Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, groves often refer to places of idolatrous worship, particularly associated with the Canaanite goddess Asherah. These sites typically featured wooden poles or trees, which were considered sacred and were used in various pagan rituals. The destruction of such groves was a significant act of devotion to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as it symbolized the rejection of idolatry and the reaffirmation of covenantal faithfulness.The account of Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, provides a notable example of the destruction of a grove. Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Before he could lead Israel to victory, however, he was instructed to purify his own household from idolatry. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges. Biblical Account: Judges 6:25-27 "On that very night the LORD said to him, '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. 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.' 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." In this passage, God commands Gideon to destroy the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole, which were central to the idolatrous practices of his family and community. The act of tearing down these symbols of false worship was a direct challenge to the prevailing religious practices and a bold declaration of allegiance to the one true God. Gideon's obedience, despite his fear, underscores the importance of faith and courage in confronting idolatry. By using the wood of the Asherah pole to fuel the burnt offering to Yahweh, Gideon not only eradicated the physical symbols of idolatry but also repurposed them for the worship of God, demonstrating the transformative power of divine intervention. The destruction of the grove by Gideon serves as a powerful reminder of the call to holiness and the necessity of removing any obstacles that hinder true worship. It highlights the ongoing struggle against idolatry faced by the Israelites and the need for decisive action to maintain the purity of their devotion to God. This narrative continues to resonate as a call to reject modern forms of idolatry and to prioritize faithfulness to God above all else. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 6:25-28And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said to him, Take your father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the grove that is by it: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... The Seventh Book A Discourse The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; Resources Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Ahab Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Israelites Groves for Idol Worship Planted by Manasseh Groves of Canaanites, to be Destroyed Groves: Destroyed by Jehoshaphat Groves: Fondness of Israel For Groves: Forbidden to be Established Groves: God Promised to Wean Israel From Groves: Idols Were Worshipped In Groves: Not to be Planted Near God's Altar Groves: Often on Tops of Hills Groves: Often Used As Resting Places Groves: Punishment for Making and Serving Groves: Worshiped by Israelites Related Terms |
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