Background and Context:
Gideon's altar to the LORD is a significant event in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 6. This event occurs during a time when the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. The Israelites cried out to the LORD for help, and God responded by raising up Gideon as a judge to deliver them.

The Call of Gideon:
Gideon, the son of Joash, was from the tribe of Manasseh. He was called by God while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel of the LORD appeared to him, addressing him as a "mighty warrior" and commissioning him to save Israel from the Midianites. Gideon, feeling inadequate and questioning his own ability, asked for a sign to confirm that it was indeed the LORD speaking to him.

Construction of the Altar:
In response to Gideon's request for a sign, the Angel of the LORD instructed him to prepare an offering. Gideon prepared a young goat and unleavened bread from an ephah of flour. The Angel of the LORD touched the offering with the tip of the staff in His hand, and fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. This miraculous sign confirmed to Gideon that he was indeed in the presence of the LORD.

Following this encounter, Gideon built an altar to the LORD on that site. Judges 6:24 states, "So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." The name of the altar, "The LORD Is Peace" (Yahweh Shalom), reflects the peace and assurance Gideon received from God despite the turmoil surrounding him.

Significance of the Altar:
Gideon's altar represents a pivotal moment of faith and obedience. It signifies his acceptance of God's call and his commitment to lead Israel against their oppressors. The altar also serves as a testament to God's presence and peace, even in times of distress and uncertainty. By naming the altar "The LORD Is Peace," Gideon acknowledged God's sovereignty and the peace that comes from trusting in Him.

Subsequent Events:
After building the altar, Gideon was instructed by God to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. In its place, he was to build a proper altar to the LORD and offer a burnt sacrifice using the wood of the Asherah pole. This act of obedience further demonstrated Gideon's commitment to God and set the stage for his leadership in delivering Israel from the Midianites.

Theological Implications:
Gideon's altar to the LORD highlights themes of divine calling, faith, and the necessity of worshiping God alone. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the rejection of idolatry. The narrative also illustrates God's willingness to provide assurance and peace to those He calls, equipping them for the tasks He sets before them.