Judges 6:1-22

Judges 6:1–22 describes Israel’s suffering under Midianite oppression and God’s calling of Gideon. Because Israel had turned away from God, the Midianites repeatedly attacked the land, destroying crops and leaving the Israelites impoverished. When Israel cried out to God, He reminded them that their disobedience and worship of other gods had brought them into this situation.

God then appeared to Gideon, who was secretly threshing wheat because he was afraid of the Midianites. The Angel of the Lord called Gideon a “mighty warrior” and told him that God was with him and would use him to deliver Israel. Gideon questioned God and felt inadequate, but God promised, “I will be with you.” Gideon offered a sacrifice, and the Angel of the Lord miraculously consumed it with fire. Gideon then realized that he had encountered the Lord and became afraid.