Reading view These options only affect the read view
Core Bible translation without expansions () or explanations [].
Text size:
Size of Bible text and introduction in read view.
On larger screens, the table of contents is displayed and automatically follows the reading, showing the current heading on the right side of the reading view (never displayed in mobile view)
To give more space to read the Bible text (especially on a small screen), the menu is hidden when scrolling down in the read view, but shown when scrolling up again. If you want to always show the menu, check this option. This setting only applies to the read view.
Bible text
This option hides/shows all titles in the Bible text. You can unfold more specific options by pressing the arrow
This option hides/shows all expansions and comments in the Bible text. You can unfold more specific options by pressing the arrow
comments in brackets providing context
explanations in the text that provide additional information
explanations in standalone text paragraphs that provide additional information
[The theme of fear/dread permeates the entire story of Gideon. The fear reflected in this story is a normal human fear that can arise in the face of the unknown or when faced with a challenge. But it must be overcome.] The angel of the Lord came to Ophrah [on the plain of Jezreel] and sat under the terebinth tree belonging to Joash of the Abiezrites. Gideon, his son, was threshing wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites (so that they would not see or get to it). [A generally accepted view is that the angel of the Lord is Jesus pre-incarnate, i.e., Jesus appearing as a messenger of the Lord before taking human form. The city of Ophrah is mentioned in connection with the Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor. It seems to have been exposed to attack in the middle of the plain and is often identified with today's Afula. Gideon means "one who cuts down," which is an appropriate name considering his first mission to tear down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole, see verse 25.]
And the men of the city said to Joash, "Bring out your son so that he may die, because he has broken down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah that was beside it."
And Joash said to all who stood over him (gathered around him, pressed in on him), "Will you fight for (defend with words) Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever wants to fight for him shall be killed before morning; if he is a god, let him fight for (defend) himself, since his altar has been broken down."
And his neighbor answered and said, "This is nothing other than the sword of Gideon, the son of Joash, a man of Israel; into his hand God (Elohim) has given Midian and all the army."
