Book of Judges - Chapter 6 - Verse 21

After the Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness, they were in need of a sign from the Lord to confirm His presence and power among them. In this verse, the angel of the Lord performs a miraculous sign by causing fire to consume the flesh and unleavened cakes that were offered. This act demonstrated the Lord's acceptance of their sacrifice and his willingness to provide for them even in the most barren of places. The fire that came forth from the rock symbolized the divine power and presence of God, reminding the Israelites that He was with them every step of the way. As quickly as the angel of the Lord appeared and performed this miraculous act, he departed from their sight, leaving behind a powerful reminder of God's presence and provision in the wilderness.

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse, one cannot overlook the significance of fire as a symbol of God's presence and purification throughout the Bible. The image of fire consuming the flesh and unleavened cakes demonstrates the power and holiness of the angel of the LORD, who is often seen as a manifestation of God himself in the Old Testament. This act of consuming the sacrifice with fire can be seen as a symbol of God's acceptance of the offering, as fire was often used in ancient rituals to signify divine approval. The use of the staff also holds theological significance, as it represents authority and power, further emphasizing the divine nature of the angel. Additionally, the act of the angel departing out of sight can be seen as a sign of the transient nature of God's presence in the lives of individuals, coming and going as he deems fit. Overall, this verse showcases the power, authority, and holiness of the angel of the LORD, highlighting the importance of his presence in the biblical narrative.