When the men of the city got up in the morning, there was Baal's altar torn down, with the Asherah pole cut down beside it and the second bull offered up on the newly built altar. When the men of the city got up in the morning,This phrase sets the scene in the early hours of the day, a time often associated with new beginnings or revelations in biblical narratives. The men of the city likely refer to the inhabitants of Ophrah, where Gideon lived. In ancient Israelite culture, the morning was a time for communal activities and gatherings, making it significant that the discovery of the altar's destruction happened then. 1Sa 5:3-4 When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning,… there was Baal’s altar torn down, Baal was a prominent Canaanite deity, often associated with fertility and storms. The presence of Baal's altar indicates the syncretism and idolatry that had infiltrated Israelite society, contrary to the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). The tearing down of the altar symbolizes a direct challenge to the prevailing pagan worship and a call back to the worship of Yahweh. This act of destruction is reminiscent of the prophetic actions of Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40). 2Ki 10:27 They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal.… with the Asherah pole cut down beside it Asherah was a goddess worshipped alongside Baal, often represented by a wooden pole or tree. The cutting down of the Asherah pole signifies the removal of idolatrous practices and the purification of worship. This act aligns with Deuteronomy 16:21, which commands the Israelites not to set up any Asherah pole beside the altar of the Lord. Deu 7:5 Instead, this is what you are to do to them:… and the second bull offered up on the newly built altar. The offering of the second bull is significant as it represents a sacrifice to Yahweh, contrasting the idolatrous practices previously conducted. The use of a "second bull" may imply a specific choice or instruction from God, as seen earlier in Judges 6:25-26. The newly built altar signifies a fresh start and a return to proper worship, echoing the construction of altars by patriarchs like Abraham (Genesis 12:7) and Jacob (Genesis 35:7). This act prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill and replace the need for continual sacrifices through His death and resurrection. 1Ki 18:30-39 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.”… Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. He is the one who tore down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah pole. 2. Men of the City The inhabitants of Ophrah, who were likely worshippers of Baal and were shocked to find their altar destroyed. 3. Baal's Altar A place of worship dedicated to Baal, a Canaanite deity. Its destruction signifies a rejection of idolatry. 4. Asherah Pole A wooden symbol associated with the worship of the goddess Asherah, often placed near altars of Baal. 5. The Second Bull An offering made by Gideon on the newly built altar to the LORD, signifying a return to the worship of the true God. Teaching Points Obedience to God Over Cultural NormsGideon's actions remind us that following God may require us to stand against prevailing cultural practices that are contrary to His will. Courage in Faith Gideon’s boldness in tearing down the altar of Baal teaches us the importance of courageously acting on our faith, even when it may lead to opposition. Renewal of Worship The building of a new altar to the LORD signifies the need for renewal and rededication in our worship practices, focusing on God alone. Confronting Idolatry This passage challenges us to identify and remove any modern-day idols in our lives that may be taking the place of God. God's Empowerment Gideon's account illustrates that God empowers those He calls to accomplish His purposes, even when they feel inadequate. Bible Study Questions 1. What cultural or societal "altars" might God be calling you to tear down in your own life, and how can you do so with courage and faith?2. How does Gideon's obedience to God in Judges 6:28 inspire you to act against idolatry in your own context? 3. In what ways can you renew your worship and dedication to God, similar to how Gideon built a new altar to the LORD? 4. How do the actions of Gideon in Judges 6:28 connect with the broader biblical theme of returning to true worship, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Kings 18? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task God called you to. How does Gideon's account encourage you to trust in God's empowerment? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:13This verse commands the Israelites to tear down altars and cut down Asherah poles, directly connecting to Gideon's actions as obedience to God's law. 1 Kings 18:30-32 Elijah's repair of the altar of the LORD parallels Gideon's actions, both demonstrating a return to true worship amidst widespread idolatry. Deuteronomy 12:3 The command to destroy places of idol worship is echoed in Gideon's actions, showing his alignment with God's instructions.
People Abiezer, Abiezrites, Amalek, Amalekites, Amorites, Asher, Egyptians, Ephah, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Jezreel, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Ophrah, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Gaza, Jezreel Valley, Jordan River, Midian, OphrahTopics Altar, Asherah, Ashe'rah, Baal, Ba'al, Baal's, Behold, Beside, Broken, Built, Bull, Bullock, Cast, Cut, Demolished, Early, Got, Grove, Holy, Morning, Newly, Offered, Ox, Pole, Rise, Rose, Sacrificed, Shrine, Torn, Town, TreeDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 6:28Library Gideon's Altar'Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah- shalom [God is peace].'--JUDGES vi. 24. I need not tell over again, less vividly, the picturesque story in this chapter, of the simple husbandman up in the hills, engaged furtively in threshing out a little wheat in some hollow in the rock where he might hide it from the keen eyes of the oppressors; and of how the angel of the Lord, unrecognised at first, appeared to him; and gradually there dawned upon his mind the suspicion … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Gideon's Fleece Jehovam-Shalem, the Lord Send Peace. Judg 6:24 Whether it is a Sin to Tempt God? Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved. The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in Scripture, from the Foundation of the World. Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves. Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him. Of the Sacraments. The Doctrine of God And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Judges Links Judges 6:28 NIVJudges 6:28 NLT Judges 6:28 ESV Judges 6:28 NASB Judges 6:28 KJV Judges 6:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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