Judges 6:11
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.
Judges 6:11 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Judges, we see the story of Gideon, who is threshing wheat in a winepress in order to hide it from the invading Midianite army. This unusual location for threshing wheat indicates the desperate state of the Israelites, who are living in fear and trying to avoid detection by the enemy. The presence of an angel of the LORD under an oak tree in Ophrah highlights the divine intervention that is about to take place in Gideon's life. The fact that the angel chooses to appear to Gideon, who is from a relatively unknown family, shows that God often chooses the unexpected and unassuming to carry out His plans. This verse sets the stage for the incredible journey that Gideon is about to embark on, as he is called to lead his people to victory against the Midianites with the help of God's power and guidance.
Theological Overview
This verse from Judges chapter 6 provides us with a glimpse into a significant moment in the life of Gideon, who would later become a renowned judge of Israel. The presence of the angel of the LORD under an oak tree in Ophrah symbolizes divine intervention and guidance in the life of Gideon. The oak tree itself carries symbolic significance in biblical literature, often representing strength, endurance, and longevity. As Gideon threshes wheat by the winepress to hide it from the Midianites, we see his resourcefulness and determination in the face of adversity. This act also foreshadows Gideon's future role as a leader who will deliver Israel from oppression. The word "threshed" in this verse can be studied further to understand the agricultural practices of the time and the labor-intensive process of separating grain from chaff. Additionally, the mention of Joash the Abiezrite highlights Gideon's lineage and background, providing context for his later call to leadership. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can uncover deeper layers of meaning in this verse, shedding light on Gideon's journey towards fulfilling his destiny as a mighty warrior and judge of Israel.
Judges 6:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the angel of Jehovah came, and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
World English Bible
Yahweh’s angel came, and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites.
Douay-Rheims
And an angel of the Lord came, and sat under an oak that was in Ephra, and belonged to Joas, the father of the family of Ezri. And when Gedeon, his son, was threshing and cleansing wheat by the winepress, to flee from Madian,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Angell of the Lord came, and sate vnder the oke which was in Ophrah, that perteined vnto Ioash the father of the Ezrites, and his sonne Gideon threshed wheate by the winepresse, to hide it from the Midianites.