Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 6:15
15. My family is poor in Manasseh. Literally, my thousand. For convenience in government Israel was divided into thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Exodus 18:21; Exodus 18:25. A thousand in this technical sense might become greater or smaller in the course of time. Its numbers, like those of a regiment of an army, might become much diminished, and yet the old title of thousand remain. That thousand in Manasseh to which Gideon belonged had become feeble, though its exact numerical... read more
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 6:14
14. The Lord looked upon him This clearly shows that this Angel was the manifestation of Jehovah himself and this looking upon him was an impressive gaze which made him conscious of the Divine Presence, and imparted to him a divine power. In this thy might The might and strength which I herewith impart. Have not I sent thee Language of divine assurance. Compare marginal references. read more