Verse 12:[1] And the (Judg. 13:3; Luke 1:11, 28) angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is (Josh. 1:5) with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
[He appeared to him] Not as if he had formerly disappeared, but he appeared, that is, he was seen by him, when he had turned his eyes in that direction, where he was sitting (Bonfrerius).
[וַיֵּרָא[2]] He was seen (Pagnine); he presented himself to be seen (Vatablus).
[The Lord with thee] Supply, either, be (Lapide, Bonfrerius), so that it might be a salutation; or, which I would prefer, is, so that it might be an assertion; for Gideon’s response indicates that he understood it in this way (Bonfrerius).
The LORD is with thee: that is, Will assist thee against thine and mine enemies.
[O most mighty of men, גִּבּ֥וֹר הֶחָֽיִל׃] O most mighty warrior (Munster), mighty in strength (Bonfrerius), mighty (or most valiant [Junius and Tremellius]) in strength (Lapide), hero vigorous, or of vigor (Piscator, Malvenda). Who excellest in strength of body and soul, and art going to be much more powerful through my help (Lapide). Thus he addresses him, so that he might infuse him with courage, and stir him up against their enemies, and promise him victory (Munster).
Thou mighty man of valour; to whom I have given strength and courage for this end.
[1] Hebrew: וַיֵּרָ֥א אֵלָ֖יו מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֑ה וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו יְהוָ֥ה עִמְּךָ֖ גִּבּ֥וֹר הֶחָֽיִל׃
[2] In the Niphal (passive) conjugation.
Matthew Henry: 'Let us now see what passed between the angel and Gideon, who knew not with certainty, till after he was gone, that he was an angel, but supposed he was a prophet....
The angel accosted him with respect, and assured him of the presence of God with him, Judges 6:12. He calls him a mighty man of valour, perhaps because he observed how he threshed his corn with all his might; and seest thou a man diligent in his business? whatever his business is, he shall stand before kings. He that is faithful in a few things shall be ruler over many. Gideon was a man of a brave active spirit, and yet buried alive in obscurity, through…