What does Judges 6:19 mean?
“And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.” — Judges 6:19
The verse Judges 6:19 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it."
This verse is part of the story of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. It takes place during a time when the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites, and Gideon has been called by God to deliver his people from this oppression. In this particular verse, Gideon is preparing a meal for the Angel of the Lord, who has appeared to him under the oak tree at Ophrah.
The context of this verse is crucial in understanding its significance. The people of Israel had been under the rule of the Midianites for seven years, with the Midianites constantly raiding their crops and livestock, leaving them impoverished and starving. It is in this context of desperation and hopelessness that Gideon is chosen by God to be a deliverer for the Israelites.
The act of Gideon preparing a meal for the Angel of the Lord holds deep symbolic and thematic significance. Firstly, it reflects Gideon's obedience and submission to God's will. Despite feeling inadequate and unworthy of the task God has given him, Gideon demonstrates his trust and obedience by humbly offering a meal to the Angel of the Lord. This act of hospitality and service symbolizes Gideon's willingness to serve and obey God, even in the face of uncertainty and fear.
The meal itself also holds symbolic meaning. The use of a kid (young goat) and unleavened cakes of flour is significant in the context of the Israelite culture. In ancient Israel, the offering of a meal was a sign of hospitality, respect, and worship. The use of unleavened cakes is also a reminder of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt during the Exodus, symbolizing their freedom from oppression and bondage.
Furthermore, the act of presenting the meal under the oak tree carries with it symbolic connotations. In the ancient Near East, the oak tree was often associated with strength, endurance, and longevity. By presenting the meal under the oak tree, Gideon is symbolically acknowledging the presence and power of God, seeking His guidance and help in the face of the overwhelming odds he is about to face.
The verse also emphasizes the attention to detail in the preparation of the meal, such as the flesh being put in a basket and the broth in a pot. This attention to detail reflects Gideon's commitment to honoring the Angel of the Lord and the significance of the occasion.
The themes of obedience, faith, and humility are central to the interpretation of this verse. Gideon's willingness to obey God's command, his faith in God's power to deliver the Israelites, and his humble service to the Angel of the Lord are all exemplified in this verse. These themes are not only applicable to the narrative of Gideon but also resonate with the broader biblical message of trusting in God's plan and following His will.
In conclusion, Judges 6:19 is a significant verse that holds deep symbolic and thematic meaning within the larger narrative of Gideon's calling to deliver the Israelites. It highlights Gideon's obedience, faith, and humility in the face of overwhelming odds, as well as his acknowledgement of the presence and power of God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of trust, obedience, and humble service in the lives of believers, and the profound impact these qualities can have in fulfilling God's purpose.
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Artwork for Judges 6:19
Judges 6:19 - "¶ And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it."
"¶ And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it." - Judges 6:19
2 Chronicles 19:6 - "And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment."
Judges 19:6 - "And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry."
"And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment." - 2 Chronicles 19:6
Judges 6:6 - "And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD."
Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."
Judges 19:19 - "Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing."
2 Chronicles 19:5 - "¶ And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,"
Judges 5:19 - "The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money."
1 Corinthians 6:2 - "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?"
Judges 3:6 - "And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods."
Luke 6:37 - "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"
Judges 19:14 - "And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin."
Judges 6:36-40 – Gideon’s fleece test for dew.
Judges 19:7 - "And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again."
Judges 19:26 - "Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man's house where her lord was, till it was light."
Deuteronomy 19:18 - "And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;"
Judges 6:7 - "¶ And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,"
Psalms 141:6 - "When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet."
Judges 19:21 - "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink."
Judges 1:19 - "And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron."
Judges 6:23 - "And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die."
Judges 6:40 - "And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground."
Judges 11:6 - "And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."
Judges 19:20 - "And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street."
Luke 11:19 - "And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges."
Deuteronomy 19:17 - "Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;"
Judges 19:12 - "And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah."
Judges 19:13 - "And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah."