But Joash said to all who stood against him, "Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself with the one who has torn down his altar." But Joash said to all who stood against him,Joash addressed the men who had gathered against Gideon and used his standing within the town to shield his son. Although Joash had possessed an altar of Baal, he refused to surrender Gideon to an angry mob. His response exposed the spiritual folly that had taken root in Israel and became a decisive defense of obedience to the LORD. 1Sa 14:45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—… “Are you contending for Baal? Joash challenged the townsmen for taking up the cause of an idol. Baal was worshiped by the Canaanites as a god of storm, rain, and fertility, yet his worship had repeatedly drawn Israel away from the covenant God. A god who depends upon human defenders cannot be God. 1Ki 18:21 Then Elijah approached all the people and said,… Are you trying to save him? The question reveals the reversal at the heart of idolatry: people were attempting to protect what they believed could protect them. The LORD alone saves His people and needs no human assistance to preserve His glory or establish His purposes. Isa 45:20 Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives… Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! Joash turned the crowd’s threat back upon those seeking to prosecute Gideon. Their zeal for Baal stood in direct conflict with God’s law, which condemned the worship and promotion of other gods. Joash’s firmness prevented Gideon’s death and allowed God’s appointed deliverer to continue the work entrusted to him. Deu 13:6-11 If your very own brother, or your son or daughter,… If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself Joash placed Baal on trial by demanding that Baal demonstrate his own power. The destroyed altar gave Baal every supposed reason and opportunity to act, yet Baal remained silent. The challenge anticipates Elijah’s later confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where the LORD alone answered by fire. Jer 2:28 But where are the gods you made for yourselves?… with the one who has torn down his altar.” Gideon had destroyed Baal’s altar in obedience to God’s command, even though he acted at night because he feared his household and the men of the town. God used that act to begin Israel’s deliverance from both Midianite oppression and spiritual compromise. Gideon was afterward called Jerubbaal, meaning, “Let Baal contend,” as a continuing witness that the false god could not defend his own altar. 2Ki 23:15 He even pulled down the altar at Bethel,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JoashThe father of Gideon, who defends his son’s actions against the townspeople who are angry about the destruction of Baal's altar. 2. Gideon The son of Joash, chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. He destroys the altar of Baal as commanded by God. 3. Baal A Canaanite deity whose worship had infiltrated Israel, leading them away from the worship of Yahweh. 4. The Townspeople The people of Ophrah who are angered by the destruction of Baal's altar and seek to punish Gideon. 5. Ophrah The location where these events take place, specifically the hometown of Gideon and his family. Teaching Points Courage in ObedienceGideon's actions demonstrate the courage required to obey God, even when it means standing against cultural norms and facing potential backlash. The Futility of Idolatry Joash's argument highlights the impotence of false gods, reminding believers of the power and sovereignty of the one true God. Defending the Faith Joash's defense of Gideon serves as an example of standing firm in faith and truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. God's Sovereignty The passage underscores the belief that God is in control and that false gods cannot contend with His power. Family Influence Joash's support of Gideon shows the importance of family in nurturing and defending faith, encouraging believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joash's response to the townspeople reflect his understanding of God's power compared to Baal's?2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage in our faith today, similar to Gideon's actions? 3. How does the account of Gideon and Joash challenge us to confront modern-day idols in our lives? 4. What role does family play in supporting and defending our faith, as seen in Joash's defense of Gideon? 5. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty over false gods to situations we face in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 18Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where he challenges Baal to prove his divinity, similar to Joash's challenge. Exodus 20:3-5 The commandment against idolatry, which Gideon’s actions directly support by tearing down the altar of Baal. Psalm 115:4-8 A description of the futility of idols, reinforcing Joash's argument that Baal should defend himself if he is truly a god. Acts 19:23-41 The riot in Ephesus over the goddess Artemis, showing the conflict between the worship of false gods and the truth of the Gospel.
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, Anyone, Arrayed, Attacking, Baal, Ba'al, Baal's, Breaks, Broken, Cast, Cause, Contend, Contends, Crowd, Death, Defend, Deliver, During, Fights, Hostile, Joash, Jo'ash, Morning, Plead, Pleadeth, Pulled, Pulling, Really, Replied, Save, Saviour, Someone, Stood, Torn, Trying, Whilst, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 6:25-32Library 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 6:31 NIVJudges 6:31 NLT Judges 6:31 ESV Judges 6:31 NASB Judges 6:31 KJV Judges 6:31 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |