Judges 6:26

Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering."

Study Bible

Then build a proper altar
The directive to "build a proper altar" signifies a return to true worship and obedience to God. In Hebrew, the word for altar is "mizbeach," which is derived from the root "zabach," meaning to sacrifice. This highlights the altar's purpose as a place of offering and dedication to God. Historically, altars were central to Israelite worship, serving as a tangible expression of faith and commitment. The command to build a "proper" altar underscores the need for worship that aligns with God's instructions, contrasting with the improper worship of idols prevalent in Gideon's time.

to the LORD your God
The phrase "to the LORD your God" emphasizes the personal relationship between God and His people. The use of "LORD" in all capitals represents the divine name YHWH, the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal, self-existent nature. This personal name reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness and His unique relationship with them as their covenant God. It calls Gideon and the Israelites to exclusive worship, rejecting the false gods of the surrounding nations.

on the top of this stronghold
Building the altar "on the top of this stronghold" is significant both strategically and symbolically. A stronghold, or "ma'oz" in Hebrew, refers to a place of refuge or defense. By placing the altar on the stronghold, Gideon is making a bold statement of faith, declaring that true security and strength come from the LORD, not from physical fortifications or idols. This act of faith challenges the prevailing belief systems and asserts the supremacy of God over all earthly powers.

Using the wood of the Asherah pole
The Asherah pole was a symbol of the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often associated with fertility and idol worship. The command to use its wood for the altar signifies a complete repudiation of idolatry. By repurposing the wood for God's altar, Gideon is transforming a symbol of false worship into one of true devotion. This act illustrates the transformative power of God, who can redeem and repurpose even the most profane elements for His glory.

that you cut down
The phrase "that you cut down" highlights Gideon's active role in dismantling idolatry. The Hebrew verb "karath," meaning to cut or cut down, implies decisive action. Gideon's obedience in cutting down the Asherah pole is a physical manifestation of his commitment to God. It serves as a reminder that following God often requires bold and courageous actions to remove sin and idolatry from our lives.

offer the second bull as a burnt offering
The instruction to "offer the second bull as a burnt offering" is rich in sacrificial symbolism. The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, was a sacrifice of complete dedication, with the entire animal consumed by fire, symbolizing total surrender to God. The choice of the "second bull" may indicate a specific selection for this act of worship, emphasizing the importance of offering our best to God. This offering represents atonement and reconciliation, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself wholly for our redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gideon
A judge of Israel chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He is called to destroy the altar of Baal and build an altar to the LORD.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who commands Gideon to build an altar and offer a sacrifice, signifying the restoration of true worship.

3. The Asherah Pole
A wooden symbol associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah, which Gideon is instructed to cut down and use as fuel for the burnt offering.

4. The Stronghold
The location where Gideon is to build the altar, symbolizing a place of strength and security, now dedicated to the worship of the true God.

5. The Second Bull
The animal specified for the burnt offering, representing a significant sacrifice and act of obedience to God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Gideon's actions demonstrate the importance of obeying God's instructions, even when they challenge cultural norms or personal fears.

Destroying Idols
Believers are called to identify and remove any idols in their lives, whether physical or metaphorical, to fully devote themselves to God.

Restoration of True Worship
Building an altar to the LORD signifies a return to genuine worship, reminding us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

Courage in Faith
Gideon's task required courage and trust in God, encouraging us to step out in faith when God calls us to act.

Sacrificial Living
The offering of the second bull illustrates the cost of true worship, urging us to live sacrificially for God's glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. What idols or distractions in your life might God be calling you to remove, similar to Gideon's destruction of the Asherah pole?

2. How can you build a "proper altar" in your life, dedicating a space or time specifically for worship and communion with God?

3. In what ways does Gideon's account encourage you to act courageously in your faith, even when facing opposition or fear?

4. How does the concept of offering a sacrifice in Judges 6:26 relate to the New Testament call to be a living sacrifice, as seen in Romans 12?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to obey God in a challenging situation. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it apply to your current walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20
The commandment against idolatry, which Gideon's actions directly address by tearing down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole.

1 Kings 18
Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, where he repairs the altar of the LORD, similar to Gideon's restoration of true worship.

Romans 12
The call for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, paralleling Gideon's act of offering a burnt sacrifice to God.