Judges 6:20
And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
Original Language Analysis
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
And the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
And the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 18
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבָּשָׂ֤ר
the flesh
H1320
הַבָּשָׂ֤ר
the flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
7 of 18
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּצּוֹת֙
and the unleavened cakes
H4682
הַמַּצּוֹת֙
and the unleavened cakes
Strong's:
H4682
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes
הַסֶּ֣לַע
rock
H5553
הַסֶּ֣לַע
rock
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
12 of 18
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁפ֑וֹךְ
and pour out
H8210
שְׁפ֑וֹךְ
and pour out
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
16 of 18
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
Historical Context
Using natural rock formations as altars appears throughout patriarchal and judges narratives (Genesis 28:18, Judges 13:19-20). These simple altars contrasted with elaborate Canaanite temple complexes, emphasizing direct access to God without priestly mediation (though Levitical priesthood existed). The instruction to pour out broth may relate to drink offerings prescribed in Mosaic law (Numbers 28:7), though this offering's spontaneous nature differs from prescribed temple ritual.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the transformation of a meal into a sacrifice illustrate how God transforms ordinary life into worship?
- What does Gideon's obedience despite confusion teach about faithful response to God's Word before full understanding?
- How does Christ as the Rock provide the foundation for acceptable worship and sacrifice?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Angel of God instructs Gideon to place the meat and unleavened cakes on a rock and pour out the broth. This transformation from meal to sacrifice reveals the Angel's divine nature and purpose. The rock (sela, סֶלַע) becomes an altar, and the food becomes an offering. Gideon's obedience—'he did so'—demonstrates growing faith despite confusion about the encounter's meaning. The rock altar prefigures Christ as the Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), the foundation of acceptable sacrifice.