The account of the "Second Bull" is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 6:25-32. This narrative is part of the larger account of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel, who was called by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites.

Context and Background

During the time of the Judges, the Israelites repeatedly fell into cycles of sin, idolatry, and oppression by surrounding nations. In Judges 6, the Israelites are suffering under the Midianites due to their disobedience to God. In response to their cries for help, God raises up Gideon to lead them to freedom.

The Command to Destroy Idolatry

In Judges 6:25-26 , the Lord commands Gideon: "Take your father’s young bull, the second bull of seven years old, and tear down the altar of Baal that belongs to your father, and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering."

This directive is significant for several reasons. First, it underscores the necessity of purging idolatry from among the Israelites. The altar of Baal and the Asherah pole represent the syncretism and apostasy that had infiltrated Israelite worship. By commanding Gideon to destroy these symbols, God is reasserting His sovereignty and holiness.

The Significance of the Second Bull

The "second bull" is specifically mentioned as being seven years old, which may symbolize completeness or perfection in biblical numerology. This detail highlights the importance of the sacrifice as a complete and perfect offering to God, contrasting with the incomplete and imperfect worship of Baal.

The use of the second bull also signifies a personal cost to Gideon and his family, as it belonged to his father, Joash. This act of obedience required Gideon to confront familial and communal ties to idolatry, demonstrating his commitment to God above all else.

Gideon's Obedience and the Reaction of the People

Gideon obeys God's command, albeit under the cover of night due to fear of his family and the townspeople. In Judges 6:27 , it is recorded: "So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the men of the city, he did it at night rather than in the daytime."

The reaction of the townspeople the following morning is one of outrage. They demand Gideon's death for destroying the altar of Baal. However, Joash, Gideon's father, defends him, saying in Judges 6:31 , "If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar." This statement challenges the power and reality of Baal, emphasizing the impotence of false gods compared to the true God of Israel.

Theological Implications

The narrative of the second bull serves as a powerful reminder of the call to exclusive worship of Yahweh. It illustrates the necessity of removing idolatry and false worship from the lives of God's people. Gideon's actions, though initially fearful, demonstrate faith and obedience, setting the stage for his role as a deliverer of Israel.

This account also highlights the theme of divine empowerment and protection. Despite the potential for severe repercussions, Gideon's obedience leads to a reaffirmation of God's sovereignty and a challenge to the prevailing idolatry. The account of the second bull thus serves as an enduring testament to the call for holiness and the rejection of idolatry in the life of the believer.