Judges 6:32

KJV

Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore on that day {H3117} he called {H7121} him Jerubbaal {H3378}, saying {H559}, Let Baal {H1168} plead {H7378} against him, because he hath thrown down {H5422} his altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore on that day Gid'on was given the name Yeruba'al [let Ba'al defend], because they said, "Let Ba'al defend himself against him, since he destroyed his altar."

Berean Standard Bible

So on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend with him,” because he had torn down Baal’s altar.

American Standard Version

Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal contend against him, because he hath broken down his altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:32 chronicles the pivotal moment when Gideon, having courageously obeyed God's command to demolish his father's altar to Baal and cut down the accompanying Asherah pole, receives a new, divinely significant name: Jerubbaal. This name, meaning "Let Baal contend" or "Baal strives," is bestowed by his father, Joash, who dramatically defends Gideon against the enraged townspeople. It serves as a profound theological declaration, exposing Baal's impotence and affirming Yahweh's absolute sovereignty, thereby marking a critical turning point in Gideon's identity and preparing him for his future role as Israel's deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:32 serves as a crucial theological and narrative pivot within the unfolding story of Gideon. It immediately follows Gideon's clandestine act of obedience to the Lord's specific command to destroy the local Baal altar and Asherah pole, replacing it with an altar to Yahweh built in its stead. This momentous act, detailed in [Judges 6:25-27](/judges/6-25-27 "Judges 6:25-27 - Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar and Builds an Altar to the Lord"), sparks outrage among the townspeople of Ophrah, who demand Gideon's death. However, Gideon's father, Joash, unexpectedly intervenes, offering a powerful theological challenge to the Baal worshippers, asserting that if Baal is truly a god, he should be able to defend himself (as recounted in [Judges 6:31](/judges/6-31 "Judges 6:31 - Joash Defends Gideon")). This verse, therefore, encapsulates the immediate consequence and theological summation of Gideon's initial, fearful yet obedient, act of faith, solidifying his new identity and role just before the subsequent call to gather forces against the Midianites in [Judges 6:33](/judges/6-33 "Judges 6:33 - Gideon Gathers an Army").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 12th-11th centuries BC) was characterized by a recurring cycle of Israel's spiritual apostasy, subsequent oppression by foreign powers, their desperate cries for deliverance, and God's raising up of a judge to rescue them. During this era, Canaanite polytheism, particularly the worship of Baal (the storm and fertility god) and his consort Asherah, was deeply pervasive and often syncretized with Yahweh worship within Israelite society. Altars and sacred poles (Asherim) were common fixtures in towns and homes, representing a community's allegiance to these deities. Destroying such an altar was far more than a mere religious act; it was a profound socio-political statement, directly challenging the foundational belief systems and inviting severe repercussions, as vividly demonstrated by the townspeople's violent reaction. Gideon's act, therefore, represented an audacious and dangerous defiance of the dominant religious and cultural norms of his day.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It strikingly highlights the **Divine Confrontation with Idolatry**, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all false gods and His unwavering demand for exclusive worship, a theme foundational to the covenant relationship established with Israel, as seen in the commands found in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods Before Me"). Furthermore, the narrative underscores **God's Vindication of His Servant**, as Joash's public challenge and the subsequent naming of Gideon declare Baal's impotence and Yahweh's power to uphold those who obey Him. This act of defiance against Baal's followers sets the stage for Gideon's transformation from a timid farmer into a courageous leader, embodying the theme of **Courage in Obedience** despite fear, a characteristic already hinted at in Gideon's nighttime destruction of the altar in [Judges 6:27](/judges/6-27 "Judges 6:27 - Gideon's Fearful Obedience"). The naming also profoundly introduces the theme of **New Identity in God's Service**, where an individual's name reflects their divine calling and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jerubbaal (Hebrew, _Yᵉrubbaʻal'_):** This highly significant name is a compound of the Hebrew root `ריב` (_rîyb_), meaning "to contend," "to strive," or "to plead," and `בעל` (_Baʻal_), the name of the prominent Canaanite deity. Consequently, the name literally translates to "Let Baal contend" or "Baal strives." It is a polemical name, a powerful theological statement encapsulated within Gideon's personal identity. It serves as a constant, living reminder of the public challenge issued to Baal and his demonstrable inability to defend himself or his desecrated altar, thereby emphatically highlighting the futility and powerlessness inherent in idol worship.
* **plead (Hebrew, _rîyb'_):** Derived from the same root `ריב` (_rîyb_) that forms the first part of Jerubbaal, this verb emphatically reinforces the meaning and purpose of Gideon's new name. Joash's declarative statement, "Let Baal plead against him," functions as a direct, mocking challenge, inviting Baal to manifest his purported divine power by defending his own honor and avenging the destruction of his altar. The narrative's subsequent progression, marked by Baal's silence and inaction, underscores his non-existence or utter impotence, further validating Gideon's obedient act and Yahweh's unquestionable supremacy.
* **altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** The `mizbêach` was a raised structure specifically designed for offering sacrifices, a central element of ancient worship. In this specific context, the altar was a tangible, physical manifestation of Baal worship and a focal point of idolatry within the community of Ophrah. Its destruction by Gideon was not merely an act of vandalism but a direct, symbolic assault on the spiritual stronghold of Baal in the community, representing the tearing down of false worship and the re-establishment of Yahweh's rightful and exclusive place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal,"**: This initial clause firmly establishes the immediate and profound consequence of Joash's unexpected defense and the preceding confrontation with the enraged townspeople. The act of renaming, particularly when performed by a father, signifies a deep and transformative shift in identity and purpose. Gideon is no longer merely "Gideon"; he is now "Jerubbaal," a name that permanently links him to this decisive confrontation with idolatry and the subsequent vindication of Yahweh.
* **"saying, Let Baal plead against him,"**: This is Joash's direct, audacious challenge, which also provides the very etymology of Gideon's new name. It functions as a rhetorical question, powerfully posed to the agitated crowd, effectively mocking Baal's supposed divine power. The implication is clear: if Baal were truly a god worthy of worship, he would possess the ability to defend his own honor and avenge the destruction of his altar. The deafening silence of Baal, and the subsequent unfolding events, serve as irrefutable proof of his impotence and non-existence.
* **"because he hath thrown down his altar."**: This concluding clause explicitly provides the reason for both Joash's challenge and Gideon's renaming. Gideon's courageous act of destroying Baal's altar is the primary catalyst for this entire dramatic confrontation. It is this bold, albeit initially fearful, obedience to God's command that precipitates the crisis and the subsequent divine vindication, fundamentally transforming Gideon's public identity and setting the stage for his future role.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 6:32 is replete with literary devices that significantly amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Etymological Naming**, where Gideon's new name, Jerubbaal, transcends a mere label to become a condensed theological statement and a powerful summary of the preceding events. It functions as a constant, living reminder of Baal's impotence and Yahweh's absolute sovereignty. There is also striking **Irony** present: the very townspeople who vehemently demand Gideon's death for insulting Baal are challenged by Joash to let Baal defend himself, thereby exposing the inherent absurdity and futility of their faith in a demonstrably powerless deity. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between the vibrant, active Yahweh, who commands and empowers Gideon, and the inert, silent Baal, who cannot even protect his own sacred altar. Furthermore, the verse serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, as the name Jerubbaal and the momentous event it commemorates mark Gideon as a divinely chosen instrument, setting the stage for his future role as a deliverer who will "contend" against Israel's oppressors, mirroring the challenge issued to Baal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:32 profoundly underscores the exclusive sovereignty of Yahweh over all false gods, a foundational tenet of Israelite faith and a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It powerfully demonstrates that God is not a passive deity but actively intervenes in human affairs, challenging and dismantling systems of idolatry that usurp His rightful place. Gideon's act of defiance, and the subsequent naming, serve as a potent testament to the utter futility of worshipping anything other than the one true God. It is a powerful reminder that God vindicates and upholds those who courageously obey Him, even when facing significant opposition and societal pressure. This dramatic confrontation with Baal worship is a microcosm of the larger spiritual battle that Israel, and indeed all humanity, perpetually faces—the fundamental choice between serving the living God and bowing to idols of human creation or worldly allegiance.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "The Shema: Hear, O Israel, The LORD is One")
* [Psalm 115:3-8](/psalms/115-3-8 "The Impotence of Idols Contrasted with Our God")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "The Folly and Futility of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:32 offers a profound challenge and enduring encouragement for believers today. Just as Gideon was called to dismantle a physical altar to a false god, we are called to identify and courageously tear down the "altars" of idolatry that may exist in our own lives and in our contemporary culture. These are rarely stone structures but rather anything that competes for the ultimate allegiance of our hearts and minds—whether it be wealth, power, comfort, reputation, personal ambition, or even seemingly good things that subtly displace God from His rightful, supreme place. Gideon's story powerfully reminds us that authentic faith often necessitates courageous obedience, even when such obedience is unpopular, inconvenient, or fraught with fear. We are called to live out our faith boldly, trusting that God will vindicate His truth and empower us to stand firm against the false gods and pervasive ideologies of our age. This verse also highlights God's remarkable ability to use ordinary, even timid, individuals to accomplish extraordinary purposes when they choose to obey Him, transforming their identity and equipping them for His divine service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars" of idolatry, whether overt or subtle, might exist in my own life or in my community today that need to be torn down through courageous obedience?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to exhibit courageous obedience, even when it feels fearful, unpopular, or goes against prevailing cultural norms?**
* **How does the demonstrated impotence of Baal in this story encourage me to place my complete trust in the absolute sovereignty and unfailing power of the one true God?**
* **How might God be calling me to embrace a "new name" or identity that reflects His specific purpose for my life, even if it brings contention or opposition?**

### FAQ
**What does the name Jerubbaal mean, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The name Jerubbaal (Hebrew: יְרֻבַּעַל, _Yĕrubbaʻal_) literally means "Let Baal contend" or "Baal strives." It is profoundly significant because it encapsulates the entire theological drama of Judges 6:32. Gideon's father, Joash, bestows this name upon him as a direct and public challenge to the idol Baal. The underlying premise is that if Baal were truly a god, he would be able to defend himself and his altar against Gideon's actions. The name thus serves as a constant, living testament to Baal's utter impotence and the undeniable supremacy of Yahweh, who is the true and living God. It marks Gideon's new identity as one who has directly confronted and exposed the futility of idol worship, setting the stage for his crucial role as a deliverer for Israel.

**Why was Joash, Gideon's father, the one who gave him this name?**

Answer: Joash's role in giving Gideon the name Jerubbaal is crucial and, initially, somewhat surprising. Prior to this event, Joash was evidently a worshipper of Baal, as evidenced by the presence of the Baal altar and Asherah pole on his property. However, when the townspeople of Ophrah angrily demanded Gideon's death for destroying the altar, Joash steps forward to defend his son, as recorded in [Judges 6:31](/judges/6-31 "Judges 6:31 - Joash Defends Gideon"). His defense transcends mere paternal affection; it is a profound theological statement: "If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself." By publicly bestowing the name Jerubbaal, Joash not only protects his son but also publicly aligns himself with the challenge to Baal's authority and implicitly acknowledges Yahweh's power. This act signifies a remarkable and transformative shift in Joash's own allegiance, demonstrating that God's redemptive work can even penetrate and transform those deeply entrenched in idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 6:32, with its dramatic confrontation between Yahweh and Baal, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon was named "Jerubbaal" to signify a direct challenge to a false god and expose its impotence, Jesus is the supreme and ultimate One who confronts and definitively dismantles all forms of idolatry and spiritual oppression. He is the true and living God who does not need to "contend" for His deity; rather, in His incarnation, He actively enters our fallen world to expose the emptiness and futility of all that competes for our ultimate allegiance. Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively triumphed over the powers of darkness, sin, and death—which are the ultimate "false gods" that enslave humanity, as powerfully declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities"). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the pervasive sin of idolatry, as revealed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, while Gideon was called Jerubbaal because Baal could not plead for himself, Jesus is our ultimate Advocate and compassionate Intercessor, who *does* powerfully plead our case before the Father, as affirmed in [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate"). He is the one who, through His finished work on the cross, has truly thrown down the altars of all false worship, inviting us into a new covenant of exclusive devotion to Him, where we receive a new identity in Christ, marked by His glorious name, not a polemical one, and are promised a new name ourselves in His eternal presence ([Revelation 2:17](/revelation/2-17 "Revelation 2:17 - The New Name and White Stone")).

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 Samuel 12:11

And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.

2 Samuel 11:21

Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

Judges 7:1

¶ Then Jerubbaal, who [is] Gideon, and all the people that [were] with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

Hosea 9:10

I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: [but] they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto [that] shame; and [their] abominations were according as they loved.

Jeremiah 11:13

For [according to] the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and [according to] the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to [that] shameful thing, [even] altars to burn incense unto Baal.