Gideon, emboldened by the promise of the Lord’s presence, becomes a key leader in defeating the Midianites and liberating Israel from oppression.
“The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, ‘The LORD is with you, O valiant warrior.’” (v.12) Here we encounter Gideon at Ophrah in the territory of Manasseh, a region located north of Jerusalem and west of the Jordan River. In the period of the Judges (circa 1375-1050 BC), Israel cycled through times of faithfulness and times of oppression, and Gideon’s story takes place in a season of Midianite domination. When the angel addresses Gideon with this greeting, it is a divine declaration of hope to someone who perceives himself as powerless and insignificant.
By calling him “valiant warrior,” the heavenly messenger recognizes Gideon’s potential in God’s plan, even as Gideon hides from the Midianites. “The angel of the LORD appeared to him…” (v.12) signals the presence of a supernatural messenger, often associated with God Himself in the Old Testament. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God’s call defies human expectations, as seen in Jesus’ calling of disciples who, although ordinary and unremarkable socially, become key heralds of the gospel (reference: Matthew 4:18-22). The same principle applies here: Gideon is not mighty by his own strength, but he is mighty because the Lord is with him.
“…said to him, ‘The LORD is with you…’” (v.12) underscores God’s nearness and covenant faithfulness. Even though Israel has fallen into oppression for turning from the Lord, God’s abiding presence remains for those who humbly present themselves to Him. The scenario reminds us of how Jesus promises never to forsake His followers (reference: Matthew 28:20). God’s choice of Gideon, a seemingly unlikely candidate, highlights the Lord’s preference for exaltation of the humble in accomplishing His redemptive purposes.
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Judges 6:12 meaning
“The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, ‘The LORD is with you, O valiant warrior.’” (v.12) Here we encounter Gideon at Ophrah in the territory of Manasseh, a region located north of Jerusalem and west of the Jordan River. In the period of the Judges (circa 1375-1050 BC), Israel cycled through times of faithfulness and times of oppression, and Gideon’s story takes place in a season of Midianite domination. When the angel addresses Gideon with this greeting, it is a divine declaration of hope to someone who perceives himself as powerless and insignificant.
By calling him “valiant warrior,” the heavenly messenger recognizes Gideon’s potential in God’s plan, even as Gideon hides from the Midianites. “The angel of the LORD appeared to him…” (v.12) signals the presence of a supernatural messenger, often associated with God Himself in the Old Testament. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God’s call defies human expectations, as seen in Jesus’ calling of disciples who, although ordinary and unremarkable socially, become key heralds of the gospel (reference: Matthew 4:18-22). The same principle applies here: Gideon is not mighty by his own strength, but he is mighty because the Lord is with him.
“…said to him, ‘The LORD is with you…’” (v.12) underscores God’s nearness and covenant faithfulness. Even though Israel has fallen into oppression for turning from the Lord, God’s abiding presence remains for those who humbly present themselves to Him. The scenario reminds us of how Jesus promises never to forsake His followers (reference: Matthew 28:20). God’s choice of Gideon, a seemingly unlikely candidate, highlights the Lord’s preference for exaltation of the humble in accomplishing His redemptive purposes.