Topical Bible: Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon

◄ Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The miraculous fire that consumed the sacrifice of Gideon is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, illustrating God's direct intervention and approval of Gideon's calling as a judge and deliverer of Israel. This event is found in Judges 6:11-24, where Gideon, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, is chosen by God to lead Israel against the oppressive Midianites.

Context and Background

During the period of the Judges, Israel repeatedly fell into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, had been oppressing Israel, devastating their land and resources. In response to Israel's cries for help, God chose Gideon to deliver His people.

The Angel of the LORD Appears

Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites when the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, addressing him as a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon is reassured by the Angel that the LORD is with him and that he will strike down the Midianites.

The Offering and the Miraculous Fire

To confirm the divine nature of his calling, Gideon requests a sign. He prepares an offering of a young goat, unleavened bread, and broth, which he presents to the Angel of the LORD under the oak. The Angel instructs Gideon to place the meat and unleavened bread on a rock and pour out the broth. Then, as recorded in Judges 6:21 , "The Angel of the LORD extended the tip of the staff that was in His hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread. And fire rose from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the LORD vanished from his sight."

Significance

This miraculous fire served as a divine confirmation of Gideon's mission and God's presence with him. The consumption of the sacrifice by fire was a sign of God's acceptance, reminiscent of other biblical instances where fire from heaven indicated divine approval, such as in the cases of Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38) and the dedication of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1).

Theological Implications

The event underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to empower and use individuals who may seem weak or insignificant by human standards. It also highlights the importance of faith and obedience in responding to God's call. Gideon's encounter with the Angel of the LORD and the miraculous fire reassured him of God's presence and power, enabling him to lead Israel to victory over their oppressors.

Conclusion

The miraculous fire that consumed Gideon's sacrifice is a powerful testament to God's intervention in the history of Israel. It serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and the assurance that He equips those He calls to fulfill His purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 6:21
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook