Judges 6:18 – “Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.” And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.”
Extended Explanation
In Judges 6:18, Gideon makes a request to the angel of the Lord: he asks him not to leave until he can bring an offering. Gideon’s request shows his desire to honor God and confirm this divine encounter by presenting a sacrifice. The angel’s response, “I will wait until you return,” reflects God’s patience and willingness to meet Gideon in his journey of faith. This moment highlights Gideon’s reverence and his need for further reassurance before fully embracing the call to lead Israel. It’s a small but significant step in Gideon’s relationship with God, showing his intent to worship and seek confirmation.
Historical Context
Gideon’s interaction with the angel of the Lord occurs during a time of great oppression for Israel. The Midianites had been raiding their land, leaving the people desperate and fearful. In this setting, Gideon’s cautious approach reflects both his personal fears and the collective despair of his people. Offerings were a common way to show respect, seek favor, and connect with God, especially in the context of a significant calling or divine message. Gideon’s act of bringing an offering symbolizes his desire to connect with God in a tangible way, seeking a deeper understanding of the task before him.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s willingness to meet us in our need for confirmation and assurance. Theologically, it shows that God is not impatient with our requests for clarity or our efforts to honor Him, even when those efforts seem small or hesitant. Gideon’s offering was an expression of his growing faith, and God’s response reflects His openness to our gestures of trust, no matter how tentative. This verse teaches that God values our sincere attempts to connect with Him and that He is willing to wait and work with us as we grow in faith.
Literary Analysis
The dialogue in this verse is intimate and personal, capturing a moment of interaction between God and a hesitant, but earnest, follower. Gideon’s request and God’s patient reply create a narrative of mutual engagement—Gideon seeks to honor God, and God graciously accommodates his need for time and assurance. The phrase “I will wait until you return” serves as a powerful reminder of God’s patience and presence. The literary structure emphasizes the relational aspect of God’s interactions with His people, highlighting that He is not distant or rushed but willing to meet us where we are.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 24:12-13: Moses receives the law on Mount Sinai, and God patiently instructs him to bring an offering, showing the importance of tangible acts of worship in encountering God.
- 1 Samuel 7:9-10: Samuel offers a lamb as a burnt offering while interceding for Israel, and God responds to his act of faith, showing the connection between offerings and divine intervention.
- Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this,” says the Lord. This verse reflects the principle of honoring God with offerings and His willingness to respond to acts of faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Judges 6:18 serves as a reminder that God is patient and willing to engage with us as we seek to honor Him, even when we are unsure. It encourages believers to bring their questions, doubts, and acts of worship before God, trusting that He understands and values our sincere efforts to connect with Him. This verse teaches that God’s presence is not hurried, and He welcomes our attempts to draw near, even when we feel unprepared or hesitant. It’s an encouragement to approach God honestly, knowing He will meet us with grace.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving nature through His willingness to wait and engage with Gideon’s need for reassurance. God’s response shows that He values our relationship with Him more than our immediate obedience. He is not frustrated by our need for time or clarification; instead, He honors our sincere desire to seek Him. God’s patience with Gideon highlights His understanding of human frailty and His compassionate approach to guiding us step-by-step, meeting us where we are on our journey of faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who often took time to engage with those who sought Him, even in their uncertainty. In John 3, Jesus patiently explains salvation to Nicodemus, who comes with questions and doubts in the night. Jesus’ willingness to teach and wait reflects the same patient love seen in God’s response to Gideon. Jesus’ interactions with His disciples also often involved reassurance and encouragement, helping them grow in faith just as God did with Gideon. Christ’s ministry was marked by a willingness to meet people where they were, guiding them gently toward deeper belief.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt the need for reassurance from God before taking a step of faith? How did God respond?
- What does this verse teach us about God’s patience and willingness to wait as we seek to honor Him?
- How can you bring your own doubts, questions, or acts of worship before God, trusting that He understands your heart?
- In what ways can you relate to Gideon’s desire to connect with God in a tangible way before moving forward?
- How does Jesus’ patient approach to those who sought Him inspire you to trust in God’s willingness to meet you where you are?