The answer is: Gideon

Jdg 6:19

In Judges 6:19, we encounter Gideon making a generous offering of a pot of broth and a basket of meat under an oak tree—such a seemingly simple act bursting with significance. This moment takes place while he’s having a face-to-face encounter with an angel, who presents him with God's mysterious call to save Israel from the Midianites. The oak tree here is intriguing; ancient oaks were often sites of significant events and divine encounters. Trees bore deeply symbolic meanings, often representing life, strength, and shelter, much like what Gideon hopes to bring for his people through his impending leadership.

Gideon’s choice of food taps into the culture of hospitality, deeply rooted in ancient traditions. Offering food to a visitor—even a celestial one—was seen as an act of welcome, reflecting both human kindness and recognition of the divine. Fun fact: The whole meat offering idea can take us all the way back to Abraham in Genesis 18, where he served three mysterious visitors—a moment marked in time for its embodiment of divine provocation and promise.

Additionally, Gideon was notorious for testing God with Sign-from-the-Sky scenarios—like the fleece test where droplets of dew specifically fell onto his fleece. Curious about how prevalent signs were throughout the Judaic tradition? Let’s just say, divine guidance came in many forms filtered through history—mirroring wonders in our daily lives, telling us that every act of giving blink 'signals' pointing towards larger themes of faithfulness and destiny. Gideon’s reward by being responsive became the transformation of a simple meal into heralding a bigger mission toward liberation!