And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
The verse stands within the repeated cycle of backsliding followed by chastisement, then confession followed by deliverance, in which God raised up faithful and valiant men to put down idolatry and to deliver the Israelites from their enemies, only for the people after the deliverer's death gradually to return to their idols. When Gideon realized he had seen the Angel of the Lord face to face he feared he would die, and the Lord answered by giving him peace and telling him not to fear because he would not die, thus promising him peace and safety. His fear illustrates the awe and fear people felt when brought into close contact with a messenger from God's holy presence.
The One who spoke these words is the same compassionate Savior who encouraged the disciples on the stormy sea and who spoke peace to His sorrowing followers in the upper room.
The verse stands within the repeated cycle of backsliding followed by chastisement, then confession followed by deliverance, in which God raised up faithful and valiant men to put down idolatry and to deliver the Israelites from their enemies, only for the people after the deliverer's death gradually to return to their idols. When Gideon realized he had seen the Angel of the Lord face to face he feared he would die, and the Lord answered by giving him peace and telling him not to fear because he would not die, thus promising him peace and safety. His fear illustrates the awe and fear people felt when brought into close contact with a messenger from God's holy presence.
The One who spoke these words is the same compassionate Savior who encouraged the disciples on the stormy sea and who spoke peace to His sorrowing followers in the upper room.