What does Judges 6:33 mean?

At the time The Angel of the Lord came to call Gideon (Judges 6:11–12), Gideon was attempting to hide food from marauding Midianites. This means these events—including Gideon's demolition of a pagan altar (Judges 6:25–28)—happened at the time of year when such raids were common. Midianites, Amalekites, and their allies from the east of the Jordan River invaded the land of Canaan. They camped in vast numbers in the Valley of Jezreel. Each year, they would take crops and livestock from the Israelites—anything that could be used for food. Israel had been helpless against them for seven years (Judges 6:1–5).

The Valley of Jezreel is named for the town at its eastern end. It runs about 15 miles, or 24 kilometers, between the range of hills known as Carmel and the lower part of Galilee. It is sometimes called the plain of Megiddo and has been the site of major battles throughout history. One day, this naturally perfect battlefield will host what is known as the Battle of Armageddon; this name is derived from the name of Mount Megiddo.

At this moment, the valley is packed with camels and tents full of the pillagers from across the Jordan. This time, though, Yahweh has raised up a deliverer. Things will go differently.