There came an angel of the Lord, &c.— It is very evident from the context, that this Angel of the Lord was the same great Messenger of the Covenant, the JEHOVAH, of whose appearance we have so often spoken. See Judges 6:14, Judges 6:16, Judges 6:22, Judges 6:23, &c. Ophrah was a city of the half-tribe of Manasseh. Gideon's threshing corn gives us an idea of those old Romans who were called from the plough to the dictatorship, Dr. Shaw, speaking of the modern Arabs, says, "It is here no disgrace for persons of the highest character to busy themselves in what we should call menial employments. The greatest prince (like Gideon and Araunah of old) assists in the most laborious actions of husbandry; neither is he ashamed to fetch a lamb from his herd and kill it, whilst the princess his wife is impatient till she has prepared her fire and her kettle to seethe and dress it. In this manner we find Achilles and Patroclus employed, Hom. Iliad. xi. 205, &c.
"Achilles at the genial feast presides; The part transfixes, and with skill divides: Meanwhile Patroclus sweats the fire to raise." "POPE." See Travels, p. 237.