Read Judges 6 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
6:1-6 {p} Midianites create famine in Israel to destroy Israel
6:7-10 {p} “I delivered you from Egypt, but you have not obeyed My voice;”
6:11-19 {p} The Angel of YHVH gives Gideon a new identity of a mighty man of valor
6:20-24 {s} Gideon realizes YHVH’s identity, that Yehovah is peace
6:25-32 {s} Gideon tears down the altar to Baal and the Asherah pole beside it
6:33-40 {p} The Spirit of YHVH clothed Gideon / the sign of the fleece
Judges 6:12-21 Chiastic Structure:
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” Exo 3:11-12
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for YHVH your God is with you wherever you go.” Jos 1:9
And the Angel of YHVH appeared to him, and said to him, “YHVH is with you, O mighty man of valor.” And Gideon said to Him, “Oh, my lord, if YHVH is with us, why then has all this befallen us? And where are all His wondrous works of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Did not YHVH bring us up from Egypt?’ But now YHVH has cast us off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian.” And YHVH turned towards him, and said, “Go in your might, and save Israel from the hand of Midian; have I not sent you?” Jud 6:12-14
The Scripture is establishing a Pattern in calling a man to deliver His people from their oppressors: Fear not, for YHVH is with you. According to Webster’s “with” is a function word to indicate a participant in an action, transaction, or arrangement. This is why each man could have confidence that when he embarked on his mission against impossible odds, he would complete his mission. YHVH, whose word cannot fail, would participate with him, he would not be alone.
Also, notice that YHVH’s identity for Gideon, and Gideon’s own identity for himself are polar opposites (C pair). It is YHVH who is the truth teller!
If there are questions, this is a good resource:
Matthew 16:13-19, And I also say to you – Christine Miller
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