Judges 6:27

KJV

Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and [so] it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do [it] by day, that he did [it] by night.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Gideon {H1439} took {H3947} ten {H6235} men {H582} of his servants {H5650}, and did {H6213} as the LORD {H3068} had said {H1696} unto him: and so it was, because he feared {H3372} his father's {H1} household {H1004}, and the men {H582} of the city {H5892}, that he could not do {H6213} it by day {H3119}, that he did {H6213} it by night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Gid'on took ten of his servants and did what ADONAI had told him to do. He didn't do it by day, because he was afraid of the men in his father's household and those from the city, so he did it at night.

Berean Standard Bible

So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime.

American Standard Version

Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as Jehovah had spoken unto him: and it came to pass, because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city, so that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:27 details Gideon's initial act of obedience to the Lord's challenging command: the clandestine destruction of his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole. This pivotal moment reveals a complex interplay of faith and profound human fear, as Gideon, despite his apprehension of his family and the townspeople, faithfully executes God's directive under the cover of night. It marks the first tangible step in his journey as Israel's deliverer, demonstrating that genuine obedience can coexist with, and even triumph over, personal trepidation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the Lord's specific command to Gideon in [Judges 6:25-26](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-26 - God's Command to Gideon"). Having been called by the Angel of the Lord and given a divine commission to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, Gideon initially displayed significant doubt and requested multiple signs, including the miraculous consumption of his offering by fire ([Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - Fire Consumes Gideon's Offering")) and the signs of the fleece ([Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - The Signs of the Fleece")). The command to destroy the local pagan altars serves as a crucial spiritual prerequisite, a test of Gideon's commitment and obedience, before he is to engage in military conflict. His actions in Judges 6:27 directly respond to this immediate divine instruction, setting the stage for the broader narrative of deliverance in the book of [Judges](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and First Act").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israelite apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, cries for help, and God raising up a deliverer. During this time, the Israelites frequently assimilated the religious practices of the Canaanite inhabitants, including the worship of Baal, the storm god, and Asherah, his consort, a fertility goddess. These cults often involved ritual prostitution and child sacrifice, directly violating the Mosaic Law. Baal worship was deeply entrenched in local communities, tied to agricultural prosperity, and often supported by powerful families, like Gideon's father, Joash, who had an altar to Baal and an Asherah pole. Destroying such religious symbols was not merely a spiritual act but a direct challenge to the social, economic, and political fabric of the community, carrying severe risks of retaliation, including death, as seen in [Judges 6:30](/judges/6-30 "Judges 6:30 - The Men of the City Demand Gideon's Death"). Gideon's decision to act "by night" underscores the very real and immediate danger he faced from his own community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience Amidst Fear**, demonstrating that genuine faith does not always equate to an absence of fear, but rather acting in obedience despite it. Gideon's fear of his community is explicitly stated, yet he still "did as the LORD had said." Secondly, it emphasizes the critical necessity of **Confronting Idolatry**. Before external deliverance from the Midianites could occur, internal spiritual purity was required, beginning within Gideon's own household. This signifies that spiritual cleansing is often a prerequisite for divine blessing and victory. Finally, the narrative underscores that **God Works Through Imperfect Vessels**. Gideon, initially presented as the "least in Manasseh" ([Judges 6:15](/judges/6-15 "Judges 6:15 - Gideon's Humility and Doubt")) and now displaying fear, is nonetheless chosen and empowered by God to accomplish His will, illustrating that divine power is often made perfect in human weakness, a theme echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Hebrew, _yare'_):** The Hebrew word יָרֵא (_yare'_) here signifies a deep apprehension, dread, or terror, specifically in the context of physical harm or social ostracism. It is distinct from the reverential "fear of the Lord" (which implies awe and obedience born of respect), instead highlighting Gideon's very human and relatable struggle. This fear is not presented as a lack of faith but as a significant obstacle that Gideon, by God's grace, overcomes through action.
* **did (Hebrew, _'asah'_):** The verb עָשָׂה (_'asah_), translated as "did," emphasizes the active and concrete nature of Gideon's obedience. Despite his fear, he did not merely contemplate or intend to obey; he performed the specific actions commanded by the Lord. This active "doing" is crucial, as it transforms his internal struggle into an external act of faithfulness, demonstrating that true obedience is demonstrated through action.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** The use of "the LORD" (יְהוָה, _YHWH_), God's covenant name, is significant. It underscores that Gideon's obedience is directed toward the one true God, in direct opposition to Baal, whose altar he is commanded to destroy. This highlights the theological conflict at play: the supremacy of YHWH over the false gods of Canaan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Gideon took ten men of his servants":** This detail indicates that Gideon did not act alone, but enlisted help, likely for practical reasons given the size of the task (destroying an altar and cutting down a large pole), and perhaps for moral support or as a measure of safety. The "servants" were likely trusted members of his household, suggesting a degree of loyalty and perhaps shared conviction or at least willingness to follow their master's lead.
* **"and did as the LORD had said unto him":** This phrase is the core of Gideon's obedience. Despite his previous hesitations and the subsequent fear mentioned, he fully executed the divine command given in [Judges 6:25-26](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-26 - God's Command to Gideon"). This highlights his commitment to the divine word, even when it was personally costly and dangerous.
* **"and [so] it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city":** This clause explicitly reveals the motivation behind the timing of his action. Gideon's fear was not of God, but of human retaliation. His father's household would be directly implicated and shamed, and the men of the city, deeply invested in Baal worship, would likely react with violence. This fear is a testament to the very real and dangerous consequences of challenging the dominant idolatry of the time.
* **"that he could not do [it] by day, that he did [it] by night":** The decision to act "by night" is a direct consequence of his fear. It was a strategic choice to minimize detection and avoid immediate confrontation, allowing him to complete the task before the community could intervene. This demonstrates a practical wisdom combined with his obedience, acknowledging his human limitations and the need for prudence in a hostile environment.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:27 employs several potent literary devices. There is a clear **Contrast** between Gideon's internal fear and his external act of obedience, highlighting the tension between human weakness and divine command. The choice to act "by night" further emphasizes this contrast, setting the clandestine nature of his obedience against the open defiance of idolatry that it represents. This act also serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Gideon's initial, fearful obedience in a small, personal sphere (his household) anticipates his larger, more public acts of obedience and deliverance later in the narrative, such as leading the battle against the Midianites. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in God choosing a man who is initially fearful and hesitant to initiate a spiritual cleansing that requires immense courage. This underscores the biblical principle that God often uses the weak and unlikely to accomplish His mighty purposes, showcasing His power rather than human strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:27 serves as a foundational text illustrating the nature of true faith and obedience. It teaches us that obedience to God is not contingent upon the absence of fear, but rather on the willingness to act in spite of it. Gideon's initial act of confronting idolatry within his own family and community underscores a profound spiritual truth: before God can bring about large-scale deliverance or revival, there often needs to be an internal purging of sin and false worship. This personal spiritual cleansing is a prerequisite for corporate blessing and victory. It reminds believers that our primary allegiance must be to the Lord, even when it means challenging deeply entrenched cultural norms or facing personal opposition. God honors such obedience, even when it is carried out with human prudence or under the cover of darkness, demonstrating that the heart of obedience matters more than its public display.

* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - We Must Obey God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's story in Judges 6:27 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. We are often called to obedience in contexts that are uncomfortable, unpopular, or even perceived as risky. Whether it's standing firm on biblical truth in a secularized society, confronting personal "idols" in our own lives (anything that takes God's rightful place), or making difficult ethical choices, Gideon's example encourages us. His fear was real, yet it did not paralyze him into inaction. Instead, he found a way to obey, even if it meant acting discreetly. This reminds us that God values our willingness to act on His word, even when our faith is accompanied by human weakness. We are not expected to be fearless, but to be faithful. Our obedience, however imperfectly executed, opens the door for God's greater purposes to unfold in our lives and through us in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or cultural norms in my life or community might God be calling me to confront or remove, even if it feels unpopular or risky?**
* **How does Gideon's fear, coupled with his obedience, challenge my understanding of what it means to walk by faith?**
* **In what areas of my life am I allowing the "fear of man" to hinder my obedience to God, and what practical steps can I take to overcome this?**
* **How can I ensure my obedience is rooted in genuine commitment to God, rather than merely outward performance?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command Gideon to destroy his father's altar first, before fighting the Midianites?**

Answer: God's command to Gideon to destroy his father's altar to Baal and the Asherah pole ([Judges 6:25-26](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-26 - God's Command to Gideon")) was a crucial prerequisite for several reasons. Firstly, it established Gideon's personal and spiritual allegiance. Before he could lead Israel in a physical battle against their oppressors, he needed to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty to the Lord and purge the spiritual idolatry within his own household and community. This emphasized that the root problem in Israel was spiritual apostasy, not merely military weakness. Secondly, it served as a test of Gideon's obedience and courage. This act was deeply confrontational and dangerous, as Baal worship was widespread and deeply ingrained. God often tests His chosen vessels in smaller, personal acts of obedience before entrusting them with larger, public missions. It showed that God's deliverance involved not just military victory, but a spiritual reformation.

**Does Gideon's fear diminish his obedience or faith?**

Answer: No, Gideon's fear does not diminish his obedience or faith; rather, it highlights the authentic nature of both. The Bible often portrays its heroes with their human weaknesses, making them relatable and demonstrating God's power perfected in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength Perfected in Weakness")). Gideon's fear of his father's household and the men of the city was a natural, understandable response to a life-threatening situation ([Judges 6:30](/judges/6-30 "Judges 6:30 - The Men of the City Demand Gideon's Death")). The significant point is that despite this very real fear, he still "did as the LORD had said unto him." This demonstrates that true faith is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in obedience to God's command even when fear is present. His obedience, though executed discreetly, was a courageous act of faith.

**What is the significance of Gideon performing the act "by night"?**

Answer: Gideon's decision to perform the act "by night" ([Judges 6:27](/judges/6-27 "Judges 6:27 - Gideon's Obedience")) was a practical and prudent measure driven by his fear of immediate retaliation. It allowed him to complete the destructive task under cover of darkness, minimizing the risk of being caught in the act and facing the wrath of the townspeople who were devoted to Baal. This does not indicate a lack of courage, but rather a wise acknowledgment of the very real danger and the need for strategic action. It shows that obedience to God can sometimes be accomplished through discreet or unconventional means, especially when facing strong opposition. God honors obedience, whether it is done publicly or privately, as long as the heart is committed to His will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's act of confronting idolatry in his own household, though born of fear and executed by night, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Just as Gideon began the spiritual cleansing of Israel by tearing down false altars, Jesus, the true and greater deliverer, came to dismantle the altars of sin and idolatry in the human heart. He did not merely destroy physical idols, but confronted the spiritual powers of darkness that enslave humanity ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil Powers")). While Gideon acted in fear, Jesus, as the obedient Son, faced the ultimate "night" of Gethsemane and the cross, not with fear for Himself, but with a resolute determination to do His Father's will, even to the point of death ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His obedience was perfect and complete, securing our deliverance from the dominion of sin and death ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of One Man")). Through Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to tear down strongholds of idolatry in our own lives and in the world, not in our own strength or by our own might, but by the Spirit of God ([Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Not by Power")). Gideon's fearful obedience points to the fearless, redemptive obedience of the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 Thessalonians 2:4

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

John 3:2

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Galatians 1:16

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Psalms 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.