Topical Bible: Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Gideon

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The appearance of an angel to Gideon is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 6:11-24. This encounter marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's deliverance from the oppression of the Midianites. The angelic visitation serves as both a divine commissioning and a reassurance of God's presence and power.

Context and Background

During the period of the Judges, Israel was suffering under the harsh oppression of the Midianites. The Israelites, having turned away from God, were subjected to raids and plundering, which left them impoverished and in great distress. It is in this context of desperation and divine chastisement that the angel of the Lord appears to Gideon.

The Appearance

The angel of the Lord appears to Gideon while he is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. This setting underscores the fear and oppression experienced by the Israelites. The angel's appearance is described in Judges 6:11-12:

"Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, 'The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.'"

Divine Commissioning

The angel's greeting, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior," is both a declaration of divine presence and an affirmation of Gideon's potential and future role as a deliverer of Israel. Despite Gideon's initial doubts and feelings of inadequacy, the angel assures him of God's strength and support. In Judges 6:14, the Lord speaks through the angel, saying:

"Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?"

Gideon's Response and the Sign

Gideon, seeking confirmation of the divine message, requests a sign. The angel responds by performing a miraculous act. Gideon prepares an offering of meat and unleavened bread, which the angel touches with the tip of his staff, causing fire to spring up from the rock and consume the offering (Judges 6:21). This miraculous sign confirms the divine nature of the encounter and reassures Gideon of God's presence.

Theological Significance

The appearance of the angel to Gideon highlights several key theological themes:

1. Divine Initiative: The encounter underscores God's initiative in delivering His people. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God raises up a deliverer in Gideon, demonstrating His mercy and commitment to His covenant.

2. Empowerment and Calling: The angel's message to Gideon emphasizes that God equips those He calls. Gideon's transformation from a hesitant and fearful individual to a leader and judge of Israel illustrates the empowering presence of God.

3. Assurance of God's Presence: The angelic visitation serves as a tangible assurance of God's presence and power. The miraculous sign provided to Gideon reinforces the reality of divine intervention in human affairs.

In conclusion, the appearance of the angel to Gideon is a profound moment of divine encounter, commissioning, and reassurance. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 6:11-22
And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites.
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Library

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Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible ... are naturally apt with
that good man Gideon, to be ... that we are more flesh than spirit, and because ...
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The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... its own light.7. A man may have the Spirit busily at ... Did Gideon, think you, believe
that he was so strong in ... he not ready to give the lie to the angel, when he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm