‘ And Gideon perceived that he was the Angel of Yaheweh, and Gideon said, “Alas! Oh Lord Yahweh, forasmuch as I have seen the Angel of Yahweh face to face.” '
Now he knew fully that he had been face to face with the angel of Yahweh and was greatly distressed. For he knew that no man could see God and live (see Genesis 32:30; Exodus 33:20). And in his distress he cried to Yahweh. He was overcome by his experience.