Definition: Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that [was] in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 6:21. It’s a really dramatic and intense moment in biblical history, and it's packed with symbolism. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God was dealing with a group of people who were about to eat a large meal – essentially, a massive feast. But these people weren’t following God’s instructions properly, and they were about to desecrate the sacred food by eating it without proper preparation. What Happened Next: The Angel of the LORD: The angel of the Lord, a powerful figure in Jewish tradition, intervened. The End of the Staff: He held up a staff – likely a symbol of God’s authority and protection – and extended it . This wasn't just a gesture; it was a deliberate act of reaching out to the food. Touching the Flesh & Cakes: He then touched (literally, he made contact) the flesh of the people and the unleavened cakes. These were the main portions of the feast – they needed to be prepared before being eaten. Fire Out of the Rock: This is a really important part. As he touched them, something incredible happened: fire erupted out of the rock itself! It was like a burning miracle. Consumed the Flesh & Cakes: The fire completely destroyed the food. It wasn’t just a small amount; it was everything . The Angel's Departure: Finally, the angel quickly left – seemingly vanishing. What Does This Mean? This event is generally interpreted as a powerful sign of God’s judgment and punishment for disobedience. It's often seen as: A Warning: It was a clear warning to those people not to continue their wicked actions. A Divine Punishment: It represents God’s absolute power and that He will not tolerate disrespect or wrongdoing. A Moment of Revelation: It suggests a deeper, almost supernatural event – something beyond human understanding. Symbolic Significance (Beyond the Literal): The story is rich with symbolism: The Rock: Represents God’s strength and protection. Fire: Represents divine judgment, purification, and the power of God to cleanse things. The Flesh & Cakes: Symbolize the offerings or sacrifices that were being made – a representation of the people's worship. In short, this verse tells us that God is watching over his people and will not tolerate disobedience. It’s a dramatic moment of divine intervention designed to highlight the seriousness of what was happening. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Discuss the meaning within a specific religious context (like Judaism or Christianity)? Compare this passage with another story or event in biblical history?