What is the meaning of Judges 6:23? But the LORD said to him Gideon has just realized that the “Man” speaking with him is the Angel of the LORD and panics, convinced that a direct encounter with God means certain death (Judges 6:22). In this moment, the LORD Himself answers. • Scripture consistently shows the LORD initiating reassurance whenever His people recoil in fear: “Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God” (Exodus 3:6), yet the LORD still called him. • Gideon does nothing to earn this comfort; it is God’s gracious response—just as later, the risen Christ would calm terrified disciples by simply appearing and speaking (Luke 24:36). • The divine word is authoritative; when the LORD speaks, the issue is settled (Psalm 33:9). Peace be with you The first word God gives is “peace” (shalom)—wholeness, well-being, restored relationship. • “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27) flows from the same heart. • Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to the mind fixed on God; Gideon receives that promise in real time. • This peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is God’s positive blessing that steadies Gideon for the mission ahead (Judges 6:14). Do not be afraid Fear has paralyzed Gideon, but God immediately forbids it. • More than 100 times, Scripture repeats the command, “Do not fear”—from “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10) to “Do not be terrified or discouraged” (Joshua 1:9). • God’s presence, not Gideon’s strength, is the antidote to fear. • The command implies enablement; when God says “do not,” He also supplies the courage to obey (2 Timothy 1:7). for you will not die Gideon expects to perish because sinful humans cannot see God’s glory and live (Exodus 33:20). The LORD overturns that expectation. • Jacob once wondered the same and later confessed, “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared” (Genesis 32:30). • The statement protects Gideon physically and spiritually; he is assured that God’s purpose is life, not destruction. • This promise foreshadows the ultimate provision in Christ, where sinners can behold God’s glory “in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6) and live eternally. summary Judges 6:23 is God’s fourfold answer to Gideon’s terror: He speaks personally, grants peace, bans fear, and guarantees life. The verse shows a compassionate God who meets frightened people where they are, supplies all they lack, and commissions them to serve Him with confidence. |
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