From Hiding to Hero

Judges 6:11–16 KJV 1900

11 And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. 13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. 14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. 16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

Main Idea: Judges 6:1–16 unveils the familiar cycle of sin, suffering, supplication, and salvation. Israel’s harvest is stripped by Midianite raiders, yet God meets a fearful farmer in a hidden winepress and names him a mighty man of valor. The message is simple and saving: when God shows up, He sustains our concerns and then sends us with His presence. God does not consult our resume; He commands our response. With His promise “I will be with thee,” He turns ordinary people from hiding to heroism for His glory.

Introduction: When Hiding Feels Safer than Hoping

In 1997, astronaut Jerry Linenger was aboard the Russian space station Mir when a massive onboard fire broke out. Surrounded by smoke, heat, and panic, he and his crew fought the flames with limited air and visibility. Linenger later said, “I could not see the way out, but I trusted the voice in my headset guiding me to safety.” In that desperate moment, he learned that hearing the right voice could mean the difference between destruction and deliverance.

In many ways, Gideon was in his own fire aboard Mir—not in space, but in suffocating fear. Israel’s situation was dark, oppressive, and seemingly hopeless. Yet just as Linenger learned to trust the voice guiding him through the smoke, Gideon would soon learn to trust the voice of God guiding him through the shadows of fear. This story reminds us that when life closes in, the safest place is not hiding—it is hearing and heeding the voice of the Lord.

The book of Judges records days when God’s people lived in a loop. They rebelled, God repaid, they repented, and God in mercy raised a deliverer to rescue them. By the time we arrive at Judges 6, Midianite raiders have turned Israel’s promised land into a plundered land. Like locusts they swarm at harvest time, stealing grain, slaughtering livestock, and smothering hope. Fields that once waved with wheat now whisper with fear. The Cycle of Judges

 Rebellion– Israel forsakes the Lord for idols.

 Repayment – God allows enemies to oppress them.

Repentance – They cry out in distress.

 Rescue – God raises up a judge to deliver them.

5. Restoration - God restores his people to peace and prosperity. 

Gideon steps into the scene not as a soldier, but as a survivor, threshing wheat in a winepress. Threshing usually happened on an open hill where afternoon winds could blow away the chaff. Gideon hides in a hollow. He chooses concealment over courage, survival over significance. It is here, in a cramped place of scarcity, that the Angel of the LORD appears, not to condemn him, but to call him. Heaven steps into a hidden place and gives a holy name: “The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.”

Today’s message follows the Spirit’s pattern in the text:

The Lord Shows Up.

The Lord Sustains Our Concerns.

The Lord Sends.

Historical and Cultural Context

Oppression under Midian: For seven years, Midian and their confederates raided Israel at planting and harvest (Judges 6:1–6). They were nomadic, camel-borne marauders whose speed and numbers overwhelmed Israel’s scattered villages.

Economic devastation: The raiders stripped grain and livestock, producing famine-like pressure (6:4–5).

Covenant backdrop: Israel’s misery was not random. It was covenant discipline for covenant disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15, 47–48). God sent a prophet first (6:8–10) to expose the root problem: “Ye have not obeyed my voice.” Rescue without repentance would only recycle the rebellion.

Threshing and winepress: Threshing required wind on an exposed floor. A winepress was a sheltered pit for crushing grapes. Gideon’s activity in the winepress is a picture of fear-driven survival and scarce supply.

The Angel of the LORD: In Judges the Angel of the LORD often speaks as the LORD, receives worship, and bears divine authority. Many conservative Baptist theologians understand these as theophanies, likely Christophanies, where the preincarnate Christ appears (cf. Genesis 16:7–13; Exodus 3; Judges 2:1–5).

When God shows up with His word, He reframes our identity. When God sustains our concerns, He answers our questions with His character. When God sends, He supplies His presence. That is how God turns hiding hearts into heroic hands. Praise God for His awesome work in the life of His servants. 

Homiletical Big Idea

God’s presence turns fearful threshers into faithful deliverers. He shows up in our scarcity, sustains our questions with His character, and sends us with His promise, “Surely I will be with thee.”

Outline

I. The Lord Shows Up (Judges 6:11–12)  A. His Presence in a Pressed Place (v. 11)  B. His Pronouncement of Potential (v. 12)

II. The Lord Sustains Our Concerns (Judges 6:13)  A. Apprehensions: Why has this befallen us (v. 13a)  B. Accusations: Where are His miracles (v. 13b)

III. The Lord Sends (Judges 6:14–16)  A. Assigns the Mission (vv. 14–15)  B. Assures with His Might (v. 16)

I. The Lord Shows Up in Crisis (Judges 6:11–12)

A. His Presence in a Pressed Place (Judges 6:11)

Judges 6:11 - “And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah… and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.”

Exposition "And there came an angel of the Lord (Judges 6:11a) - While the enemy was literally surrounding them, and forcing Israel into hiding the Angel of the Lord shows up. In the darkest of moments the brightest light of hope appears. We are often preoccupied with the presence of difficulties, and miss the beautiful blessing of God's presence. While there will often be problems, the presence of God secures, shepherds us through all our difficulties (Psalm 23).  "And sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite; and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites..." The Angel of the Lord, meets with the next judge in a peculiar place: in the winepress. Gideon appears as a man of scarcity, with a skittish temperament. He is not on a hilltop where the breeze helps separate grain from chaff. He is crouching in a carved-out vat, guarding a meager harvest. Hiding has become his habit, yet the Angel of the LORD “came” and “sat.” God’s messenger does not hurry past Gideon’s fear. He sits where Gideon sits. He steps into Gideon’s smallness. That is the gospel rhythm of Scripture. God comes near, not because our place is strong, but because His presence is faithful (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15).

Theologically, this is the mercy of condescension. God stoops without surrendering His sovereignty. Philippians 2:1 is an amazing truth.   He addresses covenant discipline without abandoning covenant love. Israel’s sin explains their suffering, but God’s steadfast love explains His showing up. He sends a prophet to confront and then His Angel to comfort. Law exposes; grace empowers.

Application

Seek - the Lord in your pressed places (Psalm 27:8).

Surrender - your hiding habits (Isaiah 41:10).

Stand - in the truth that God draws near to contrite hearts (James 4:8; Psalm 46:1).

Cross-References (KJV): Psalm 34:18; Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 57:15; James 4:8.

Illustration During the 2017 Hurricane Harvey floods, a Texas pastor waded chest-deep through the waters to reach a family stranded in their home. When reporters asked why, he said, “Because Christ waded through my mess to save me.” God steps into our flooded fears the same way. He meets us where we hide and rescues us with grace.

B. His Pronouncement of Potential (Judges 6:12)

Judges 6:12 - “And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.”

Heaven speaks identity before issuing instructions. God’s word interrupts Gideon’s insecurity. The title “mighty man of valour” reads like irony to the natural eye, but like intention to the divine heart. God calls things according to His purpose, not our posture. His greeting centers on presence, “The LORD is with thee,” which grounds the title, “mighty man of valour.” Valor flows from presence, not personality.

Theologically, we observe how God’s effectual word creates what it commands. He does not flatter. He forms. As with Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter, the Lord names us according to His sovereign plan (Romans 4:17). Our adequacy is located in His nearness (2 Corinthians 3:5; John 15:5).

Application

Believe - what God says about you in Christ more than what fear shouts within you (Romans 8:37).

Build - your courage on God’s presence, not your performance (Joshua 1:9).

Begin - to act in line with God’s naming, even while your knees still knock (Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 5:7).

Cross-References (KJV): Romans 4:17; 2 Corinthians 3:5; John 15:5; Joshua 1:9.

Illustration The true story of Baker Mayfield, the 2017 walk-on quarterback at the University of Oklahoma, offers a vivid parallel. He arrived without scholarship or promise, often doubted and dismissed. But through grit, faith, and perseverance, he became a Heisman Trophy winner and NFL starter. Mayfield’s journey reminds us that what others overlook, God can anoint. God names the unlikely and raises them for His glory.

II. The Lord Sustains Our Concerns (Judges 6:13)

A. Apprehensions: Why has this befallen us (Judges 6:13a)

Judges 6:13 - “Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us?”

Gideon’s question is honest, but naive. Presence and pain feel incompatible. Yet Scripture interprets Israel’s moment as covenant chastening. The prophet has already said, “ye have not obeyed my voice” (6:10). The “why” is not aimless. It is disciplinary, designed to turn their hearts back to the Lord (Hebrews 12:6–11). God’s nearness does not promise the absence of consequences; it promises the aim of correction and the hope of restoration. The question makes it seem as if this suffering is random, but it is instead righteous retribution based upon God's declaration in Deuteronomy 28:15 “15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:” The true question that Gideon should be asking is not "Why has this befallen us," but rather, "Why not?" 

- After our rebellion, "Why not?" - After our idolatry, "Why not?" - After the altars we've built to strange Gods, "Why not?" - After we refused to drive out the enemy, but instead fell in love with them, "Why not?"  We live in a cultural context that suffers from biblical illiteracy and a lack of situational awareness. Consequently, we feel justified in questioning God regarding the bad things that happen in our world. We use our ignorant outrage to question God, with a Nietzsche-esque tone, and when we cannot find a satisfactory conclusion, we walk away from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, assigning our Spiritual immaturity a noble-sounding name like "deconstruction." The truth is we are simply experiencing the results of a fallen world. When we consider our world's sin-sick condition, the question should be reframed from "why" to "why not." When consider all the things that have befallen this world, we must consider the ramifications of sin. When we consider....

- A culture that is more focused on matrial and less on the master...." why not?"  - The move away from biblical truth, to relativism, where every man does what is right in his own sight..."why not." - When men can sing God bless America in church, and display Confederate flags..." why not?" - When politicians play with the health care of vulnerable people and make false claims as to their reasoning...." why not?" - When parents listen to violence, sexually graphic, profanity-laced music in front of their elementary aged children while smoking...." why not?" - When kids can quote the lyrics to Meg-the-Stallion, Glorilla, Beyonce, [Add other artists] but cannot quote one bible verse, and definitely not the words to a hymn, " why not?" Be sure that our sins will find us out. 

Application

Pause - and examine your life under the light of God’s word (Psalm 139:23–24).

Penitently - confess where the Spirit convicts and receive cleansing (1 John 1:9).

Persevere - in hope, knowing discipline aims at restoration (Hebrews 12:11; Romans 8:28).

Cross-References (KJV): Hebrews 12:6–11; Psalm 139:23–24; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 3:11–12.

Illustration A skilled father does not let his child play in traffic. Loving correction may sting, but it saves. God’s discipline is not the cruelty of an enemy but the care of a Father.

B. Accusations: Where are His miracles (Judges 6:13b)

Judges 6:13 “…and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of… but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”

Gideon moves from questions to conclusions. He equates delay with desertion. Yet the prophet has already given the reason for defeat. Forgetfulness distorts faith. Israel remembered the stories but resisted the Sovereign. Miracles are not museum pieces; they are signposts to obedience. God has not failed. Israel has forsaken. Gideon takes on an almost accusatory tone. He accuses God of being derilict in His duty of care for Israel. But notice, God does not strike him down at his inquiry, nor indictment of the sovereign God. This shows us that God allows room for our humanity. God gives us room to ask questions of Him, knowing it does not change his holy nature.  - Abraham asked God a question — “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25, KJV)

- Job asked God questions — “Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?” (Job 3:11, KJV)

- Jesus asked God a question — “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, KJV)

Application

Recall - the Lord’s past faithfulness and rehearse it in prayer (Psalm 77:11–12).

Reject - the lie that delay equals desertion (Lamentations 3:21–23).

Return - to obedience and expect the Lord to work in His time (Galatians 6:9; Isaiah 40:31).

Cross-References (KJV)

Psalm 77:10–14; Lamentations 3:21–23; Psalm 103:2; Isaiah 40:31.

Illustration Film editors can cut the middle out of a story and make the ending look impossible. Unbelief edits God’s story. Faith watches the whole film. God is still at work even when the screen is dark.

III. The Lord Sends Out the Called (Judges 6:14–16)

A. Assigns the Mission (Judges 6:14–15)

Judges 6:14–15 “14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”

Notice the shift: the narrator says, “the LORD looked upon him.” The speaker is no mere angel; it is the Lord Himself addressing Gideon. The command comes with a question that answers itself, “Have not I sent thee?” Calling is God’s initiative, not human invention. Gideon answers with a familiar litany: poor family, low status, least in the house. God does not deny the facts. He overrules them with sovereignty. The mission is anchored in the One who sends, not the one who stammers.

Application

Stop - disqualifying yourself where God has already commissioned you (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Start - where you are with what you have in obedience to His word (Exodus 3:10–12; Philippians 4:13).

Step - forward trusting that God’s call carries God’s capacity (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 1:26–29).

Cross-References (KJV)

Exodus 3:10–12; 1 Corinthians 1:26–29; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 2:10.

B. Assures with His Might (Judges 6:16)

Judges 6:16 – “And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.”

Gideon trembles under the weight of his assignment, yet God’s answer is not more explanation—it is assurance. The Lord speaks the same promise that steadied Abraham, strengthened Moses, and sustained Joshua: “Surely I will be with thee.” That single phrase turns weakness into worship and fear into faith. It is not a maybe, not a perhaps, not a conditional word, it is an eternal certainty. When God says “surely,” He wraps His faithfulness in finality.

“When God says ‘surely,’ you can hang your hope on His word, for He is the God who never fails. When He says He’ll be with you, He’s not sending you; He’s going with you!” Gideon’s courage will not be drawn from crowds or confidence in himself, but from companionship with the Almighty. The covenant-keeping God assures His servant that divine presence guarantees divine power.

The phrase “as one man” means that victory would be complete and cohesive. God would take Gideon and his small army of three hundred and cause them to fight with the unity and strength of a single, God-empowered warrior. When the Lord fights beside you, you need not count the multitude of your enemies—just count on the might of your Master.

“When God stands with you, your weakness becomes a weapon, your limitation becomes liberation, and your struggle becomes a story of victory!” God’s “surely” changes the conversation from what Gideon cannot do to what God has already promised to do. It is the same assurance Jesus gave His disciples in Matthew 28:20—“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” The grammar of grace is clear: “I will… thou shalt.” The success of Gideon’s mission does not rest in human hands but in divine help. God’s promise of presence is heaven’s guarantee of power.

Application

Anchor - your assignment in God’s promise, not people’s approval (Philippians 1:6).

Align - your steps with His presence through prayer and His word (Joshua 1:5; John 15:5).

Advance - in obedience, believing that God finishes what He starts (Psalm 60:12; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:20).

Cross-References (KJV)

Matthew 28:20; Acts 1:8; Joshua 1:5; Psalm 60:12; Philippians 1:6.

Christ-Centered Conclusion and Sermonic Close

Every judge in Israel was a temporary savior who died. Gideon delivered for a time, but Jesus delivers for eternity. Gideon heard “Surely I will be with thee,” and we hear the same from the risen Christ, “Lo, I am with you alway.” Gideon tore down an altar to Baal. Jesus triumphed over the powers of darkness at the cross. Gideon’s victory brought rest to the land for a season. Jesus gives rest to weary souls forever (Matthew 11:28).

“My brothers and my sisters, you may be threshing in your winepress today, you may be down to your last handful of hope. But hold on! For the same God who found Gideon in hiding can find you where you are. He can take your fear and forge it into faith. He can take your hiding and turn it into heroism. Gideon’s God is still God! And when the Lord shows up, you can stand up. When the Lord speaks up, you can step up. When the Lord sends you out, you can go out in victory!”

So come out of your hiding place. Lift up your head, child of grace. The Lord is still with you! He still calls you mighty in His name.

He still promises, ‘Surely I will be with thee.’ And when you’ve got God with you, that’s more than the world against you! Stand up and shout, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me!’ And the same God who called Gideon from the winepress will call you from weakness to winning, from trembling to triumph, from hiding to heroism — all for His glory!

Suggested Hymn of Response

Hymn: “No, Never Alone” This beloved hymn captures the heart of Gideon’s encounter with God in Judges 6:16. Just as the Lord promised Gideon, “Surely I will be with thee,” this hymn reminds every believer that the presence of God never departs from His children. Through trials, temptations, and fears, we are never left alone. The song reassures the faithful that our Savior walks beside us through every battle and burden:

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll; I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, Trying to conquer my soul; I heard the voice of Jesus telling me still to fight on; He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone!

The world’s fierce winds are blowing, Temptations sharp and keen; I feel a peace in knowing My Savior stands between; He stands to shield me from danger when earthly friends are gone; He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone!

When in affliction’s valley, I tread the road of care; My Savior helps me carry My cross so heavy to bear; Though all around me is darkness and earthly joys are flown; My Savior whispers His promise, Never to leave me alone!

Sing this hymn as a testimony that the same God who stood with Gideon still stands with us—faithful, present, and powerful in every trial.