How can we know God as our peace? (Judg 6:17-24)

As I write, New Zealand is going through a Covid outbreak of the infectious Delta variant and the ease and speed it spreads with are worrying. Having low vaccination rates make us vulnerable and looking across the ditch to Australia we can see how a controlled situation can get out of hand. While so far we are tracking as well as can be expected, the announcement of lockdown last week raised dormant worries again. Some are anxious about their health, others about their businesses, plans are interrupted, life comes to a halt or picks up into frenetic activity as parents juggle work and children at home. Even if it is not Covid primarily that gives us concerns, we all feel that desire for inner peace. In our varying situations, how can we know God as our peace?

Although Gideon faces different challenges, his need for reassurance is similar and so he asks for confirmation (Judg 6:17). The task ahead is enormous and the promise that God is with him is only the word of a stranger. How can he know if this is really from God? We readers know that he is facing the angel of the LORD or the LORD (Yahweh) himself, but he can only see a human figure. Yet, there are subtle clues suggesting his growing awareness of the Lord. First, he calls the angel ‘my lord’ (adonay – Judg 6:15), which can be a term of respect for a (human) social superior,[1] but it is more often used of God. It is common courtesy to show hospitality to visitors through a meal (e.g. Gen 18:6-8) and Gideon calls this his minḥah (Judg 6:18), another ambiguous word that can mean a gift given to another human being (e.g. Gen 33:10; 43:11), or an offering to God (e.g. 1 Sam 3:14; Ps 20:3). The large quantities in question, however, strongly suggest that a sacrifice is intended (Judg 6:19). An ephah is approximately 22 litres, about 10-12kg flour depending on density, hence too much for one person to eat. The bread is also unleavened, typical of grain offerings (Lev 2:11). As we read and wonder about Gideon’s intentions, we can sense his ambiguity, but also the way the scales are tipped towards God.

The angel’s actions clear away any doubt as the meal is consumed by fire (Judg 6:20-21); an unmistakable sign of God’s acceptance of sacrifice (see Elijah’s showdown with the Baal priests – 1 Kings 28:24, 38-39). Gideon’s reaction of sudden fear may surprise us since we have become so unaware of the holiness of God (Judg 6:22), but it is worth remembering that people throughout Scripture routinely felt awe, fear and their own unworthiness when they encountered God (e.g. Isa 6:1-5). Although we tend to emphasise God’s nearness, we would do well to remember that God is also the Almighty, the Holy One whose presence is a consuming fire, and we should approach Him with reverence (Heb 12:28-29). Nevertheless, God encourages Gideon that He is for him and wants him to have ‘peace’, wholeness and wellbeing (the sense of the Hebrew shalom – Judg 6:23). Gideon’s response comes full circle with building a permanent altar to the Lord pointing to his growing commitment to God.

What can we learn from this incident in how reassurance and God’s peace can enter into our life circumstances? First, God understands and cares about our doubts and when we need encouragement, especially when it comes to serving Him, He is more than willing to strengthen us. Although the method used in Gideon’s case is unlikely to be ours, we do have God’s revealed Word in Scripture and the greatest proof in Jesus’ sacrifice that He is for us and for our ultimate wellbeing and peace. Dwelling on specific words of reassurance in God’s Word and on His character are ways to be encouraged. Secondly, although Gideon doubted and questioned, he was at the same time open to hear from God and was developing a growing trust that culminated in building Him an altar. Let us be people then, who bring our doubts and worries to the Lord, who trust and worship Him.   

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[1] Barry G. Webb, The Book of Judges, NICOT (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012), 231. English Bibles often capitalise LORD (sometimes GOD – Judg 6:22), to indicate the Hebrew ‘Yahweh’, God’s personal name.

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