Nov 8, 2020
Because of disobedience, the Israelites became ruled by their enemies (c. 1150 B.C.). The Angel/messenger of the LORD (possibly pre-incarnate Jesus) sits under a tree owned by Gideon’s father and finds Gideon threshing wheat in a wine press as he feared Midianites would steal his crops. The Angel calls Gideon (Heb. ‘to cut down/destroy’) a ‘mighty man of valor’, though he has never been to battle. God sees more in us than we see in ourselves. Gideon recalls to the Angel his knowledge of God’s promise and his heart’s desire for change. The Angel affirms his desire to serve the true God and assures him He will be with him. God often raises up those who know God’s word and refuse to live in syncretism!