Judges 6:28

KJV

And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that [was] by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar [that was] built.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the men {H582} of the city {H5892} arose early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, behold, the altar {H4196} of Baal {H1168} was cast down {H5422}, and the grove {H842} was cut down {H3772} that was by it, and the second {H8145} bullock {H6499} was offered {H5927} upon the altar {H4196} that was built {H1129}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the men of the city got up the next morning, there was the altar of Ba'al destroyed, the sacred pole cut down, and the second bull a burnt offering on the newly built altar.

Berean Standard Bible

When the men of the city got up in the morning, there was Baal’s altar torn down, with the Asherah pole cut down beside it and the second bull offered up on the newly built altar.

American Standard Version

And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:28 vividly recounts the morning after Gideon's audacious act of obedience to Yahweh's command, revealing the dramatic discovery by the men of Ophrah. The townspeople awaken to find the local altar of Baal demolished, its accompanying Asherah pole cut down, and, in their place, an altar built to the Lord upon which the second bullock had been offered as a burnt sacrifice. This public revelation of Gideon's private, fearful, yet faithful deed sets the immediate stage for the unfolding of God's deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression, marking a decisive spiritual turning point within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:28 serves as the immediate aftermath and public revelation of Gideon's actions described in [Judges 6:25-27](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-27 - Gideon's Nighttime Mission"). The preceding verses detail the Lord's specific instruction to Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal, cut down the Asherah pole beside it, and then build a proper altar to Yahweh on the high ground, offering a burnt sacrifice using the second bullock and the wood from the Asherah pole. Gideon, fearing his family and the townspeople, carried out this command under the cover of night with the help of ten servants. This verse, therefore, marks the transition from Gideon's private act of obedience to its public consequence, setting up the conflict and subsequent divine vindication that will follow in [Judges 6:29-32](/judges/6-29 "Judges 6:29-32 - The Town's Reaction and Gideon's New Name"). It is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of Israel's cyclical apostasy, oppression, and God-initiated deliverance found throughout the book of Judges, demonstrating God's demand for exclusive worship as a prerequisite for national restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by widespread religious syncretism in Israel, where the worship of Yahweh was often blended with the worship of Canaanite deities, particularly Baal and Asherah. Baal was revered as the storm god, controlling rain and fertility, while Asherah was his consort, associated with fertility and prosperity. Their altars and sacred poles (Asherim) were common features in Canaanite religious sites, often located on "high places" or near groves. The Midianite oppression, under which Israel suffered for seven years, was understood as divine judgment for this idolatry, as highlighted in [Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel's Oppression by Midian"). Gideon's hometown, Ophrah, like many Israelite communities, had clearly succumbed to this pagan influence, as evidenced by the prominent Baal altar belonging to Gideon's own father. Gideon's act was not merely a religious statement but a direct challenge to the prevailing social and religious order, risking severe reprisal from a community deeply invested in these cultic practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Commission and Obedience**, showcasing Gideon's initial, albeit fearful, step of faith in response to God's specific and challenging command. This act of obedience, despite personal risk, is the visible fruit of his calling in [Judges 6:14](/judges/6-14 "Judges 6:14 - God's Call to Gideon"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Confronting Idolatry**, which is central to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The destruction of the Baal altar and Asherah pole represents a decisive break from false worship, echoing the foundational prohibition against idolatry in the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). This act is a necessary spiritual cleansing before physical deliverance can occur. Thirdly, the verse illustrates **Transformation and Cleansing**, as the very instruments of pagan worship (the wood of the Asherah pole) are repurposed for the worship of the one true God, and a new altar to Yahweh is established. This symbolizes the spiritual purification required for Israel to return to its covenant Lord, setting the stage for national renewal and God's subsequent intervention against the Midianites.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baal (Hebrew, _baʿal_):** This term, meaning "lord" or "master," refers specifically to the chief Canaanite storm and fertility deity, widely worshipped throughout the ancient Near East. His cult involved rituals often associated with agricultural cycles, rain, and human fertility. The prominence of a Baal altar in Gideon's own family in Ophrah indicates the deep penetration of Canaanite religious practices into Israelite society, representing a direct challenge to Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty as the true provider and deliverer.
* **Grove (Hebrew, _ʾăšērâ_):** While literally meaning "grove" in some contexts, here _ʾăšērâ_ refers to a sacred wooden pole or cult object dedicated to Asherah, the Canaanite mother goddess and consort of Baal. These poles were central to Canaanite worship, often carved and adorned, and were explicitly forbidden and commanded to be destroyed by Yahweh in Deuteronomic law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:3](/deuteronomy/12-3 "Deuteronomy 12:3 - Destroying Pagan Altars")). Its presence alongside the Baal altar underscores the pervasive nature of syncretistic worship in Israel.
* **Second bullock (Hebrew, _šôr haššēnî_):** The specification "second bullock" is crucial, as it was the particular animal God commanded Gideon to offer (Judges 6:25). This was not just any bullock, but one perhaps more valuable or significant, possibly a bullock owned by his father and intended for Baal worship, or simply a larger, older, and thus more costly animal. Its use signifies Gideon's precise obedience to God's instruction, highlighting the costliness of true worship and the complete dedication required to break from idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the men of the city arose early in the morning":** This clause establishes the immediate aftermath of Gideon's nighttime operation, emphasizing the public and unavoidable nature of the discovery. The early morning light reveals the dramatic change, bringing Gideon's secret act into full public view and initiating the community's reaction.
* **"behold, the altar of Baal was cast down":** The exclamation "behold" (Hebrew _hinnēh_) conveys surprise and shock. The active destruction of the Baal altar signifies a direct assault on the spiritual stronghold of idolatry in Ophrah. This was not a natural collapse but a deliberate, forceful act of demolition, indicating a radical break with the prevailing pagan worship.
* **"and the grove was cut down that [was] by it":** This parallel action confirms the comprehensive nature of Gideon's obedience. The destruction of the Asherah pole, the cultic object associated with the goddess Asherah, alongside the Baal altar, demonstrates a complete dismantling of the local pagan worship system, fulfilling God's command to eradicate all symbols of idolatry.
* **"and the second bullock was offered upon the altar [that was] built":** This final clause describes the positive act of worship that replaced the pagan defilement. An altar dedicated to Yahweh had been constructed, and the specific bullock commanded by God was sacrificed upon it. This signifies not merely the removal of the false but the establishment of the true, a re-consecration of the space and a re-direction of worship from Baal to the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:28 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Gideon, initially characterized by his fear and hidden actions, becomes the unwitting catalyst for a public spectacle that challenges the very foundation of his community's idolatry. His secret obedience leads to an undeniable public confrontation. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded: the "cast down" altar and "cut down" grove powerfully symbolize the dismantling of spiritual strongholds and the rejection of false gods. Conversely, the "altar that was built" and the "second bullock offered" symbolize the re-establishment of true worship, purification, and the cost of genuine devotion to Yahweh. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, juxtaposing the darkness of Gideon's fearful, clandestine act with the bright light of morning that exposes his bold deed, and the defilement of pagan worship with the purity of sacrifice to the Lord. This dramatic reveal also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the larger spiritual and military deliverance that God will bring through Gideon, beginning with this foundational act of spiritual cleansing in his own backyard.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:28 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship and His active involvement in challenging idolatry among His people. It reveals that true deliverance often begins with spiritual cleansing and a decisive break from anything that competes for God's rightful place in our lives. Gideon's act, though initially driven by fear, demonstrates that obedience, even in weakness, opens the door for God's mighty purposes to unfold. The destruction of the Baal altar and Asherah pole, followed by the establishment of Yahweh's altar, underscores the principle that the removal of false worship must be accompanied by the establishment of true, Spirit-led devotion. This foundational act of spiritual warfare is a necessary precursor to physical freedom and God's blessing.

* [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Pagan Altars")
* [1 Kings 18:20-40](/1_kings/18-20 "1 Kings 18:20-40 - Elijah's Confrontation with Baal Prophets")
* [2 Corinthians 10:3-5](/2_corinthians/10-3 "2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - Spiritual Warfare Against Strongholds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:28 serves as a potent reminder that genuine spiritual transformation, both individually and communally, often necessitates a courageous confrontation with the "idols" in our lives. These are not always physical statues; they can be anything—comfort, security, reputation, material possessions, or even self-reliance—that subtly or overtly usurps God's rightful place of supreme devotion. Gideon's act, performed in secret but revealed publicly, teaches us that obedience to God, even when it involves challenging the prevailing norms or personal comforts, ultimately brings His purposes to light. It encourages us to examine our own hearts and lives, identifying areas where compromise or misplaced affections have taken root, and to act decisively to dismantle them. This act of "tearing down" must be followed by "building up" an altar to the Lord, replacing what is unholy with acts of true worship, service, and dedication to God. Our private acts of surrender and obedience, though unseen by many, can have profound public implications, preparing the way for God to work powerfully through us and in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars of Baal" or "Asherah poles" might exist in my own life, demanding allegiance or attention that rightfully belongs to God?**
* **How does Gideon's initial fear, followed by obedience, encourage me to take steps of faith even when I feel inadequate or afraid?**
* **In what ways can my private acts of devotion and obedience have a public impact, leading others to recognize God's work?**
* **What practical steps can I take to replace areas of compromise or idolatry with intentional acts of worship and service to God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Gideon perform this act at night, and what does it tell us about his faith?**

Answer: Gideon performed the act under the cover of night, as explicitly stated in [Judges 6:27](/judges/6-27 "Judges 6:27 - Gideon's Nighttime Mission"), because he "feared his father's household and the men of the city." This reveals that while he was obedient to God's command, his faith was still mingled with human fear. It tells us that God often works through imperfect and fearful individuals. His obedience, though not fearless, was still genuine and sufficient for God's purposes. It highlights that true faith is not the absence of fear, but acting in obedience despite it, trusting in God's command and provision. This initial act of obedience, despite his timidity, was a crucial step in Gideon's journey of faith and God's preparation of him for greater acts of deliverance.

**What is the significance of using the "second bullock" and the wood from the "grove" for the sacrifice?**

Answer: The "second bullock" was specifically commanded by God in [Judges 6:25](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25 - God's Command to Gideon"). This detail is significant for several reasons: it demonstrates Gideon's precise obedience to God's instructions, even when it was costly (the second bullock was likely more valuable or his father's prize animal). It also signifies a complete dedication to the Lord, as it was a specific, perhaps sacrificial, offering. Furthermore, using the wood from the "grove" (the Asherah pole) to fuel the sacrifice to Yahweh is profoundly symbolic. It represents the utter desecration and repurposing of instruments of idolatry for the worship of the one true God. The very objects of pagan worship are transformed into means of true worship, symbolizing a profound spiritual cleansing and the establishment of Yahweh's supremacy over the false gods.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's act in Judges 6:28, though an Old Testament shadow, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Gideon, a deliverer who began by dismantling the spiritual strongholds of idolatry in his own community, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Deliverer who came to dismantle the spiritual strongholds of sin, death, and the devil. Where Gideon's act was a localized, physical destruction of pagan altars, Christ's work on the cross was a cosmic, spiritual victory over the powers of darkness, "disarming the powers and authorities" and "making a public spectacle of them" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). The "second bullock" offered by Gideon, a costly sacrifice for cleansing, points to the infinitely more precious and perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus' blood cleanses not merely a local altar but the very conscience from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Cleansing Blood")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ established the true altar of worship—Himself—and called all believers to be a "royal priesthood," offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and obedience ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, Gideon's confrontation with idolatry serves as a powerful type, pointing to the comprehensive and redemptive work of Christ, who enables His followers to truly tear down the idols of their hearts and lives, replacing them with wholehearted devotion to Him.

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.