Judges 6:25

KJV

¶ And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that [is] by it:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass the same night {H3915}, that the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Take {H3947} thy father's {H1} young {H6499} bullock {H7794}, even the second {H8145} bullock {H6499} of seven {H7651} years old {H8141}, and throw down {H2040} the altar {H4196} of Baal {H1168} that thy father {H1} hath, and cut down {H3772} the grove {H842} that is by it:

Complete Jewish Bible

That very night ADONAI said to him, "Take your father's bull and the other bull, the seven-year-old. Destroy the altar to Ba'al that belongs to your father, cut down the sacred pole next to it,

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass the same night, that Jehovah said unto him, Take thy father’s bullock, even the second bullock seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the Asherah that is by it;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:25 records the Lord's immediate and radical command to Gideon, following his divine encounter and call to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. This pivotal instruction mandates Gideon to dismantle the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah pole belonging to his own father, initiating a crucial act of spiritual purification within his household and community. This divine directive underscores that true national deliverance must begin with an internal cleansing from idolatry, setting the stage for God's redemptive work through Gideon.

### CONTEXT

* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:25 immediately follows Gideon's profound encounter with the Angel of the LORD, where he was commissioned to deliver Israel from the oppressive Midianites. Gideon's initial response was one of doubt and questioning, leading to the miraculous sign of fire consuming his offering on the rock, confirming the divine presence and power. This verse marks the very first concrete command given to Gideon, shifting from divine assurance to active obedience. It is a direct and urgent directive, occurring "the same night," signaling that the spiritual cleansing of Israel must precede any military engagement. This act of confronting idolatry within his own family and community is presented as a foundational prerequisite for the larger task of national liberation, demonstrating God's priority for internal purity before external victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this period in Israel's history, the nation had repeatedly fallen into cycles of apostasy, turning away from Yahweh to worship the gods of the surrounding Canaanite peoples. The Midianite oppression, lasting seven years (as mentioned in [Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")), was a direct consequence of this idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah. Baal was the chief Canaanite storm and fertility god, believed to control rain and crops, while Asherah was his consort, a mother goddess associated with fertility and often worshipped through sacred poles or trees. These cults involved various pagan rituals, including sacred prostitution and, at times, child sacrifice, and were deeply embedded in Canaanite society, influencing even Israelite households like Gideon's father, Joash. The command to destroy these altars was a direct challenge to the prevailing religious norms and a bold assertion of Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty, aligning with the foundational covenant commands given at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Immediate Obedience**, as the command is given "the same night," emphasizing the urgency of addressing spiritual compromise. Secondly, it underscores the critical need for **Confronting Idolatry**, demanding a radical dismantling of anything that competes with God's rightful place in the lives of His people, a theme echoed in the prophetic calls to repentance (e.g., [1 Samuel 7:3-4](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3-4 - Samuel Calls for Repentance")). Thirdly, the passage firmly establishes the principle that **Spiritual Purity Precedes Deliverance**. Before Gideon can lead Israel to freedom from external enemies, he must first cleanse his own sphere of influence from the very sin that led to their oppression, a pattern seen throughout Israel's history, where national well-being is tied to covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Finally, it powerfully asserts **Divine Authority**, demonstrating God's sole claim to worship and His intolerance for rival gods, a fundamental tenet of the covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis

* **Baal (Hebrew, _ba'al'_):** This term literally means "lord" or "master" and refers to the chief male deity of the Canaanite pantheon. Baal was worshipped as the god of storms, rain, and fertility, believed to be essential for agricultural prosperity. His worship often involved elaborate rituals, including sacred prostitution and, at times, child sacrifice. The presence of an altar to Baal in Gideon's father's household indicates the pervasive syncretism and apostasy that had gripped Israel, directly violating the First Commandment against having other gods before Yahweh.
* **Grove (Hebrew, _'asherah'_):** While translated as "grove" in the KJV, the Hebrew term refers specifically to an Asherah pole or cultic object. Asherah was the Canaanite mother goddess, consort of Baal, and a deity of fertility and motherhood. Her worship involved the erection of wooden poles, carved images, or even living trees near altars, serving as symbols of her presence and fertility. The command to "cut down the grove" was a direct assault on the physical manifestation of Asherah worship, signifying a complete rejection of pagan fertility cults and a return to exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the true source of life and blessing.
* **"Second bullock of seven years old":** The instruction to take "the second bullock of seven years old" is highly significant. The "second bullock" might imply it was a reserve animal, perhaps even one dedicated to Baal, making its appropriation for Yahweh's altar a profound act of spiritual reclamation and defiance against idolatry. The age of "seven years old" is particularly striking, as it directly corresponds to the seven years of Midianite oppression Israel had endured ([Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")). Sacrificing a bullock of this age could symbolize the breaking of the seven-year yoke of Midianite bondage and a new dedication to Yahweh, marking the end of a period of divine judgment and the beginning of restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the immediacy and divine origin of the command. "The same night" highlights the urgency and directness of God's instruction, leaving no room for delay. It signifies that Gideon's call to deliver Israel was not merely a future promise but demanded immediate, tangible action, beginning with spiritual purification. The phrase "the LORD said unto him" underscores the authoritative and personal nature of this divine directive, confirming that Gideon was receiving direct orders from Yahweh Himself.
* **"Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old,"**: This specific instruction details the animal Gideon is to use for sacrifice. The "young bullock" suggests a valuable and robust animal, suitable for an offering. The clarification "even the second bullock of seven years old" adds a layer of symbolic and practical significance. As discussed in the key word analysis, this particular bullock may have been dedicated to Baal or its age symbolically linked to the years of oppression, making its sacrifice a powerful act of breaking allegiance with pagan deities and consecrating what was formerly defiled to the true God. The fact that it belonged to "thy father" makes the command even more challenging and personal, requiring Gideon to confront idolatry within his own immediate family.
* **"and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath,"**: This is the core command of destruction. Gideon is not merely to neglect the altar but to actively "throw down" or demolish it. The altar of Baal was the physical center of pagan worship in his father's household, representing a direct affront to Yahweh's sovereignty. This act of demolition was a public and unambiguous rejection of Baal worship, signaling a definitive break from syncretism and a return to exclusive worship of Yahweh. It was a dangerous act, as Baal worshippers would likely react with hostility, demonstrating the courage required of Gideon.
* **"and cut down the grove that [is] by it:"**: Following the destruction of the altar, Gideon is commanded to "cut down the grove," referring to the Asherah pole. This pole, often erected alongside Baal altars, symbolized the worship of Asherah, the Canaanite fertility goddess. Its destruction was equally crucial, as it represented another facet of the pervasive idolatry that had defiled Israel. The command to physically remove these symbols of pagan worship underscores God's absolute intolerance for rival gods and His demand for complete spiritual purity from His people.

#### Literary Devices

Judges 6:25 is rich in literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "altar of Baal" and "the grove" (Asherah pole) are not just physical objects but powerful symbols of Israel's apostasy and the spiritual bondage that led to their oppression. Their destruction symbolizes the necessary spiritual cleansing and breaking of covenant unfaithfulness required for deliverance. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Gideon, who has just expressed his weakness and fear ("my clan is the weakest... and I am the least," [Judges 6:15](/judges/6-15 "Judges 6:15 - Gideon's Humility")), is immediately commanded to perform an act of immense courage and defiance against his own community and family. This highlights God's ability to use the weak to accomplish His mighty purposes. Furthermore, the specific detail of the "second bullock of seven years old" functions as a form of **Foreshadowing** and **Symbolism**, subtly linking the act of sacrifice to the duration of Israel's oppression, hinting that this act of spiritual purification is the precursor to the end of their seven years of bondage. The entire passage also serves as a **Paradigm** for spiritual revival, illustrating that true liberation from external enemies often begins with an internal confrontation of sin and idolatry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Judges 6:25 is a foundational text for understanding God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship and His method of bringing about national deliverance through individual obedience and spiritual purification. It powerfully illustrates that divine intervention and victory are often predicated on the removal of spiritual obstacles, particularly idolatry. God's command to Gideon to dismantle the symbols of Baal and Asherah worship, even within his own father's household, underscores the principle that true revival begins at home and requires a radical, uncompromising commitment to Yahweh alone. This act is not merely a test of Gideon's faith but a necessary step to align Israel with God's covenant, without which genuine blessing and freedom cannot be sustained. It teaches that God's power is not unleashed in a vacuum but in response to a people who are willing to turn from their idols and wholeheartedly pursue Him.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Destroying Idols")
* [1 Samuel 7:3-4](/1_samuel/7-3 "1 Samuel 7:3-4 - Samuel Calls for Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Judges 6:25 presents a timeless challenge to believers: to identify and dismantle the "altars of Baal" and "Asherah poles" in our own lives and spheres of influence. While we may not worship physical idols, anything that competes for God's rightful supremacy in our hearts—be it career, comfort, financial security, relationships, entertainment, or even self-reliance—can become a modern idol. This verse calls for a radical, courageous, and immediate act of spiritual purification. It reminds us that God's work often begins not with grand public displays, but with private acts of obedience and cleansing within our own "households" – our personal lives, families, and immediate communities. Just as Gideon's act was dangerous and unpopular, confronting our own idols may require sacrifice, discomfort, and standing against cultural norms. Yet, it is this foundational act of spiritual integrity that prepares us for God's greater purposes and enables His power to flow through us for true transformation, both personally and corporately.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **What "altars of Baal" or "Asherah poles" might exist in my life today, competing for God's supreme devotion?**
* **What specific, tangible steps can I take to dismantle these modern idols and re-establish God's rightful place in my heart and home?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to immediate and courageous obedience, even if it feels difficult or unpopular?**
* **How does personal spiritual purity connect to my ability to be used by God for larger purposes in His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command Gideon to destroy his father's altar, and not someone else's?**

Answer: God commanded Gideon to destroy his father's altar because spiritual cleansing often begins at home and with those closest to us. This directive was a crucial test of Gideon's obedience and courage, requiring him to confront idolatry within his own immediate sphere of influence before he could lead the nation. It demonstrated that true deliverance and revival must start with personal and familial purity, addressing the root cause of Israel's oppression. It also showed that God's call is deeply personal and often requires us to challenge the status quo, even within our own families, for the sake of His glory and truth. This mirrors the principle that a leader's effectiveness is often tied to the integrity of their own household, as seen in qualifications for elders in [1 Timothy 3:4-5](/1_timothy/3-4 "1 Timothy 3:4-5 - Managing One's Household").

**What is the significance of the "second bullock of seven years old"?**

Answer: The "second bullock of seven years old" holds multiple layers of significance. The "second bullock" might imply it was a reserve or even a bull dedicated to Baal, making its sacrifice to Yahweh a profound act of spiritual reclamation and defiance. The age of "seven years old" is particularly symbolic, as it directly corresponds to the seven years of Midianite oppression Israel had endured ([Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")). By sacrificing a bullock of this age, Gideon was symbolically breaking the yoke of that bondage and dedicating an offering that represented the end of a period of divine judgment, signaling a new beginning of restoration and exclusive worship of Yahweh. It was a powerful statement that the true God was reclaiming what was His and ending the period of oppression.

**Was Gideon's act of destroying the altar a public or private act?**

Answer: While the command was given "the same night" ([Judges 6:25](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25 - Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar")), implying a degree of secrecy, Gideon performed the act with ten of his servants. The immediate aftermath, where the townspeople discovered the destruction the next morning and sought to kill Gideon ([Judges 6:28-30](/judges/6-28 "Judges 6:28-30 - Townspeople React to Altar's Destruction")), clearly indicates that it was a public and provocative act with significant consequences. Though executed under the cover of darkness, its impact was undeniably public, serving as a bold declaration against the prevailing idolatry and a catalyst for change within his community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Judges 6:25, with Gideon's radical act of dismantling the altar of Baal and cutting down the Asherah pole, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Gideon's actions foreshadow the greater work of Christ, who came not merely to destroy physical idols but to dismantle the spiritual strongholds of sin and idolatry in the human heart. Just as Gideon cleansed his father's house, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, cleansing us from all unrighteousness and enabling us to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worship")). He is the one who casts out the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus Foretells His Glorification")), breaking the power of sin and death that held humanity in bondage, much like the Midianite oppression. Through His finished work on the cross, Christ destroys the very root of idolatry—our rebellion against God—and inaugurates a new covenant where God's Spirit empowers believers to live lives of exclusive devotion to Him, making us temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Are Temples")). He is the true deliverer who purifies His people, not by destroying physical altars, but by transforming hearts, calling us to lay down every competing allegiance and find our sole master and Lord in Him ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")).

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.