Judges 6:21
Then we read: *“Then the angel of the LORD put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight.” (v.21)* In the preceding verses, Gideon brought an offering of meat and unleavened bread as he sought confirmation that this divine messenger truly spoke for God. By reaching out the staff and igniting the offering in fire, the angel of the LORD showed unmistakable power, indicating that Gideon’s commission was sanctioned by the Almighty. The act of fire springing from the rock highlights the miraculous nature of God’s presence, reinforcing that this is no ordinary event and that Gideon’s call is sacred and purposeful.
This scene took place in Ophrah, a town in the region of Manasseh, located in the central area of ancient Israel. Historically, the period of the Judges ranged from roughly 1350–1050 BC, a time when Israel had no king, and God raised up individuals—known as judges—to lead and deliver His people. Gideon himself is traditionally dated to around the late 12th century BC. This miraculous moment in Ophrah underscored the reality of God’s intervention: the unleavened bread and meat were consumed by fire, leaving no trace save for the confirmation that Gideon had indeed encountered a heavenly messenger. Then, suddenly, *“the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight” (v.21)*, emphasizing that God revealed His approval and then departed, leaving Gideon to cling to faith.
We see in this demonstration a foreshadowing of divine encounters throughout Scripture. Many scholars believe the angel of the LORD who appears so powerfully in the Old Testament could be a preincarnate manifestation of Christ, bringing a direct message of instruction and reassurance. Gideon’s life was forever changed by this display of God’s power. In the New Testament, God reassures believers with similar authority and miraculous signs, albeit in the era of Christ’s ministry, revealing that God’s presence can still inspire worship, awe, and faithful obedience (NASB-95).
This verse reveals the miraculous assurance God gave Gideon in calling him to overcome the Midianites.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:16-21 meaning. The descendants of the Kenite join the tribe of Judah in their territory. Despite the Lord’s presence, Judah fails to drive out the inhabitants of the valley, beginning to show the start of their failures. Caleb is given Hebron and drives out the Anakim, but the tribe of Benjamin also fails in their war efforts.
- Judges 3:1-6 meaning. God allows certain nations in Canaan to continue to exist. This is an opportunity for Israel to grow in its faithfulness and learn how to defend itself. But these nations become a snare to Israel as they intermarry with the Canaanites and adopt their idolatrous practices.
- Matthew 7:21-23 meaning. Jesus asserts He will refuse many people entrance into His kingdom on the Day of Judgment because they did not know Him or follow His Father’s will. Despite their claims of performing mighty works in His name, their deeds and hearts violated God’s law.