Judges 6:29

KJV

And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} one {H376} to another {H7453}, Who hath done {H6213} this thing {H1697}? And when they enquired {H1875} and asked {H1245}, they said {H559}, Gideon {H1439} the son {H1121} of Joash {H3101} hath done {H6213} this thing {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They asked each other, "Who could have done this?" But after investigating, they concluded that Gid'on the son of Yo'ash had done it.

Berean Standard Bible

“Who did this?” they said to one another. And after they had investigated thoroughly, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”

American Standard Version

And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:29 vividly captures the immediate aftermath of Gideon's audacious act of obedience, where he, under the cover of night, demolished his father's altar to Baal and felled the accompanying Asherah pole. The verse details the bewildered reaction of the men of Ophrah who, upon discovering the desecration of their pagan worship site, launched an urgent inquiry to identify the perpetrator. Their swift investigation culminates in the definitive identification of Gideon, Joash's son, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:29 is a pivotal moment following Gideon's initial call and his fearful, yet obedient, act. Prior to this, Israel had suffered under Midianite oppression for seven years due to their idolatry, prompting them to cry out to the Lord [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian"). God, through an angel, called Gideon, a timid man from the least of Manasseh's clans, to deliver Israel [Judges 6:11-16](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-16 - The Call of Gideon"). Gideon's initial doubts led to a series of signs and requests for confirmation [Judges 6:17-21](/judges/6-17 "Judges 6:17-21 - Gideon's First Sign") and [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "Judges 6:36-40 - The Fleece Tests"). As part of his divine commission, God commanded Gideon to tear down his father's Baal altar and Asherah pole, and to build an altar to the Lord in its place, offering a second bull as a burnt offering [Judges 6:25-26](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-26 - God's Command to Gideon"). Out of fear of his family and the townspeople, Gideon carried out this task under the cover of darkness with ten servants [Judges 6:27](/judges/6-27 "Judges 6:27 - Gideon's Night Action"). Judges 6:29 captures the community's reaction upon discovering the audacious act and their successful inquiry into who was responsible, quickly identifying Gideon, thus shifting his role from a hidden agent to a publicly known figure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The worship of Baal, the Canaanite storm god, and Asherah, his consort (often represented by a wooden pole), was deeply entrenched in the land of Canaan. These deities were associated with fertility, rain, and agricultural prosperity, making their worship highly appealing to an agrarian society. For the Israelites, this syncretism was a direct violation of the Mosaic covenant, which demanded exclusive worship of Yahweh [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments"). Destroying a public altar and cultic symbol was not merely an act of vandalism; it was a profound religious and political affront, a challenge to the very fabric of the community's spiritual and social life. Such an act would have been seen as an attack on their perceived source of prosperity and protection, potentially inviting divine wrath from the Canaanite gods. The immediate inquiry by the townspeople reflects the communal nature of ancient societies, where such a significant transgression would necessitate swift identification and judgment of the perpetrator.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Confrontation of Idolatry**, underscoring God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship and His active role in initiating spiritual cleansing before physical deliverance can occur. Gideon's act is a direct challenge to the pervasive pagan worship that had gripped Israel, echoing the warnings found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Exposure and Accountability**. Despite Gideon's attempt to act in secret due to fear, his deed is discovered, demonstrating that God's purposes often involve public revelation and the need for His servants to stand firm even when facing opposition. The community's thorough inquiry ("enquired and asked") reveals the truth, forcing Gideon and his father, Joash, to face the consequences and the town's anger, as further detailed in [Judges 6:30-31](/judges/6-30 "Judges 6:30-31 - The Town's Reaction"). Finally, this incident serves as a crucial step in the **Divine Purpose Unveiled**. The revelation of Gideon as the perpetrator, while initially threatening, sets the stage for God to defend His chosen servant through Joash's intervention, initiating the public phase of Gideon's calling and his transformation from a hesitant farmer to a recognized agent of God's will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _darash_):** This verb signifies a diligent search, an earnest seeking, or an investigation. It implies a thorough and purposeful examination of facts or circumstances. In this context, it suggests that the men of Ophrah did not merely speculate but actively pursued information, perhaps questioning witnesses or looking for clues, to uncover the truth about the desecration. This reflects the seriousness with which they viewed the act.
* **Asked (Hebrew, _sha'al_):** While similar to "enquired," _sha'al_ more specifically means to ask, request, or demand. Used in conjunction with _darash_, it emphasizes the process of direct questioning and interrogation that characterized their investigation. They were not just looking for evidence but actively soliciting information from potential witnesses or suspects within the community.
* **Done this thing (Hebrew, _asah hadavar hazah_):** This phrase refers to the specific, audacious act of destroying the Baal altar and Asherah pole. The use of "this thing" highlights the immediate and shocking nature of the event, which was clearly an unprecedented and highly provocative deed in their community. It underscores the gravity of the offense from the perspective of the townspeople.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing?":** This opening clause immediately establishes the scene of confusion and outrage among the men of Ophrah. Upon discovering the demolished altar and pole, their first reaction is a collective question, indicating their bewilderment and the communal nature of their concern. The question "Who hath done this thing?" conveys both their shock at the sacrilege and their urgent desire to identify the responsible party, implying a readiness to exact justice.
* **"And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.":** This second clause describes the swift and effective investigation undertaken by the townspeople. The repetition of "enquired and asked" emphasizes the thoroughness of their inquiry, suggesting that they left no stone unturned in their pursuit of the truth. The definitive conclusion, "Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing," reveals that their investigation was successful, leading directly to Gideon. This identification, likely through local knowledge (perhaps the bull used for the sacrifice was recognized, or Joash's servants were questioned), immediately brings Gideon's secret act into the public light, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with his father and the town.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Judges 6:29 employs several effective literary devices. There is a strong element of **Irony** present, as Gideon, acting out of fear and under the cover of darkness [Judges 6:27](/judges/6-27 "Judges 6:27 - Gideon's Fearful Obedience"), is swiftly and publicly exposed. His attempt at secrecy is immediately undone by the community's diligent inquiry, highlighting the futility of hiding God's work. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Gideon's public identification here is the necessary precursor to his emergence as a true leader and judge, moving him from a hidden, fearful individual to a figure who must publicly confront the spiritual decay of his people. Furthermore, there is a clear **Conflict** established: the community's pagan loyalty versus Gideon's obedient, albeit fearful, act of spiritual cleansing. This immediate conflict sets the stage for the larger struggle between Yahweh and Baal worship that defines much of the Judges period, and specifically Gideon's subsequent battles against the Midianites.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:29 serves as a potent reminder of God's uncompromising demand for exclusive worship and His active involvement in confronting idolatry within His covenant people. Gideon's act, though initially driven by fear and executed in secret, is divinely ordained and brings the pervasive sin of Baal worship into the light, necessitating a public reckoning. This incident underscores that true deliverance, whether personal or national, must begin with spiritual cleansing and a return to Yahweh alone. God often uses seemingly insignificant or fearful individuals to initiate profound spiritual shifts, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness. The exposure of Gideon, far from being a setback, is integral to God's plan to publicly establish His servant and demonstrate His sovereignty over false gods.

* [Deuteronomy 6:14-15](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14-15 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah Challenges Baal Worship")
* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God's Jealousy for His Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The swift discovery of Gideon's act in Judges 6:29 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that acts of obedience, even those undertaken in private or out of fear, often have public implications. Just as Gideon's dismantling of the physical altar exposed the spiritual idolatry of his community, so too must we be prepared for our commitment to Christ to be revealed and potentially challenged by a world that serves other gods. This passage calls us to identify and dismantle the "altars" of modern idolatry in our own lives—whether they be the pursuit of wealth, comfort, power, self-reliance, or anything that usurps God's rightful place. True spiritual freedom and effectiveness in God's kingdom begin with this internal cleansing, however uncomfortable or public the process may become. Furthermore, Gideon's story reassures us that God uses imperfect, hesitant individuals to accomplish His grand purposes. Our fear or perceived inadequacy does not negate God's call; rather, it highlights His grace and power working through us, transforming us into instruments for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars" or idols, subtle or overt, might exist in my own life or community that need to be torn down for God's exclusive worship?**
* **How does Gideon's initial fear, followed by his obedience and subsequent exposure, challenge my own hesitations in following God's commands?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to an act of spiritual cleansing or confrontation that, though done in private, will ultimately have public implications?**
* **How does the community's immediate inquiry into "who hath done this thing" reflect the world's reaction when God's people act boldly in faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did Gideon destroy the altar at night, and what does this reveal about his character?**

Answer: Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole at night, as explicitly stated in [Judges 6:27](/judges/6-27 "Judges 6:27 - Gideon's Night Action"), because he "feared his father's household and the men of the city." This reveals his initial timidity and human fear, which is a recurring theme in his early interactions with God. Despite being called a "mighty warrior" by the angel of the Lord [Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - The Angel's Greeting to Gideon"), Gideon was cautious and sought signs from God. His nocturnal act demonstrates that obedience does not always equate to fearlessness; sometimes, it is an act of courage performed in the midst of fear. God allowed this approach, knowing Gideon's heart, and used it to set the stage for His public vindication of Gideon.

**What was the significance of destroying the Asherah pole alongside the Baal altar?**

Answer: The destruction of the Asherah pole was equally, if not more, significant than the Baal altar. Asherah was a prominent Canaanite goddess, often depicted as Baal's consort, and associated with fertility, trees, and wooden cultic objects. Her poles were symbols of pagan worship and often involved sexual rituals. For God's people, the presence of an Asherah pole represented a profound spiritual defilement and a direct violation of the commandment against idolatry [Deuteronomy 16:21-22](/deuteronomy/16-21 "Deuteronomy 16:21-22 - Prohibition of Asherah Poles"). Destroying it was a clear act of spiritual cleansing, signifying a complete rejection of the syncretistic practices that had infiltrated Israelite worship and a return to exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

**How did the men of Ophrah so quickly identify Gideon as the culprit?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state how the men of Ophrah identified Gideon, but several possibilities exist. Firstly, Gideon used his father Joash's second bull for the sacrifice [Judges 6:26](/judges/6-26 "Judges 6:26 - The Command to Sacrifice the Bull"), which might have been recognizable to the townsfolk. Secondly, Gideon took "ten of his servants" with him [Judges 6:27](/judges/6-27 "Judges 6:27 - Gideon's Servants"), and it's plausible that one or more of them, or someone who saw them, might have revealed his involvement, perhaps under pressure. Thirdly, in a small, close-knit community like Ophrah, such a drastic act would likely be attributed to someone with a strong connection to the altar's owner (Joash) or someone known to be questioning the local religious norms. The phrase "enquired and asked" suggests a process of investigation and questioning within the community that quickly led to the truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:29, with its depiction of Gideon's act of spiritual cleansing and subsequent exposure, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Gideon, in his fearful obedience, takes the first step in dismantling the visible symbols of Israel's idolatry, initiating a process of turning the people back to the Lord. This act, though imperfect and limited, points to Jesus Christ, the true and perfect deliverer, who came not merely to destroy physical altars but to utterly dismantle the spiritual dominion of sin and idolatry in human hearts. Where Gideon acted in secret out of fear, Jesus openly confronted the spiritual darkness and false worship of His day, overturning the tables of the money changers in the temple [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple") and exposing the hypocrisy of religious leaders. Christ is the ultimate Lamb of God [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose perfect sacrifice on the cross truly "takes away the sin of the world," cleansing us from all unrighteousness and making it possible for us to worship God in spirit and truth [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus achieved the complete victory over the spiritual forces of darkness [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"), enabling His followers to live lives of exclusive devotion to the one true God, free from the enslavement of sin and idolatry.

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.