Judges 6:31

KJV

And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst [it is yet] morning: if he [be] a god, let him plead for himself, because [one] hath cast down his altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joash {H3101} said {H559} unto all that stood {H5975} against him, Will ye plead {H7378} for Baal {H1168}? will ye save {H3467} him? he that will plead {H7378} for him, let him be put to death {H4191} whilst it is yet morning {H1242}: if he be a god {H430}, let him plead {H7378} for himself, because one hath cast down {H5422} his altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yo'ash said to all those crowding around him, "You're defending Ba'al, are you? It's your job to save him? Anyone who defends Ba'al will be put to death before morning! If he's a god, let him defend himself! After all, somebody destroyed his altar!"

Berean Standard Bible

But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself with the one who has torn down his altar.”

American Standard Version

And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye contend for Baal? or will ye save him? he that will contend for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him contend for himself, because one hath broken down his altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:31 captures a pivotal moment of courage and theological clarity as Joash, Gideon's father, confronts an enraged mob demanding his son's life for destroying the local Baal altar. With astounding boldness, Joash challenges the very premise of their idolatry, asserting that if Baal were truly a god, he would be capable of defending himself against the desecration of his own altar. This declaration not only saves Gideon but powerfully exposes the impotence of false deities and underscores the self-sufficient sovereignty of the one true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Gideon's initial act of obedience to the Lord's command. Having been called by the Angel of the Lord to deliver Israel from Midian, Gideon's first task was to cleanse his own household and community of idolatry. God specifically instructed him to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it, then build an altar to the Lord and offer a burnt offering using the wood of the Asherah pole and a bull from his father's herd ([Judges 6:25-27](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-27 - God's Command to Gideon")). Gideon, fearing his household and the men of the city, carried out this daring act under the cover of night. The discovery the next morning ignited the fury of the townspeople, who recognized Gideon's handiwork and demanded his life. Joash's unexpected and courageous intervention in this verse marks a turning point, not only for Gideon but potentially for Joash's own spiritual allegiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1375–1050 BC) was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the conquest, Israel often failed to fully dispossess the Canaanites, leading to syncretism—the blending of Yahwistic worship with Canaanite religious practices, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah. Baal was the Canaanite storm and fertility god, believed to control rain, crops, and livestock, making his worship highly appealing in an agrarian society. Asherah was his consort, a goddess of fertility. These cults often involved ritual prostitution and child sacrifice, directly opposing Yahweh's commands. The townspeople's violent reaction to the destruction of Baal's altar highlights the deep entrenchment of Baal worship in Israelite society, even among those who nominally identified as Israelites. Joash's challenge, therefore, was not merely a family defense but a direct confrontation with the dominant religious and cultural norms.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:31 powerfully articulates several key themes. Foremost is the **impotence of idols** contrasted with the **sovereignty of the true God**. Joash's rhetorical question exposes the absurdity of worshipping a deity incapable of defending itself, echoing later prophetic critiques of idolatry (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")). This moment also highlights **courage and conviction**, as Joash, likely a participant in Baal worship himself, undergoes a dramatic shift, risking his life to defend his son and the Lord's honor. His declaration also foreshadows the broader theme of **divine vindication**, where God ultimately proves His power and truth, often through unexpected human instruments, as seen throughout the book of Judges and in later narratives like [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baal (Hebrew, בַּעַל, _Ba'al_):** This word literally means "lord" or "master" and was the common name for the chief Canaanite deity. In the context of Israel's apostasy, it became synonymous with idolatry and the worship of false gods. Joash's direct reference to "Baal" is not merely naming a deity but challenging the very concept of a god who requires human intervention and defense, contrasting sharply with the self-sufficient, omnipotent God of Israel.
* **Plead (Hebrew, רִיב, _riv_):** The verb _riv_ means "to contend," "to strive," "to argue a legal case," or "to go to court." Joash's use of this word is highly significant. He is not merely asking if they will *speak* for Baal, but if they will *litigate* on his behalf, acting as his legal advocates in a divine courtroom. This imbues the challenge with a legal and judicial weight, implying that if Baal is truly a god, he should be able to present his own case and defend his own honor, rather than relying on human defense. The implication is that Baal has no case, no power, and no true existence as a deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joash said unto all that stood against him":** This sets the scene for a dramatic confrontation. Joash, Gideon's father, steps forward to address the angry mob of townspeople who are demanding Gideon's death. This is a moment of profound personal risk and a surprising display of courage, as Joash was previously implicated in the very idolatry Gideon was commanded to dismantle.
* **"Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him?":** These are rhetorical questions, designed not to elicit an answer but to expose the absurdity of their position. Joash challenges their dedication to a deity that appears utterly helpless. The use of "plead" (_riv_) suggests a legal defense, implying that Baal is on trial and needs human advocates. The follow-up, "will ye save him?", further highlights Baal's perceived weakness and dependence on his worshippers, a stark contrast to the true God who saves His people.
* **"he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst [it is yet] morning:":** Joash escalates the stakes dramatically. He issues a direct challenge, implying that anyone who attempts to defend Baal should face the ultimate penalty. The phrase "whilst it is yet morning" emphasizes the immediacy and decisiveness of his judgment, daring anyone to step forward and prove their conviction. This is a bold move, effectively silencing the mob through intimidation and a reversal of their own death threats.
* **"if he [be] a god, let him plead for himself, because [one] hath cast down his altar.":** This is the theological crux of Joash's argument. He asserts the fundamental principle that a true god possesses inherent power and self-sufficiency. If Baal is genuinely divine, he should be able to demonstrate his power by defending his own property and honor. The fact that his altar was easily destroyed by a single individual (Gideon) without any divine retaliation serves as irrefutable evidence of his impotence and non-existence as a true deity. This statement is a powerful declaration of Yahweh's unique sovereignty and the utter void of idols.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:31 is rich with **Rhetorical Questions**, particularly "Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him?" and "if he [be] a god, let him plead for himself." These questions are not posed to elicit information but to provoke thought, expose the irrationality of the mob's position, and underscore the central theological point: a true god does not need human defense. The verse also employs profound **Irony** and **Dramatic Irony**. The townspeople believe Baal is powerful and worthy of their wrath, yet Joash reveals the irony that their "god" is so weak he cannot even defend his own altar. The dramatic irony lies in the audience's knowledge that Yahweh, not Baal, is the true sovereign, making the mob's devotion to a powerless idol all the more futile. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Antithesis**, contrasting the perceived need for human defense of Baal with the inherent self-sufficiency and power of the true God. Joash's challenge forces the mob to confront the logical inconsistency of their idolatry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joash's audacious declaration in Judges 6:31 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true deity versus the futility of idolatry. It encapsulates the core biblical teaching that God is self-existent, self-sufficient, and utterly sovereign, requiring no human defense or assistance to prove His power or vindicate His name. Idols, by contrast, are lifeless creations, dependent on human hands for their existence and human voices for their defense. This moment highlights Israel's ongoing struggle with syncretism and the constant temptation to worship created things rather than the Creator. Joash's challenge forces a confrontation with the logical and spiritual bankruptcy of such worship, pointing towards the exclusive claim of Yahweh as the only living and true God.

* [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Impotence of Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [1 Kings 18:27](/1_kings/18-27 "1 Kings 18:27 - Elijah's Taunt to Baal's Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joash's courageous stand in Judges 6:31 offers powerful and enduring lessons for believers today. In a world saturated with distractions and competing allegiances, we are constantly faced with "modern Baals"—anything that demands our ultimate devotion, promises ultimate satisfaction, or subtly usurps God's rightful place in our lives. These can manifest as materialism, career ambition, self-worship, comfort, or even political ideologies. Joash's challenge compels us to examine our own hearts and communities, asking whether we are inadvertently "pleading for" or "saving" idols that cannot truly help themselves or us. His example calls us to cultivate a similar courage and conviction, to stand for God's truth even when it is unpopular or puts us at odds with prevailing cultural norms. Ultimately, this verse reminds us that the true God is fully capable of defending His own name, His truth, and His people. Our role is not to "save" God, but to faithfully serve Him, trusting in His sovereign power to vindicate Himself and His purposes in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Baals" or idols might I be "pleading for" or "saving" in my own life, perhaps unknowingly, that compete for God's ultimate place?**
* **In what areas of my life or community do I need to demonstrate Joash's courage in standing against popular but ungodly beliefs or practices?**
* **How does trusting in God's self-sufficiency and power free me from the burden of having to "defend" Him or His truth in my own strength?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joash's response so surprising and courageous?**

Answer: Joash's response was surprising because he was Gideon's father and had a Baal altar on his property, suggesting he was either a participant in or at least tolerant of Baal worship. For him to suddenly turn against the enraged mob, risk his own life, and publicly challenge the efficacy of their god demonstrated a profound and unexpected shift in allegiance or conviction. It was courageous because he was confronting an angry, armed mob who sought to kill his son, and by extension, him for defending Gideon. His willingness to defy the prevailing religious and social norms, and to stake his life on the impotence of Baal, marked a pivotal moment of faith and conviction. This act not only saved Gideon but also publicly declared the supremacy of Yahweh over the false gods of Canaan, echoing the later prophetic confrontations like [Elijah on Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "Elijah's Contest on Mount Carmel").

**What does this event tell us about the nature of true God versus idols?**

Answer: This event profoundly illustrates the fundamental difference between the living God and lifeless idols. Joash's rhetorical challenge, "if he [be] a god, let him plead for himself," highlights that true divinity is characterized by inherent power, self-sufficiency, and the ability to act independently. Idols, by contrast, are inanimate objects, created by human hands, requiring human defense, and utterly incapable of self-preservation or intervention. The fact that Baal's altar was easily destroyed without any divine retaliation proves his impotence. This contrasts sharply with the God of Israel, who demonstrates His power through mighty acts, defends His people, and needs no human assistance to prove His existence or sovereignty. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical truth that "the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King" ([Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The Lord, the True God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joash's bold challenge to Baal's impotence in Judges 6:31 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Joash dared the false god to defend himself, Jesus, the true God incarnate, needed no defense, for He perfectly revealed the Father and decisively defeated all spiritual "Baals"—sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The ultimate test of a "god" is their ability to overcome death, and unlike Baal, who could not defend his altar, Christ willingly laid down His life and then powerfully took it up again, demonstrating His divine authority and self-sufficiency ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus' Authority Over His Life")). Through His crucifixion, Jesus dismantled the altars of sin and idolatry, and through His resurrection, He proved Himself to be the living God, the true Lord who needs no human "pleading" or "saving." He is the one who pleads for us as our advocate ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")) and saves us from our sins ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). The victory of Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection serve as the definitive answer to Joash's challenge, revealing the true God who not only defends His own name but also actively vindicates and redeems His people, calling all to worship Him alone, for He is the one "in whom we live and move and have our being" ([Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him We Live")).

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

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Jeremiah 10:5

They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.

Jeremiah 10:11

Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, [even] they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

Deuteronomy 17:2

If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,

Deuteronomy 17:7

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 13:5

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.