This passage from Judges 6 recounts the story of Gideon and his encounter with an angel of Yahweh (Yahuah) who instructs him to destroy the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole. Here is a breakdown of the key points:

1. **Divine Encounter (Jdg 6:20-22):**
- The angel of Elohim instructs Gideon to place meat and unleavened cakes on a rock and pour broth over them. The angel then touches the offering with the end of a staff, causing fire to consume the meat and cakes, after which the angel disappears. Gideon realizes he has seen an angel of Yahweh and fears for his life.

2. **Reassurance and Worship (Jdg 6:23-24):**
- Yahweh reassures Gideon that he will not die and grants him peace. Gideon builds an altar to Yahweh and names it "Yahweh Shalom" (Yahweh is Peace), which remains in Ophrah.

3. **Destruction of Baal's Altar (Jdg 6:25-27):**
- Yahweh instructs Gideon to destroy his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole beside it. He is to build a new altar to Yahweh on the rock and offer a bull as a burnt offering using the wood from the Asherah pole. Gideon obeys but does so at night out of fear of his family and the townspeople.

4. **Reaction of the Townspeople (Jdg 6:28-32):**
- The next morning, the townspeople discover the destruction of Baal's altar and the offering on the new altar. They identify Gideon as the culprit and demand his death. Gideon's father, Joash, defends him, challenging the people to let Baal defend himself if he is a god. As a result, Gideon is nicknamed Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend against him."

5. **Preparation for Battle (Jdg 6:33-34):**
- The Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples unite and camp in the valley of Jezreel. The Spirit of Yahweh comes upon Gideon, and he summons the Abiezrites by blowing a shofar (ram's horn).

This narrative highlights Gideon’s transformation from a hesitant individual to a chosen leader empowered by divine guidance, setting the stage for his subsequent military leadership against the Midianites.

Detailed elucidation of Judges 6:20-34:

### Divine Encounter and Sacrifice (Judges 6:20-22)

- **Verses 20-21:** The angel of Elohim instructs Gideon to prepare an offering of meat and unleavened cakes (matstsah) and place them on a rock, pouring broth over them. When the angel touches the offering with his staff, fire springs from the rock and consumes the offering, signifying divine acceptance. The angel then disappears, highlighting the supernatural nature of the encounter.

- **Verse 22:** Gideon realizes he has seen an angel of Yahweh face-to-face, which terrifies him because it was believed that seeing a divine being could lead to death.

### Divine Reassurance and Worship (Judges 6:23-24)

- **Verse 23:** Yahweh reassures Gideon, telling him not to fear and that he will not die. This message is crucial as it alleviates Gideon's fear and affirms his chosen role.

- **Verse 24:** In response to this divine reassurance, Gideon builds an altar and names it "Yahweh Shalom," meaning "Yahweh is Peace." This act of worship signifies Gideon's gratitude and recognition of Yahweh's protection and guidance.

### Command to Destroy Baal's Altar (Judges 6:25-27)

- **Verses 25-26:** Yahweh commands Gideon to take his father's seven-year-old bull and destroy the altar of Baal along with the Asherah pole (a wooden symbol of a Canaanite goddess) beside it. Gideon is instructed to build a new altar to Yahweh on the same rock and use the wood of the Asherah pole for a burnt offering. This command is symbolic of purging idolatry and restoring proper worship.

- **Verse 27:** Gideon, aware of the possible backlash from his family and townspeople, carries out the command at night with the help of ten servants. This shows his obedience but also his human apprehension.

### Reaction of the Townspeople (Judges 6:28-32)

- **Verse 28:** The townspeople discover the destruction of Baal's altar and the offering on the new altar to Yahweh. This causes an uproar as Baal worship was prevalent and deeply ingrained in their community.

- **Verse 29:** They investigate and find out that Gideon is responsible for this act.

- **Verse 30:** The men of the city demand that Joash, Gideon's father, hand over Gideon to be put to death for desecrating Baal's altar.

- **Verse 31:** Joash defends Gideon, arguing that if Baal is truly a god, he should be able to defend himself. This statement undermines the power of Baal and redirects the challenge to Baal's supposed divinity.

- **Verse 32:** Consequently, Gideon is nicknamed "Jerubbaal," which means "Let Baal contend against him," indicating that Baal should take action if he is offended.

### Preparation for Battle (Judges 6:33-34)

- **Verse 33:** The Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples gather and encamp in the valley of Jezreel, preparing for battle. This external threat sets the stage for Gideon's military leadership.

- **Verse 34:** The Spirit of Yahweh comes upon Gideon, empowering him for the upcoming task. Gideon blows a shofar (ram's horn) to summon the Abiezrites (his clan) to follow him, signifying the beginning of his leadership and the mobilization for battle.

This passage illustrates Gideon's transformation from a fearful individual to a divinely empowered leader. It highlights themes of divine reassurance, the rejection of idolatry, and the initiation of a divinely sanctioned mission to deliver Israel from its enemies.

Your reflections on Gideon's encounter with the angel of Jehovah emphasize key aspects of his transformation and the divine-human interaction that took place. Here's an expanded explanation based on your observations:

### Momentous Encounter and Assurance

- **Gideon's Realization and Proposal (Judges 6:20-22):** Gideon recognized the significance of his interaction with the angel and wanted to confirm its reality. By preparing an offering and witnessing the miraculous fire that consumed it at the angel's touch, Gideon understood that this was a genuine divine encounter. The miraculous fire symbolized the presence and approval of God, demonstrating that the angelic visitation was not a mere dream or illusion.

### Divine Peace and Benediction

- **Fear and Peace (Judges 6:23):** Initially, Gideon was frightened upon realizing he had seen an angel of Jehovah, fearing for his life as was common in biblical times when encountering the divine (Exodus 33:20). However, Yahweh reassured him, saying, "Peace be unto you; fear not: you shall not die." This reassurance brought peace to Gideon's soul, similar to the peace bestowed upon others who experienced divine visitations, such as Daniel (Daniel 10:19) and the disciples after Jesus' resurrection (John 20:26). This peace was crucial for Gideon, allowing him to move forward with confidence in God's protection and plan.

### Immediate Obedience and Courage

- **God's Command and Gideon's Obedience (Judges 6:25-27):** God required Gideon to demonstrate his faith and obedience by destroying his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole beside it. This act was significant because it symbolized the rejection of idolatry and the restoration of true worship to Yahweh. Despite the potential backlash from his family and community, Gideon obeyed God's command. His courage and leadership were evident as he enlisted ten of his household servants to help him carry out the task, indicating the influence of his personality and the strength of his conviction.

### Divine Strength and Human Loyalty

- **Consequences and Divine Support (Judges 6:28-32):** Gideon's act of destroying the altar and building a new one for Yahweh exposed him to significant personal risk, including disownment by his family and threats from the townspeople who demanded his death. However, his father Joash defended him by challenging the validity of Baal's power, implying that a true god should defend his own honor. This defense not only saved Gideon but also discredited the worship of Baal among the people.

- **Love for God Above All (Luke 14:26-27, 33; 2 Chronicles 16:9):** Gideon's actions reflect the biblical principle that loyalty to God must surpass all other allegiances. Jesus taught that true discipleship involves loving God above family and personal safety (Luke 14:26-27, 33). Similarly, 2 Chronicles 16:9 emphasizes that God strengthens those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Gideon's wholehearted devotion to God brought divine empowerment, enabling him to fulfill his mission.

### Summary

Gideon's encounter with the angel of Jehovah was a transformative moment that confirmed his divine calling through a miraculous sign. His obedience to God's command, despite the personal risks, exemplified his faith and commitment. This narrative underscores the themes of divine reassurance, the necessity of immediate and courageous obedience, and the primacy of loyalty to God. Through Gideon's example, we see that when we prioritize our relationship with God and act in obedience, He provides the strength and support needed to accomplish His purposes.

### Face to Face with the Angel of Jehovah

**Gideon's Realization (Judges 6:20-22):**
Gideon perceived the significance of his encounter with the angel of Jehovah. To confirm its reality, he proposed an offering. The miraculous fire that consumed the flesh and unleavened cakes upon the angel’s touch demonstrated that this was no ordinary event. The supernatural fire from the rock assured Gideon that he was in the presence of a divine messenger, as the veil of the unseen world was momentarily lifted, granting him divine direction and help.

**Fear and Divine Reassurance (Judges 6:22-23):**
Upon realizing the nature of his encounter, Gideon feared for his life, as seeing a divine being was often associated with death (Exodus 33:20). However, Yahweh reassured him with a message of peace: "Peace be unto you; fear not: you shall not die." This reassurance is reminiscent of other biblical passages where divine peace is granted in moments of fear and uncertainty, such as in Daniel 10:19 and John 20:26. This divine peace calmed Gideon’s fears and confirmed God’s favor and protection.

**Building the Altar (Judges 6:24):**
In response to the divine reassurance, Gideon built an altar to Yahweh and named it "Yahweh Shalom" (The Lord is Peace). This act of worship signified Gideon's gratitude and acknowledgment of Yahweh’s presence and peace in his life. The altar stood as a testament to God's reassurance and the peace that now guarded Gideon's heart and mind.

### Immediate Obedience and Risk (Judges 6:25-27)

**Command to Destroy Idolatry:**
God commanded Gideon to destroy his father's altar to Baal and the adjacent Asherah pole, symbols of idolatry and pagan worship. Gideon was to replace these with an altar to Yahweh, using the wood from the Asherah pole to offer a burnt sacrifice. This command required immediate and courageous obedience, symbolizing the rejection of false gods and the restoration of proper worship to Yahweh.

**Gideon’s Action:**
Gideon obeyed God's command despite the potential repercussions. Fearing the reaction of his family and the townspeople, he carried out the task at night with the help of ten servants. This act demonstrated his faith and determination, even in the face of potential disownment and danger. Gideon's courage to act against idolatry, despite the personal risk, highlights the demand for absolute loyalty to God (Luke 14:26-27, 33).

### Community Reaction and Divine Defense (Judges 6:28-32)

**Discovery and Outrage:**
The next morning, the townspeople discovered the destruction of Baal’s altar and the new altar to Yahweh with the sacrificed bull. This incited anger, and they demanded that Gideon be put to death for his actions. The community's reaction reflects the deeply ingrained worship of Baal and resistance to change.

**Joash’s Defense:**
Gideon's father, Joash, defended him by challenging the validity of Baal's power. He argued that if Baal were truly a god, he could defend his own altar. This defense not only protected Gideon but also exposed the impotence of Baal, shifting the perspective of the townspeople. Joash's statement, "Let Baal plead against him," led to Gideon being called Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend against him."

### Preparation for Battle (Judges 6:33-34)

**Mobilization Against the Enemy:**
With the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples gathering for battle in the valley of Jezreel, Gideon's leadership was put to the test. The Spirit of Yahweh came upon Gideon, empowering him for the task ahead. He blew a shofar to summon his clan, the Abiezrites, signaling the start of their mobilization against the enemy.

**Divine Empowerment:**
The Spirit of Yahweh clothing Gideon with power (Judges 6:34) signifies divine endorsement and empowerment. This divine empowerment enabled Gideon to lead his people with confidence and strength, setting the stage for the subsequent military victory over the Midianites.

### Conclusion

Gideon's encounter with the angel of Jehovah was transformative, confirming his divine calling and empowering him for his mission. His obedience in destroying the symbols of idolatry, despite the risks, demonstrated his loyalty to God. This narrative illustrates the principles of divine reassurance, courageous obedience, and the primacy of worshiping Yahweh. Gideon's story serves as a reminder that when we act in faith and prioritize our relationship with God, He provides the strength and support needed to accomplish His purposes.

### Morning Reflection
**"Thou hatest wickedness." — Psalm 45:7**

The verse reminds us of God's righteous nature and His intolerance of sin. It encourages believers to emulate this divine attribute by hating wickedness themselves. The New Testament reinforces this sentiment with Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not." This anger is a righteous indignation against sin.

Jesus Christ exemplified this hatred for sin. When tempted by Satan, He rebuked him with firm resistance, saying, "Get thee behind me, Satan" (Matthew 4:10). His hatred of sin was also evident in His denunciations of the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and exploitation of the vulnerable (Matthew 23:14).

Yet, Jesus' hatred for sin was balanced with compassion for sinners. He wept over the sins of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) and sought to save rather than condemn (John 3:17). His ultimate act of hatred against sin was His sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the penalty for sin, ensuring its defeat. His resurrection confirmed His victory over sin, and He continues to oppose it through the Gospel, which calls for repentance and righteousness.

For believers, the presence of Jesus in their hearts initiates an internal conflict with sin. The sanctifying work of Christ strives to expel sin from our lives, as He did with the money changers in the temple (John 2:15-16). The final judgment will reveal His abhorrence of sin when He separates the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46).

As followers of Christ, we are called to share His love for righteousness and His hatred for sin. This includes standing firm against sin in our lives and the world, knowing that our commitment to holiness is pleasing to God and empowered by His Spirit.

### Evening Reflection
**"Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho." — Joshua 6:26**

This verse pronounces a curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, a city destroyed as an act of God's judgment. The rebuilding of Jericho is symbolic of attempting to restore something that God has condemned.

In a broader sense, this can be seen as a warning against returning to or restoring corrupt systems that have been rightfully dismantled. The reflection draws a parallel to the Reformation, where the efforts of reformers like Martin Luther brought down the oppressive and corrupt practices of the medieval Church, often referred to as "Popery."

The writer urges contemporary Christians to be vigilant against any resurgence of such corruption, whether within the Church or in society at large. This vigilance involves a personal commitment to purity and truth, as well as active efforts to spread the Gospel and educate others about the dangers of returning to oppressive or erroneous practices.

Prayer and public testimony are emphasized as powerful tools in opposing the spread of false teachings. By praying fervently and bearing witness to the truth, believers can counteract the influence of these errors. The mention of Luther's statement about "goose quills" highlights the enduring power of the written word in disseminating truth and combating falsehood.

Believers are called to actively engage in spreading the light of the Gospel, much like the reformers who used their writings to challenge and dismantle corrupt systems. The reflection concludes with a personal challenge to the reader, asking what they can do to oppose the spread of error and promote the truth of the Gospel.

### Personal Application

- **Morning:** Reflect on areas in your life where sin may be present and seek God's help in hating and turning away from it. Emulate Christ's balance of hating sin while loving sinners. Commit to living a life that reflects God's righteousness.

- **Evening:** Evaluate your efforts to stand against falsehood and promote the truth. Consider practical steps you can take to spread the Gospel and educate others about its truths. Engage in prayer and public testimony, trusting that God will use your efforts to further His kingdom.

### Questions for Reflection

1. **Morning:** How do I respond to sin in my life and in the world around me? Do I balance righteous anger with compassion as Jesus did?
2. **Evening:** What steps can I take to ensure that I am actively opposing falsehood and spreading the truth of the Gospel? How can I use my talents and resources to further God's kingdom?

By considering these reflections and questions, you can deepen your understanding of God's call to holiness and your role in advancing His truth.