Judges 6:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Judges 6:11
11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
Chapter Context
Judges 6 is a cyclical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, creation, righteousness. Written during the pre-monarchic period (c. 1375-1050 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Without central leadership, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding peoples like the Philistines and Midianites.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Judges and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Judges 6:11
11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
Analysis
After the prophet's rebuke, the narrative shifts to Gideon's introduction through an angelic visitation. The Angel of the LORD (mal'ak Yahweh, מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה) is a divine theophany—God Himself appearing in visible form (verse 14 identifies Him as Yahweh directly). He sits under the oak in Ophrah belonging to Joash the Abiezrite, Gideon's father. The detail about the oak (elah, אֵלָה) suggests a known landmark, possibly associated with previous worship or significant events. Gideon is threshing wheat in the winepress—an unusual location revealing the depths of Midianite intimidation. Winepresses were typically in valleys, partially underground, offering concealment that outdoor threshing floors couldn't provide.
Historical Context
The Angel of the LORD appears throughout the Old Testament (Genesis 16:7, 22:11, Exodus 3:2) in theophanies that Reformed theology generally interprets as pre-incarnate appearances of Christ. Ophrah's location in Manasseh territory placed it in the path of Midianite raids from the east. Abiezer was a clan within Manasseh (Joshua 17:2, Numbers 26:30). Threshing normally occurred on elevated, open threshing floors where wind could separate chaff from grain, but fear drove Gideon to hidden, inefficient winepress threshing.
Reflection
- How does the Angel of the LORD's appearance to fearful Gideon demonstrate God's grace in seeking out the weak and fearful?
- What activities in your life are you 'hiding in a winepress'—doing fearfully and inefficiently because of intimidation?
- How does God's initiative in calling Gideon (rather than Gideon seeking God) illustrate the doctrine of divine election?
Word Studies
- Angel: מַלְאָךְ (Mal'akh) H4397 - Angel, messenger
Cross-References
- References Lord: Judges 13:3
- Parallel theme: Judges 8:2, Joshua 17:2, Isaiah 63:9, Hebrews 11:32