What can we learn from Joash's defense of Gideon in Judges 6:31? Setting the scene Judges 6 opens with Israel oppressed by Midian because the people had turned to Baal. God calls Gideon to tear down the local Baal altar and Asherah pole. By morning the townspeople want Gideon executed, and Gideon’s own father, Joash, is the one who unexpectedly steps forward. “ ‘Would you plead Baal’s cause? Would you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been torn down.’ ” (Judges 6:31) Joash’s heart shift • Joash had hosted the very altar Gideon destroyed, yet he now stands with the God of Israel. • One decisive act of obedience from Gideon jolts Joash awake spiritually; family faith can be rekindled when someone dares to obey the Lord. • Personal repentance can happen swiftly—no one is locked into yesterday’s compromises. Boldly defending truth • Joash confronts an angry crowd willing to kill; courage often means speaking up when it is least safe. • His logic is simple and disarming: if Baal is real, he can defend himself. Truth does not fear examination. • Like Gamaliel later advised regarding the apostles (Acts 5:38-39), Joash trusts that genuine divine power needs no human enforcers. Exposing the powerlessness of idols • Psalm 115:4-7 describes idols that “have mouths, but cannot speak… feet, but cannot walk.” Joash’s challenge highlights this same emptiness. • Elijah used a similar tactic on Mount Carmel: “Cry louder, for he is a god!” (1 Kings 18:27). False gods consistently fail the test of action. Spiritual leadership begins at home • A father publicly shielding his son models protective, godly headship (Ephesians 6:4). • Joash’s stand strengthens Gideon’s resolve to lead Israel—parents can empower their children’s callings by standing with them. Echoes in the rest of Scripture • Jeremiah 10:5 contrasts lifeless idols with the living God; Joash’s argument fits Jeremiah’s later prophecy. • 1 Samuel 5 shows Dagon falling before the Ark—another scene where a so-called deity cannot defend itself. • Romans 1:22-23 warns of exchanging God’s glory for images; Joash pushes his neighbors to reconsider that tragic exchange. Living it out today • When God’s truth clashes with cultural idols, ask Joash’s question: “If this ‘god’ is real, can it defend itself?” • Stand firm even if outnumbered; courage backed by truth often turns the tide. • Support family members who step out in obedience—your affirmation may be the hinge on which their faith journey swings. • Let visible acts of repentance—tearing down modern “altars”—spark fresh conviction in those around you. |
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