Old Testament
Judges 6:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 6:20, the angel of God instructs Gideon to prepare an offering by placing meat and unleavened bread on a rock and pouring broth over them.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
The angel of God told him, "Place the meat and the unleavened bread on this rock, and pour the broth over them." Gideon did as he was told.
And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 6:20, the angel of God instructs Gideon to prepare an offering by placing meat and unleavened bread on a rock and pouring broth over them. This act signifies a moment of divine communication and acceptance of Gideon's offering. Gideon follows the instructions precisely, demonstrating obedience and faith. The act of laying the food on the rock symbolizes a sacrifice to God, which is a common practice in the Old Testament. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for Gideon's calling as a leader to save Israel from oppression. The angel's command and Gideon's compliance highlight the importance of listening to God's guidance and acting upon it, even when the task seems unusual or challenging. This passage emphasizes the relationship between God and His chosen leaders, showcasing how God prepares individuals for significant roles through acts of faith and obedience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 6:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen to God's guidance in our lives and to act on it with faith. Just as Gideon obeyed the angel's instructions, we should be willing to follow God's direction, even when it seems unconventional or challenging. Our obedience can lead to significant outcomes.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 6:20 teach about obedience?
Judges 6:20 illustrates the importance of obedience to God's instructions. Gideon follows the angel's command to prepare an offering, demonstrating his willingness to listen and act on divine guidance. This act of obedience is crucial as it signifies trust in God's plan, which is a key theme throughout the Bible. By obeying, Gideon positions himself to receive further instructions and fulfill his role as a leader.
Why did Gideon offer meat and unleavened bread?
In Judges 6:20, Gideon's offering of meat and unleavened bread represents a traditional act of sacrifice to God. Unleavened bread is significant in biblical texts, often symbolizing purity and the absence of sin. This offering signifies Gideon's recognition of God's authority and his desire to seek divine favor and guidance. It sets the stage for his calling to lead Israel, highlighting the importance of sacrificial acts in establishing a relationship with God.
What is the significance of the rock in this verse?
The rock in Judges 6:20 serves as a physical representation of a place of encounter with God. By placing the offering on the rock, Gideon is symbolically dedicating it to God, which is a common practice in biblical sacrifices. The rock also signifies stability and permanence, reflecting the solid foundation of faith that Gideon is building upon as he prepares to accept his divine calling.
How does this verse relate to God's calling?
Judges 6:20 is pivotal in illustrating how God prepares individuals for leadership through acts of faith and obedience. Gideon's compliance with the angel's instructions marks the beginning of his journey as a leader chosen by God to save Israel. This moment emphasizes that God's calling often requires individuals to step out in faith, listen carefully to His guidance, and act, even when the tasks seem unusual or daunting.
The Book of Judges
Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin
After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.
Unlock the full Judges summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Judges — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 21 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Judges summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.