Judges 6:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח

H7971

put forth

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וּמַלְאַ֣ךְ

H4397

Then the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קְצֵ֤ה

H7097

the end

an extremity

הַמִּשְׁעֶ֙נֶת֙

H4938

of the staff

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּיָד֔וֹ

H3027

that was in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיִּגַּ֥ע

H5060

and touched

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#10

הַבָּשָׂר֙

H1320

the flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#11

הַמַּצּ֔וֹת

H4682

and the unleavened cakes

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

#12

וַתַּ֨עַל

H5927

and there rose up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#13

הָאֵ֜שׁ

H784

fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#14

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#15

הַצּ֗וּר

H6697

out of the rock

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

#16

וַתֹּ֤אכַל

H398

and consumed

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

הַבָּשָׂר֙

H1320

the flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#19

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

הַמַּצּ֔וֹת

H4682

and the unleavened cakes

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

#21

וּמַלְאַ֣ךְ

H4397

Then the angel

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#22

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#23

הָלַ֖ךְ

H1980

departed

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#24

מֵֽעֵינָֽיו׃

H5869

out of his sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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