Judges 6:19

So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread and an ephah of flour. He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and brought them out to present to Him under the oak.

Study Bible

So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat
Gideon's preparation of a young goat reflects the customary practice of offering hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture. The act of preparing a goat signifies a gesture of respect and honor, often reserved for special guests. This aligns with the biblical tradition of offering sacrifices, as seen in Genesis 18:7-8, where Abraham prepares a calf for his divine visitors. The young goat also foreshadows the sacrificial system later established in the Mosaic Law, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

and unleavened bread
Unleavened bread, made without yeast, is significant in biblical history, symbolizing purity and the absence of sin. It is reminiscent of the Passover meal (Exodus 12:8), where unleavened bread was eaten in haste as the Israelites prepared to leave Egypt. This connection underscores themes of deliverance and divine intervention, which are central to Gideon's story as he is called to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression.

and an ephah of flour
An ephah is a unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about half a bushel. The use of an ephah of flour indicates a substantial offering, demonstrating Gideon's generosity and reverence. This act of giving aligns with the principle of offering one's best to God, as seen in the sacrificial laws of Leviticus. It also prefigures the abundant provision of Christ, the Bread of Life, who offers Himself fully for the salvation of humanity.

He placed the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot
The separation of meat and broth into different vessels reflects the careful preparation and presentation of the offering. This attention to detail highlights the importance of order and reverence in worship. The use of a basket and pot may also suggest a practical approach to serving, ensuring that each element of the meal is preserved and presented appropriately. This mirrors the meticulous nature of Old Testament sacrifices and the orderly worship prescribed in the Law.

and brought them out to present to Him under the oak
The oak tree serves as a significant location, often associated with divine encounters in the Old Testament. Oaks were considered sacred spaces, as seen in Genesis 12:6-7, where Abram builds an altar to the Lord at the oak of Moreh. Presenting the offering under the oak signifies a place of meeting with God, emphasizing the sacredness of the encounter. This setting foreshadows the cross, another tree, where the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ would be made for the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gideon
A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God.

2. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who appears to Gideon, often understood in conservative Christian theology as a theophany, or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.

3. The Oak
A significant location where Gideon encounters the Angel of the LORD. Oaks were often places of meeting and worship in ancient Israel.

4. Young Goat and Unleavened Bread
The offering prepared by Gideon, symbolizing hospitality and reverence. The unleavened bread signifies purity and readiness.

5. Ephah of Flour
A large quantity of flour, indicating the significance and sincerity of Gideon's offering.

Teaching Points

Hospitality as Worship
Gideon's preparation of a meal for the Angel of the LORD demonstrates that acts of hospitality can be a form of worship and reverence towards God.

Generosity in Offering
The use of an ephah of flour shows Gideon's willingness to give abundantly to God, teaching us to offer our best to the Lord.

Divine Encounters in Ordinary Places
The meeting under the oak reminds us that God can meet us in our everyday environments, transforming ordinary moments into sacred encounters.

Faith in Action
Gideon's preparation of the offering, despite his initial doubts, illustrates the importance of acting in faith even when we seek reassurance from God.

Symbolism of Unleavened Bread
The unleavened bread signifies purity and readiness, encouraging believers to live lives of holiness and preparedness for God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Gideon's preparation of the offering reflect his attitude towards God, and what can we learn from this about our own approach to worship and service?

2. In what ways does the account of Gideon parallel the hospitality shown by Abraham in Genesis 18, and how can we apply these lessons of hospitality in our lives today?

3. Considering the significance of unleavened bread in both Judges 6:19 and Exodus 12, how can we incorporate the symbolism of purity and readiness into our spiritual practices?

4. How does the setting of the oak tree in Gideon's account remind us of God's ability to meet us in our everyday lives, and how can we be more attentive to divine encounters in our own routines?

5. Reflect on a time when you, like Gideon, needed reassurance from God. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to act in faith even amidst uncertainty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 18
Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors, paralleling Gideon's offering to the Angel of the LORD, highlighting themes of reverence and divine encounter.

Exodus 12
The use of unleavened bread during the Passover, symbolizing purity and haste, connecting to Gideon's offering as a sign of readiness and consecration.

Hebrews 13
Encouragement to show hospitality, reflecting Gideon's actions as a model of welcoming God's presence.