MPV Commentary

An Angel Sends Gideon to Deliver Them.

11. An angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon in the form of a traveler who sat down under an oak tree at Ophrah, a city in the tribe of Manasseh. The angel was discussing the severe oppression of the Midianites with Gideon and urging him to use his military prowess to help his country. Initially, Gideon addressed the angel as "sir," but later referred to him by the name typically applied to God.

The oak tree at Ophrah would become famous in future times. The city was located about sixteen miles north of Jericho, within the district belonging to Abiezer's family (Joshua 17:2). Gideon's son was threshing wheat near a wine-press under this very tree, using a flail instead of cattle due to the scarcity of grain. This unusual scene revealed the extreme distress and fear that gripped the people.

13. Gideon questioned the angel, "If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened?" His words betrayed a lack of reflection, as God's chastisements actually demonstrated His presence and interest in His people.

14-16. The Lord looked at Gideon and said, "Go in your strength... have I not sent you?" This command and promise made Gideon aware of the angel's true identity. However, like Moses, Gideon hesitated due to humility or a sense of the undertaking's magnitude. He was assured that with divine aid, he would defeat the Midianites as easily as if they were one man. Yet, he still wanted to be more certain that his mission came from God. His request for a sign was reasonable and graciously granted (Judges 6:18).