Topical Bible: Gideon: Angel Attests the Call To, by Miracle

◄ Gideon: Angel Attests the Call To, by Miracle ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Gideon, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is best known for his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. His account is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as well as the importance of obedience and faith in divine calling. The account of Gideon's call is marked by a miraculous encounter with an angel of the Lord, which serves as a divine attestation of his mission.

Biblical Context

The narrative of Gideon's call is found in Judges 6. During this period, the Israelites were suffering under the harsh oppression of the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. The people of Israel cried out to the Lord for deliverance, and God responded by raising up Gideon as a judge to lead them.

The Angelic Encounter

Gideon's call begins with an angelic visitation. Judges 6:11-12 states, "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.'"

This greeting is significant, as it identifies Gideon as a "mighty warrior," despite his current circumstances of hiding from the enemy. The angel's presence and message are the first indicators of Gideon's divine appointment.

Gideon's Doubt and the Sign

Gideon, however, is initially doubtful of his calling and questions the angel, expressing his concerns about the Lord's abandonment of Israel. In response, the angel reassures him of God's presence and promises victory over the Midianites. Judges 6:14 records, "The LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?'"

Despite this assurance, Gideon requests a sign to confirm the authenticity of the message. He prepares an offering of meat and unleavened bread, which the angel instructs him to place on a rock. Judges 6:21 describes the miraculous sign: "Then the angel of the LORD reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared from his sight."

This miraculous event serves as a divine confirmation of Gideon's call, demonstrating God's power and approval of the mission.

Gideon's Response

Following the miracle, Gideon builds an altar to the Lord, naming it "The LORD Is Peace" (Judges 6:24). This act signifies his acceptance of the divine call and his commitment to the task ahead. Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Gideon goes on to lead Israel to victory against the Midianites, fulfilling the purpose for which he was called.

Significance

The angelic attestation of Gideon's call highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative: the sovereignty of God in choosing and equipping leaders, the importance of faith and obedience in responding to God's call, and the assurance of divine presence and power in the face of overwhelming odds. Gideon's account serves as an enduring reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and His ability to work through unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 6:21-24
Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
Nave's Topical Index