Judges 6:26

KJV

And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.

KJV (with Strong's)

And build {H1129} an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} upon the top {H7218} of this rock {H4581}, in the ordered place {H4634}, and take {H3947} the second {H8145} bullock {H6499}, and offer {H5927} a burnt sacrifice {H5930} with the wood {H6086} of the grove {H842} which thou shalt cut down {H3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and build a proper altar to ADONAI your God on top of this strong-point. Then take the second bull; and offer it as a burnt offering, using the wood of the sacred pole you cut down."

Berean Standard Bible

Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering.”

American Standard Version

and build an altar unto Jehovah thy God upon the top of this stronghold, in the orderly manner, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt-offering with the wood of the Asherah which thou shalt cut down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:26 details a pivotal command from the LORD to Gideon, instructing him to construct a new altar to Yahweh on the very rock where the divine fire had consumed his initial offering. This command is not merely about building an altar but is deeply symbolic, requiring Gideon to use the "second bullock" for a burnt sacrifice and, strikingly, to utilize the wood from the recently felled Asherah pole—a pagan idol—for the fire. This act signifies a radical break from idolatry, a decisive return to exclusive worship of the one true God, and the repurposing of what was unholy for sacred purposes, marking a moment of covenant renewal and spiritual transformation for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of the divine encounter between Gideon and the Angel of the LORD. Preceding this, Gideon has been commissioned to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, a call he initially met with doubt and a request for signs ([Judges 6:11-21](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-21 - Gideon's Call and the Miraculous Sign")). The miraculous consumption of Gideon's offering by fire from the rock ([Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Angel of the LORD Consumes the Offering")) serves as undeniable confirmation of God's presence and power. Immediately before verse 26, Gideon receives the explicit command to dismantle his father's altar to Baal and cut down the adjacent Asherah pole ([Judges 6:25](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25 - Gideon Commanded to Destroy Baal's Altar")). Thus, Judges 6:26 provides the crucial positive command: not just to destroy the false, but to immediately establish the true, transforming a site of divine revelation into a place of legitimate worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel at this time was in a cycle of apostasy and oppression, having "done evil in the sight of the LORD" by worshiping Baal and Asherah, leading to their subjugation by the Midianites ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian")). The worship of Baal, the Canaanite storm god, and Asherah, his consort goddess of fertility, was pervasive in the Promised Land, often involving cultic prostitution and child sacrifice. Altars to Baal and Asherah poles (sacred wooden pillars or trees) were common fixtures in Canaanite religious sites. Gideon's father, Joash, was himself implicated in this idolatry, possessing such an altar. The "rock" mentioned in the verse is not just any rock but the specific location where the Angel of the LORD had appeared and consumed Gideon's offering, imbuing it with sacred significance as a place of divine encounter and revelation, now to be rededicated to Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:26 powerfully reinforces several core themes central to the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it underscores the theme of **Purity of Worship**, emphasizing God's demand for exclusive devotion and the complete eradication of idolatry. The command to destroy pagan altars and immediately replace them with an altar to Yahweh highlights that true worship is not merely the absence of false gods but the active presence of the one true God. Second, the act of using the Asherah wood for the burnt sacrifice introduces the theme of **Transformation and Redemption**. What was once an instrument of pagan worship is now consecrated for holy purposes, demonstrating God's power to redeem and repurpose even the most defiled elements for His glory. This foreshadows the broader narrative of Israel's spiritual transformation. Finally, the command asserts **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, directly challenging the legitimacy of Baal and Asherah and reaffirming Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all other deities, calling His people back to the foundational covenant relationship established at Sinai ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandment")). This act of covenant renewal is critical for Israel's deliverance and spiritual restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grove (Hebrew, _'asherah'_):** The KJV translation "grove" for the Hebrew אֲשֵׁרָה (_'asherah'_) is often misleading, as it suggests a mere collection of trees. In reality, an _'asherah'_ refers to a sacred wooden pole, pillar, or even a living tree, which served as a cultic object or symbol of the Canaanite goddess Asherah, the consort of Baal. These poles were central to pagan fertility rites and idolatrous worship, often erected alongside altars to Baal. The command to cut it down and use its wood for Yahweh's sacrifice is a profound act of desacralization and triumph over pagan deities.
* **Ordered place (Hebrew, _ma'arakah'_):** The Hebrew מַעֲרָכָה (_ma'arakah'_) typically denotes an "arrangement," "battle line," or a "prepared/designated place." In this context, it signifies a specific, properly arranged, or designated spot for the altar. This detail emphasizes that even in this urgent, clandestine act of worship, God demands order, reverence, and adherence to divine instruction, ensuring the altar is built correctly and in the appropriate location, likely referring to the top of the rock where the divine fire had appeared.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock":** This clause issues a direct, positive command to Gideon, contrasting sharply with the preceding command to destroy the Baal altar. The instruction to build "an altar unto the LORD thy God" re-establishes Yahweh as the sole object of worship. The location, "upon the top of this rock," is highly significant, being the very place where the Angel of the LORD had manifested and miraculously consumed Gideon's offering ([Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - The Miraculous Sign")). This transforms a site of divine revelation into a consecrated space for renewed covenant worship, symbolizing God's presence and confirmation of Gideon's mission.
* **"in the ordered place":** This phrase emphasizes the necessity of proper procedure and divine instruction even in an immediate act of worship. It implies that the altar is not to be built haphazardly but according to a divine arrangement or a designated, prepared spot. This speaks to the importance of reverent and obedient worship, even in the midst of spiritual warfare against idolatry.
* **"and take the second bullock":** The specification of "the second bullock" is notable. Commentators suggest several possibilities: it could refer to a bullock that was seven years old (a common interpretation based on the preceding verse), or it could mean the second-best bullock, or perhaps it was the "second" in a pair, with the first being designated for Baal. More likely, given the context of Gideon's father's household, it might imply a bullock that was specifically designated for the LORD, perhaps distinct from one used for Baal, or simply a particular bullock chosen by divine instruction for this significant sacrifice, emphasizing the specificity and cost of true worship.
* **"and offer a burnt sacrifice":** The "burnt sacrifice" (Hebrew, _'olah'_) was a foundational offering in Israelite worship, signifying complete dedication and atonement. The entire animal (except the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing the worshiper's total surrender and devotion to God. This act of offering a burnt sacrifice to Yahweh directly replaces the illicit sacrifices offered to Baal, re-establishing proper worship and seeking God's favor and cleansing for the people.
* **"with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down":** This is perhaps the most striking and symbolically potent part of the command. The "wood of the grove," identified as the Asherah pole, was a direct symbol and instrument of pagan idolatry. The command to use this very wood to fuel the burnt offering to Yahweh is a profound act of desacralization and repurposing. It demonstrates God's absolute triumph over false gods, transforming an object of abomination into a means of holy worship. It powerfully illustrates God's ability to redeem and sanctify what was once defiled, turning it to His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:26 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "rock" symbolizes divine presence and confirmation, transforming from a place of miraculous sign to a site of renewed covenant worship. The "second bullock" carries symbolic weight of specific, perhaps costly, dedication. Most powerfully, the "wood of the grove" (Asherah pole) symbolizes the complete overthrow of idolatry and the radical **Repurposing** or **Redemption** of what was unholy for sacred use. This creates a strong **Contrast** between the false worship of Baal and Asherah and the true, exclusive worship of Yahweh. There is also an element of **Irony** in using the very instrument of pagan worship to fuel the sacrifice to the true God, highlighting Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and the futility of false gods. The entire sequence, from destruction to rebuilding, serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for Israel's spiritual journey from apostasy to restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This command to Gideon is a foundational theological statement regarding the nature of God and His relationship with His people. It unequivocally declares God's demand for exclusive worship, echoing the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). The destruction of the pagan altar and the immediate construction of an altar to Yahweh signifies a decisive break from syncretism and a return to covenant fidelity. Furthermore, the repurposing of the Asherah wood for the burnt offering illustrates God's power to redeem and sanctify, transforming what was defiled by idolatry into an instrument of holy worship. This act foreshadows the broader biblical theme of God's ability to take what is broken or corrupted and consecrate it for His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation and all false deities. It is a call to radical obedience and a tangible expression of spiritual cleansing and renewal.

* [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idols")
* [Leviticus 1:3-4](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3-4 - The Burnt Offering")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Exclusive Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:26 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the "altars" in our own lives. Just as God demanded exclusive worship from Gideon, He calls us to identify and dismantle anything that competes for His rightful place in our hearts and lives—whether it be career, possessions, relationships, comfort, or even self-image. This verse compels us to move beyond merely ceasing sinful practices (cutting down the Asherah pole) to actively establishing practices of true devotion (building an altar to the LORD). The powerful imagery of using the Asherah wood for the burnt offering teaches us that God can redeem and repurpose even those areas of our lives that were once given over to unholy pursuits. Our past mistakes, our brokenness, or even our former idols can, through God's transformative power, become instruments for His glory. It emphasizes the importance of immediate, decisive, and sometimes costly obedience to God's commands, even when it means going against cultural norms or personal comfort, trusting that such obedience leads to true spiritual freedom and renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars to Baal" or "Asherah poles" might exist in my life today, subtly or overtly competing for God's rightful place?**
* **In what ways am I called to not only dismantle negative influences but actively build up practices of true worship and devotion?**
* **Are there areas of my past or aspects of my life that I believe are too "defiled" for God to use, and how does the repurposing of the Asherah wood challenge that belief?**
* **What specific act of obedience is God calling me to undertake immediately, even if it feels uncomfortable or goes against the grain?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "second bullock" in this command?**

Answer: The instruction to take the "second bullock" (or "the second bullock, seven years old" as some translations render it, based on the preceding verse) carries multiple layers of significance. Firstly, it emphasizes the specificity of God's command, indicating a particular animal chosen for a sacred purpose. Secondly, the age of seven years old, if that interpretation is adopted, could symbolize completion or perfection, making it a fitting sacrifice. Thirdly, it is often understood that this "second bullock" was distinct from any bullock Gideon's father might have used for Baal worship, or perhaps it was the prime bullock, demonstrating that the sacrifice to Yahweh must be of significant value and distinct from any pagan practices. Ultimately, it underscores that the offering to the LORD was to be a deliberate, costly, and consecrated act of worship, replacing the defiled practices with a pure and acceptable sacrifice.

**Why was Gideon commanded to use the wood of the Asherah pole for the burnt sacrifice?**

Answer: The command to use the wood of the Asherah pole—a symbol and instrument of pagan idolatry—to fuel the burnt offering to Yahweh is profoundly symbolic and theological. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and triumph over all false gods. By transforming an object of abomination into a means of holy worship, God demonstrates His power to desacralize the unholy and consecrate it for His purposes. It's an act of divine irony and redemption, showing that even the tools of idolatry can be stripped of their power and repurposed to bring glory to the one true God. This act visually and tangibly represents Israel's spiritual cleansing and the complete overthrow of Baal and Asherah worship in favor of exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:26, with its radical call to dismantle idolatry and establish true worship, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Gideon's act of cleansing the land and building an altar to Yahweh foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of spiritual cleansing and the establishment of a new covenant of worship. Just as Gideon used the defiled wood of the Asherah pole for a holy sacrifice, Christ, through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, took upon Himself the defilement of humanity's sin and idolatry, transforming it into the means of our redemption ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He is the ultimate "burnt sacrifice," whose complete dedication and atoning work forever purifies those who believe ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Moreover, Christ's authority utterly demolishes the power of spiritual idolatry and darkness, triumphing over all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). In Him, believers become living altars, offering their bodies as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices")), with their lives repurposed and consecrated for God's glory, just as the Asherah wood was repurposed for Yahweh's altar. The "rock" upon which Gideon built the altar also points to Christ, the spiritual Rock upon whom the true church is built ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ the Spiritual Rock"); [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")).

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

1 Corinthians 14:40

Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

2 Samuel 24:18

¶ And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.