Judges 6:25

On that very night the LORD said to Gideon, "Take your father's young bull and a second bull seven years old, tear down your father's altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.

Study Bible

On that very night
This phrase indicates immediacy and divine timing. The Hebrew word for "night" (לַיְלָה, laylah) often symbolizes a time of testing or divine encounter. In the biblical narrative, night is frequently a time when God reveals His will, as seen in the accounts of Jacob and Samuel. Here, it underscores the urgency and importance of God's command to Gideon.

the LORD said to him
The use of "the LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. This is not just any deity speaking, but the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who is faithful to His promises. The direct communication signifies Gideon's role as a chosen instrument for divine purposes, highlighting the personal nature of God's guidance.

Take your father’s young bull
The "young bull" (פַּר, par) is significant in Hebrew culture as a symbol of strength and sacrifice. Bulls were often used in religious rituals, and here, it represents a challenge to the prevailing idolatry. By using his father's bull, Gideon is making a personal and familial statement against the worship of Baal, indicating a return to the worship of Yahweh.

and a second bull seven years old
The "second bull" and its age, "seven years old," carry symbolic weight. The number seven in Hebrew (שֶׁבַע, sheva) often represents completeness or perfection. This detail may suggest the completeness of the idolatry that has taken hold or the completeness of the deliverance God is about to bring through Gideon. It also reflects the duration of Midianite oppression, which lasted seven years.

tear down the altar of Baal
The command to "tear down" (הָרַס, haras) is a call to destroy completely. Baal worship was a significant issue in Israel, representing a turning away from Yahweh to Canaanite deities. This act of tearing down the altar is a physical and spiritual cleansing, a rejection of false gods, and a return to covenant faithfulness.

that belongs to your father
This phrase highlights the personal and communal nature of idolatry. Gideon's father, Joash, had succumbed to the cultural pressures of Baal worship. By addressing the altar "that belongs to your father," God is calling Gideon to confront sin within his own household, emphasizing the need for personal repentance and leadership in spiritual renewal.

and cut down the Asherah pole beside it
The "Asherah pole" (אֲשֵׁרָה, Asherah) was a wooden symbol associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah, often placed beside altars to Baal. Cutting it down signifies the removal of syncretism and the purification of worship. This act is a declaration that Yahweh alone is God, rejecting the blending of pagan practices with the worship of the true God.

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 act in obedience to God by tearing down the altar of Baal.

2. Baal
A Canaanite deity worshiped by the Israelites during this period, representing a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh.

3. Asherah Pole
A wooden symbol associated with the worship of the goddess Asherah, often placed beside altars to Baal.

4. Ophrah
The hometown of Gideon, where the altar to Baal and the Asherah pole were located.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who commands Gideon to destroy the symbols of idolatry and restore true worship.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Command
Gideon's task demonstrates the importance of obeying God's instructions, even when they challenge cultural norms or familial traditions.

Courage in Faith
Gideon's actions required courage, as he was going against his father's practices and the community's beliefs. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, even when it is unpopular.

Purity of Worship
The removal of the altar to Baal and the Asherah pole signifies the need for purity in worship. Believers must examine their lives for any form of idolatry that detracts from their devotion to God.

God's Empowerment
Gideon's mission was initiated by God, who provided the strength and guidance needed. This reminds believers that God equips those He calls to fulfill His purposes.

Restoration and Renewal
Gideon's actions were a step towards the spiritual renewal of Israel. Believers are called to be agents of restoration in their communities, leading others back to true worship.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Gideon's obedience to God's command teach us about the importance of following God's will, even when it conflicts with societal norms?

2. How can we identify and remove "modern-day idols" in our lives that may hinder our relationship with God?

3. In what ways does Gideon's courage inspire us to stand firm in our faith in the face of opposition or criticism?

4. How does the account of Gideon relate to the New Testament call for believers to be separate from the world and its practices?

5. What steps can we take to be agents of spiritual renewal and restoration in our own communities, similar to Gideon's role in Israel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, which underscores the importance of Gideon's task to remove false gods from Israel.

1 Kings 18:21-40
Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, highlighting the ongoing struggle against idolatry in Israel's history.

2 Corinthians 6:16-17
The call for believers to separate themselves from idolatry and be temples of the living God, paralleling Gideon's call to purify Israel's worship.