. Gideon does not command; he courteously asks, recognizing authority. Compare Abraham’s similar invitation, “Please let a little water be brought… rest yourselves under the tree” (Genesis 18:3-4). • Application: Genuine faith clings to God’s nearness rather than rushing ahead in self-confidence. Until I return to You “…until I return to You” (Judges 6:18b) • Gideon intends to act quickly, yet he asks permission, displaying both urgency and reverence. • “Return to You” implies he believes the Angel will still be there; this is trust, not presumption. • Elijah left Elisha “and went up and ate and drank, and came back” (1 Kings 19:5-8), returning strengthened for the mission. Gideon seeks a similar strengthening moment. • Application: When God calls, pauses for preparation are acceptable if they are rooted in obedience, not delay. Let me bring my offering and set it before You “Let me bring my offering and set it before You.” (Judges 6:18c) • The Hebrew word for “offering” here refers to a gift of homage. Gideon wants to worship before waging war. • Worship precedes warfare throughout Scripture: “Joshua fell facedown… and worshiped” (Joshua 5:14) before Jericho; King Jehoshaphat appointed singers “to praise the LORD” ahead of battle (2 Chronicles 20:21). • Gideon’s offering will become a sign (vv. 19-21); God consumes it with fire, confirming His commission. • Application: Presenting ourselves and our resources to the Lord is foundational to any assignment He gives (Romans 12:1). And the LORD said, “I will stay until you return.” “And the LORD said, ‘I will stay until you return.’” (Judges 6:18d) • God graciously agrees. The Creator of time waits for the faith of one hesitant farmer—what patience! • Similar assurances appear throughout Scripture: “I am with you and will watch over you” (Genesis 28:15); “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). • The statement confirms that the Angel of the LORD bears divine authority; only God can pledge His own abiding presence. • Application: The Lord’s patience is not license for procrastination (2 Peter 3:9) but encouragement for honest, God-honoring preparation. summary Judges 6:18 captures Gideon’s first act of faith. He begs God’s nearness, hurries to prepare an offering, and receives the Lord’s promise to wait. The verse teaches that God honors sincere, reverent requests, invites worship before action, and patiently remains with those He calls, empowering them for the tasks ahead. |
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