Judg. 6 The Midianites oppress Israel, Judg. 6:1–6. A prophet raised rebukes them, Judg. 6:7–10. An angel calls Gideon to Israel’s deliverance, Judg. 6:11–16; confirms him by a miracle, Judg. 6:17–21. He builds an altar; calls it Jehovah-shalom; and offereth there.

For although the generality of the Midianites had been cut off by Moses about two hundred years ago, yet many of them doubtless fled into the neighbouring countries, whence afterwards they returned into their own land, and in that time might easily grow to be a very great number; especially when…

In which they might secure their persons and provisions from the hands of the Midianites.

The children of the east, i.e. the Arabians, who are commonly called the children of the east, as Gen. 29:1, Judg. 8:10–11, Job 1:3, Ezek. 25:4. Not all the Arabians, for in that were many and divers people; but in the eastern part of Arabia.

Till thou come unto Gaza, i.e. from the east, on which side they entered, to the west, where Gaza was near the sea; so they destroyed the whole land.

Without number, i.e. so many that it was not easy to number them. It is an hyperbole.

Fear not, i.e. do not serve or worship them.

In Ophrah, to wit, in Manasseh; for there was another Ophrah in Benjamin, Josh. 18:23. The Abi-ezrite; of the posterity of Abi-ezer; of whom see Josh. 17:2, 1 Chron. 7:18, Judg. 8:27, Judg. 8:32. Threshed wheat; not with oxen, as the manner was, Deut. 25:4; but with a staff, to prevent discovery.

i.e. Will assist thee against thine and mine enemies. Thou mighty man of valour; to whom I have given strength and courage for this end.

The Lord looked upon him, with a settled and pleasant countenance, as a testimony of his favour to him, and of his readiness to help him. Go in this thy might; or, go now, or at this time, in thy might; the strength which thou hast already received, and dost now further receive from me, is…

My family, Heb. my thousand; for the tribes were distributed into several thousands, whereof each thousand had his peculiar governor. Poor, i.e. weak and contemptible. I am the least either for age, or for wisdom, and fitness for so great a work.

As easily as if they were all but one man; or, thou shalt destroy them to a man, as he did, Judg. 8:0.

That it is thou, to wit, an angel or messenger sent from God, that appears to me, and discourseth with me; and not a fancy or delusion; that thou art in truth what thou seemest and pretendest to be, Judg. 7:12. Or, a sign of that which thou talkest with me, i.e.

My present; not a sacrifice, because neither was Gideon a priest, nor was this the place of sacrifice, nor was any altar here, nor was there any such sacrifice as here follows appointed by God; but a repast, or some food for the angel, which he thought to be a man, as appears by Judg. 6:22, Judg.

Of an ephah of flour, to wit, out of the choicest part of a whole ephah; as also he brought to him the best part of a kid dressed; for a whole ephah and a whole kid had been very superfluous, and improper to provide for and set before one man.

By these things he showed himself to be no man that needed such provisions, but a true angel of God, or the Son of God; and by this instance of his omnipotency, gave the assurance that he both could and would consume the Midianites.

I am an undone man; I must die, and that speedily; for that he feared, Judg. 6:23, according to the common opinion in that case; of which see Gen. 16:13, Gen. 32:30, Ex. 33:20, Deut. 5:25–26. For because, or, for therefore, &c., i.e. therefore God hath showed me this sight as a presage of my death.

The Lord spake by inward suggestion, rather than in a visible apparition. Peace be unto thee; thou shalt receive no hurt by this vision, as thou fearest; but only peace, i. e.

There, to wit, on the top of the rock, as is evident from Judg. 6:20, and especially from Judg. 6:26, where that which is here expressed only in general, and by anticipation, is more particularly described, according to the usage of the Scripture. Jehovah-shalom, i.e.

Even the second bullock: thus there was but one bullock, which was young, to wit, comparatively, but not simply, for it was seven years old; and of such this Hebrew word is used, Job 21:10; for these creatures are fruitful above seven years.

Upon the top of this rock; of which Judg. 6:20–21. Heb. of this strong hold; for in that calamitous time the Israelites retreated to such rocks, and hid and fortified themselves in them. In the ordered place, i.e. in a plain and smooth part of the rock, where an altar may be conveniently built.

Doubtless he had acquainted the ten men with his design, and the assurance of success in it, whereby they were easily induced to assist him, if not sincerely, yet for the expectation of advantage to themselves by it.

Not upon Baal’s altar, for which it was designed; but upon an altar erected in contempt of Baal.

Which they might easily conjecture, partly by his known aversion from the worship of Baal, and partly because no other person durst presume to do such a thing; but they might more certainly learn it from some of the persons employed in it, who through fear or favour might inform them.

Will ye plead for Baal? Why are you so zealous in pleading for that Baal, for the worship whereof you suffer such grievous calamities at this day, and from whom you have no help? It is plain that Joash had been a worshipper of Baal; either therefore he was now convinced by Gideon’s information and…

He called him, i.e. Joash called Gideon so, Judg. 7:1, in remembrance of this noble exploit, and to put a brand upon Baal.

Not that Jezreel in Judah, of which Josh. 15:56; but another in the borders of Manasseh and Issachar, Josh. 17:16, Josh. 19:18, which is not far distant from Ophrah, where Gideon dwelt, and now was.

Came upon Gideon, inspiring him with extraordinary wisdom, and courage, and zeal, to vindicate God’s honour and his country’s liberty. Compare 1 Chron. 12:18, 2 Chron. 24:20. Abi-ezer, i.e.

Throughout all Manasseh, on both sides of Jordan. Unto Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali; because these tribes were nearest to him, and so could soonest join with him; and were nearest the enemy also, Judg.

Gideon said this in way of humble supplication, partly for the strengthening of his own faith, and partly for the greater encouragement of his soldiers in this great and strange attempt.

Upon all the earth beside, i.e. upon all that spot of ground which adjoineth to and encompasseth the fleece.

Which was more difficult and preternatural than the former instance, because if there be any moisture, such bodies as fleeces of wool are most likely to drink it up.