Judges 6 21

Judges 6:21 kjv

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.

Judges 6:21 nkjv

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 rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

Judges 6:21 niv

Then the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread with the tip of the staff that was in his hand. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared.

Judges 6:21 esv

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 cakes. And fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. And the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight.

Judges 6:21 nlt

Then the angel of the LORD touched the meat and bread with the tip of the staff in his hand, and fire flamed up from the rock and consumed all he had brought. And the angel of the LORD disappeared.

Judges 6 verses

Judges 6 21 Meaning

Judges 6:21 describes the pivotal moment when the "Angel of the LORD" authenticated His divine identity and mission to Gideon. Through a miraculous display, the Angel caused fire to erupt supernaturally from a rock, consuming the offering prepared by Gideon. This act confirmed God's acceptance of Gideon's humble sacrifice and, more importantly, ratified Gideon's call to deliver Israel, followed by the Angel's immediate and supernatural departure from sight, affirming His divine nature.

Judges 6 21 Context

This verse is the climax of Gideon's initial encounter with the Angel of the LORD. Having been commanded by the Angel (who Gideon initially perceives as merely a prophet or messenger) to save Israel from the oppressive Midianites, Gideon, overwhelmed by doubt and a sense of inadequacy (Judg 6:15), asks for a sign. He prepares a goat meat, unleavened cakes, and broth, presenting them to the mysterious visitor upon a rock (Judg 6:19-20). Judges 6:21 depicts the awe-inspiring fulfillment of that requested sign. The miraculous consumption of the offering by fire directly from the rock, not from any human source, powerfully confirms the divine identity of the "Angel of the LORD." This undeniable demonstration eliminates Gideon's doubt about the messenger's authority, paving the way for Gideon to embrace his God-given mission, albeit with further initial hesitations.

Judges 6 21 Word analysis

• Then: Signifies sequence, marking the divine response to Gideon's preparations.
• the angel of the LORD: Transliterated from Hebrew, mal'akh Yahweh (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה). This unique title frequently denotes a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, acting as a divine manifestation of God Himself. He performs acts attributed only to God (e.g., bringing fire from nowhere, departing mysteriously) and receives worship without rebuke. This specific designation highlights His authority and divine power in validating Gideon's call.
• put forth: An action showing direct intent and interaction.
• the end of the staff: The Hebrew word maqel (מַקְלוֹ) refers to a staff or rod, an ordinary object made extraordinary. Like Moses' rod in Exodus, this simple tool becomes an instrument of God's power, signifying that God can use the most unassuming means to accomplish His mighty works.
• that was in his hand: Emphasizes direct physical control by the Angel, initiating the divine act.
• and touched: A deliberate physical contact, signifying a connection between the divine act and Gideon's offering.
• the flesh and the unleavened cakes: These represent Gideon's offering, prepared in obedience to the Angel's instructions. The flesh was a peace offering or tribute, and the unleavened cakes (matzot, מַצּוֹת) indicated haste or sacred use. The consumption of both elements by fire confirmed God's complete acceptance.
• and there rose up fire: Hebrew esh (אֵשׁ), indicating a supernatural flame. In biblical contexts, fire often symbolizes God's presence, purity, judgment, or, as here, divine acceptance of sacrifice and authentication of His messengers. This fire did not come from a hearth or lightning but materialized spontaneously.
• out of the rock: Transliterated from Hebrew, min ha-tzur (מִן הַצּוּר). This detail stresses the miraculous nature. Fire spontaneously appearing from a stone surface demonstrates the Creator's absolute sovereignty over natural elements, clearly distinguishing the LORD from Baal or other pagan deities who lacked such power.
• and consumed them: The fire completely obliterated the offering. This act of consumption indicated not just acceptance, but also a finality and complete removal of the offering as dedicated to God.
• Then: Another transitional word, indicating a swift follow-up to the miraculous act.
• the angel of the LORD departed: The sudden, unearthly disappearance from Gideon's sight confirms the divine, non-human nature of the visitor. He did not merely walk away but vanished, underscoring that His presence was a temporary, manifested revelation of God.
• out of his sight: Reinforces the mysterious and supernatural departure, leaving Gideon alone to ponder the encounter.

Judges 6 21 Bonus section

The precise wording "Angel of the LORD" rather than simply "the LORD" is crucial. While frequently seen as the pre-incarnate Christ, this title functions as a theological bridge, signifying a visible, localized manifestation of God, through whom God acts and speaks directly. The interaction prefigures Christ's role as the divine messenger and the visible image of the invisible God. Gideon's offering, being consumed by fire, moved from the realm of a test into an accepted sacrifice, symbolizing a nascent covenant between God and Gideon for the deliverance of Israel. The rock, normally inert, becomes the very source of divine fire, symbolizing that even in the most barren and unlikely places, God's power can manifest profoundly.

Judges 6 21 Commentary

Judges 6:21 stands as a powerful demonstration of divine authentication and acceptance. Gideon's cautious request for a sign, borne out of human doubt and the prevailing darkness of his time, was met with an unmistakable act of God's power. The "Angel of the LORD," already performing divine communication, seals His identity by miraculously bringing fire from an ordinary rock to consume Gideon's prepared sacrifice. This direct intervention bypasses any human agency or natural explanation, firmly establishing that the messenger is indeed the living God.

The consumption of the offering by supernatural fire harkens back to instances like the inauguration of the Levitical priesthood (Lev 9:24) or Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal (1 Ki 18:38), where divine fire signaled undeniable approval and power. The Staff, a common shepherd's tool, becomes an instrument of cosmic power, echoing Moses' rod, emphasizing God's ability to utilize humble means for His majestic purposes.

Furthermore, the Angel's immediate and unearthly disappearance (as highlighted by "departed out of his sight," often interpreted as ascending in the flame, cf. Judg 13:20) leaves no room for ambiguity. This isn't just a powerful man or an ordinary angelic being; it's a divine manifestation of the Lord Himself, one who transcends physical limitations and validates His message and messenger definitively. For Gideon, this sign was transformative, moving him from profound doubt to awe-filled conviction, though he would still wrestle with his calling. This moment profoundly reinforces the truth that God provides undeniable signs when needed to assure His people of His presence and plans.