Judges 6:24

KJV

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Gideon {H1439} built {H1129} an altar {H4196} there unto the LORD {H3068}, and called {H7121} it Jehovahshalom {H3073}: unto this day {H3117} it is yet in Ophrah {H6084} of the Abiezrites {H33}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Gid'on built an altar there to ADONAI and called it "ADONAI-Shalom"; to this day it remains in 'Ofrah of the Avi'ezri.

Berean Standard Bible

So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

American Standard Version

Then Gideon built an altar there unto Jehovah, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:24 recounts Gideon's immediate and profound response to his divine encounter with the Angel of the LORD, after receiving a direct assurance of peace and life from God. Overwhelmed by this revelation and the removal of his fear, Gideon constructs an altar in Ophrah, dedicating it to the LORD and naming it "Jehovahshalom," meaning "The LORD is Peace." This act serves as a lasting memorial to God's faithfulness, His character as the source of true wholeness, and a testament to Gideon's burgeoning faith amidst a time of national oppression and personal apprehension.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic response to Gideon's extraordinary encounter with the Angel of the LORD, detailed in [Judges 6:11-23](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-23 - Gideon's Encounter with the Angel of the LORD"). Gideon, initially found threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites, is commissioned by God to deliver Israel. His fear and doubt are evident as he requests a sign, which is miraculously consumed by fire. Overwhelmed by the realization that he had seen the Angel of the LORD face-to-face, Gideon exclaims, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face!" (Judges 6:22). It is in this moment of terror that the LORD directly assures him, "Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die" ([Judges 6:23](/judges/6-23 "Judges 6:23 - God's Assurance of Peace to Gideon")). Gideon's building of the altar and naming it "Jehovahshalom" is a direct, worshipful, and faith-filled response to this divine comfort and the removal of his mortal fear, marking a turning point in his acceptance of God's call.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges depicts a period of cyclical apostasy, oppression, and deliverance in Israel following the conquest of Canaan. At this time, Israel was under severe oppression from the Midianites, who regularly raided their crops and livestock, driving the Israelites to hide in caves and strongholds ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression")). This oppressive context underscores Gideon's initial fear and the profound significance of God's promise of "peace." The building of altars was a common practice in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East, serving as places of worship, sacrifice, and memorial to significant divine encounters or covenants. Such altars often marked sacred spaces where God's presence was uniquely manifested or remembered. The mention of "Ophrah of the Abiezrites" grounds the narrative geographically within Gideon's tribal territory, emphasizing the local and personal nature of this divine encounter that would have national ramifications.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:24 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine peace amidst human fear and chaos**. Gideon's profound terror is met not with judgment, but with a direct divine assurance of *shalom*, transforming his apprehension into worship. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **worship and remembrance** in response to God's revelation. The altar serves as a tangible, enduring memorial to God's faithfulness and the specific peace He granted, echoing earlier instances of altars built by patriarchs like Abraham and Jacob to mark divine encounters (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Abraham Builds an Altar") or [Genesis 35:7](/genesis/35-7 "Genesis 35:7 - Jacob Builds an Altar at Bethel")). Thirdly, the naming of the altar "Jehovahshalom" emphasizes **God's character as the ultimate source of peace and wholeness**, not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive well-being that flows from His presence and covenant faithfulness. This concept of God as the source of peace is foundational throughout scripture, as seen in passages like [Numbers 6:26](/numbers/6-26 "Numbers 6:26 - The Priestly Blessing of Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehovahshalom (Hebrew, _Yahweh Shalom_):** This compound name is profoundly significant. "Jehovah" (YHWH) is the sacred, personal, covenantal name of God, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. "_Shalom_" is a rich Hebrew word that extends far beyond the English "peace." It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, safety, harmony, and a state of flourishing in all aspects of life. Thus, "Jehovahshalom" declares "The LORD is Peace" or "The LORD is Wholeness," proclaiming God's very character as the ultimate source and embodiment of true, comprehensive peace, especially in a time of national distress and personal fear.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbeach_):** An altar was a structure, typically of earth or unhewn stone, used for offering sacrifices to God. In the Old Testament, altars also served as places of worship, prayer, and, as in this case, memorials to significant divine encounters or acts of God. Building an altar was an act of devotion, acknowledging God's presence and sovereignty, and consecrating a place for communion with Him. Gideon's altar was not for sacrifice but for remembrance and worship, marking the spot where God transformed his fear into peace.
* **Ophrah (Hebrew, _'Ophrah_):** This refers to Gideon's hometown, located within the territory of the Abiezrites, a clan of the tribe of Manasseh. Its specific mention grounds the narrative historically and geographically, indicating that this significant divine encounter and the resulting memorial were not in some distant, unidentifiable place, but within the very community where Gideon lived. The phrase "unto this day it is yet in Ophrah" serves as a narrative anchor, providing historical verification and emphasizing the enduring witness of God's action for the original audience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD":** This clause describes Gideon's immediate and decisive action following God's assurance of peace. Building an altar was a customary response to a profound divine revelation or deliverance in ancient Israel. It signifies Gideon's act of worship, gratitude, and dedication to the LORD, acknowledging the divine presence he had just experienced and the fear that had been removed. The "there" refers to the place where the Angel of the LORD had appeared to him and consumed his offering.
* **"and called it Jehovahshalom":** This is the core theological declaration of the verse. By naming the altar "Jehovahshalom" ("The LORD is Peace"), Gideon publicly proclaims God's character as the ultimate source of peace and wholeness. This name encapsulates the transformative experience Gideon just had—his fear of death turned into divine assurance and tranquility. It's a statement of faith, identifying God as the one who provides comprehensive well-being, especially in a context of personal terror and national oppression.
* **"unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites":** This concluding phrase serves as an editorial note, common in historical narratives, to confirm the enduring presence of the altar and the veracity of the account for the original readers. It emphasizes that the memorial to God's peace-giving presence remained visible in Gideon's tribal territory, serving as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and the historical reality of this pivotal event. It anchors the spiritual truth in a tangible, verifiable location.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the altar itself serving as a powerful symbol of worship, remembrance, and the enduring presence of God. It is not merely a pile of stones but a physical manifestation of a spiritual encounter and a theological truth. The act of **Naming** the altar "Jehovahshalom" is a form of **theological declaration**, transforming a physical structure into a profound statement about God's character. This naming also functions as a **memorial**, ensuring that the significance of the encounter—God's provision of peace—would be remembered for generations. Furthermore, the phrase "unto this day" acts as a **narrative anchor** or **historical verification**, lending credibility to the account by asserting the continued existence of the altar and providing a tangible link between the past event and the contemporary audience. This technique reinforces the historical reality of God's interaction with His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:24 offers a profound theological statement about the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. In a world fraught with fear, conflict, and uncertainty, Gideon's experience reminds us that true peace, *shalom*, originates solely from the LORD. This peace is not merely the absence of external conflict but a holistic well-being, security, and tranquility that flows from being in right relationship with God. Gideon's altar, named "Jehovahshalom," stands as an enduring testament to God's character as the ultimate provider of this comprehensive peace, transforming fear into worship and despair into hope. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not only the God of power and justice but also the God of intimate, personal peace who responds to human terror with divine comfort.

* [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "The Prince of Peace")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "Jesus' Gift of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's encounter and his subsequent act of building the altar "Jehovahshalom" provide a timeless blueprint for believers navigating their own fears and uncertainties. In moments of overwhelming anxiety, when we feel exposed or threatened, this passage calls us to remember that God Himself is our peace. Just as Gideon's terror was met with divine assurance, we are invited to bring our fears to the Lord, trusting that He is able to calm our spirits and grant us His comprehensive *shalom*. This peace often manifests not as the removal of all external challenges, but as an inner tranquility that transcends circumstances. Furthermore, Gideon's response of building an altar serves as a powerful reminder for us to create our own "altars of remembrance"—tangible or intangible ways to recall God's faithfulness in our lives. Whether through journaling, prayer, sharing testimonies, or simply pausing to acknowledge His past provisions, actively remembering God's interventions strengthens our faith and reinforces our trust in His continued presence and peace-giving power. Our worship, like Gideon's, should be a natural overflow of experiencing God's peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of "Jehovahshalom" speak to your deepest fears or anxieties today?**
* **What "altars of remembrance" (practices, symbols, or memories) can you build in your life to recall God's faithfulness and peace-giving presence?**
* **In what ways can your worship become a more direct response to experiencing God's peace, rather than just a routine?**

### FAQ
**Why did Gideon fear seeing the Angel of the LORD face-to-face?**

Answer: Gideon's fear stemmed from a widespread ancient Near Eastern and Israelite belief that no human could see God (or His divine messenger, the Angel of the LORD, who often embodied God's presence) and live. This belief is rooted in passages like [Exodus 33:20](/exodus/33-20 "Exodus 33:20 - No One Can See My Face and Live"), where God tells Moses, "You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live." Similarly, after Manoah and his wife (Samson's parents) realized they had seen the Angel of the LORD, Manoah exclaimed, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God!" ([Judges 13:22](/judges/13-22 "Judges 13:22 - Manoah's Fear After Seeing the Angel of the LORD")). Gideon's reaction was therefore a natural and expected response to such a profound and awe-inspiring divine encounter, making God's immediate reassurance in [Judges 6:23](/judges/6-23 "Judges 6:23 - God's Assurance of Peace to Gideon") ("Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die") all the more significant and comforting.

**What is the significance of the name "Jehovahshalom"?**

Answer: The name "Jehovahshalom" (or Yahweh Shalom) is a profound theological declaration. It combines God's personal, covenantal name, YHWH (often translated "LORD"), with the Hebrew word "_shalom_." As explained in the exposition, "_shalom_" is far richer than just "peace" in the sense of absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, health, safety, and harmony in all aspects of life. Therefore, "Jehovahshalom" means "The LORD is Peace" or "The LORD is Wholeness/Completeness." It signifies that God Himself is the ultimate source and embodiment of true, comprehensive peace, not merely a feeling or a temporary state. For Gideon, in a time of personal terror and national oppression, this name was a powerful affirmation that God was his peace, capable of bringing holistic well-being even amidst chaos and fear. It declares God's character as the one who brings order out of disorder and calms the anxious soul.

**Why was the altar built "unto this day"?**

Answer: The phrase "unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites" serves as a narrative device used by biblical authors to emphasize the enduring witness and historical veracity of the event being described. It functions as a form of historical verification, indicating that the memorial (Gideon's altar) was still physically present and recognizable to the original audience at the time the book of Judges was written or compiled. This detail grounds the spiritual truth of God's peace-giving presence in a tangible, verifiable location, reinforcing the reality and significance of Gideon's encounter and God's faithfulness for generations to come. It tells the reader, "This really happened, and here's the proof."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's encounter with "Jehovahshalom" in Judges 6:24 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect peace found in Jesus Christ. While Gideon experienced a specific, localized peace from the fear of death, Jesus is revealed in the New Testament as the very embodiment of "Jehovahshalom" for all humanity. He is the "Prince of Peace" prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), whose coming ushered in a new covenant of peace with God. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down the wall of hostility between God and humanity, making peace through His blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Making Peace Through His Blood")). He is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")), reconciling us to God and to one another. Unlike the temporary peace Gideon received, Jesus offers a peace that the world cannot give, a peace that transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace"); [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Gideon's altar in Ophrah was a physical monument to a moment of divine peace; Christ, through His finished work, is the living, eternal "Jehovahshalom," who not only calms our fears but grants us everlasting peace and wholeness with God, conquering sin and death once for all ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 17:15

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

Genesis 22:14

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

Judges 8:32

And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Ezekiel 48:35

[It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Joshua 22:10

¶ And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that [are] in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to.

Judges 21:4

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.