said and continues from where he (as the messenger) left off in verse 12. The important thing is not how Gideon himself thinks or feels, but what God has declared him to be: a mighty warrior (v. 12). His strength lies in his being chosen by God, and in God’s promise to be with him. 15–16 Gideon’s ignorance of the messenger’s identity is indicated by the way he addresses him simply as my Lord (ʾaḏōnāy)—the normal way of addressing a man of superior social position. As often in Old Testament call