Judges 6:31

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.

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}.

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!"

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.”

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

This powerful verse from the book of Judges captures a pivotal moment in the life of Gideon's father, Joash, as he boldly defends his son's actions against the rampant idolatry in their community.

Context

The narrative leading up to Judges 6:31 describes Gideon's initial call by the Angel of the Lord to deliver Israel from the Midianites. As a sign of his commitment and to cleanse his own household, God commanded Gideon to destroy the local altar of Baal and the Asherah pole, replacing it with an altar to the Lord (Judges 6:25-27). Gideon, fearing the men of the city, carried out this act by night. When the townspeople discovered what had happened the next morning, they were enraged and demanded that Joash bring out his son, Gideon, to be put to death for desecrating their god's altar. This verse records Joash's surprising and courageous response, stepping forward to defend Gideon against the angry mob.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Impotence of Idols: Joash's rhetorical question, "Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? ... if he be a god, let him plead for himself," powerfully highlights the central message: false gods are powerless and cannot defend themselves. This challenges the very foundation of pagan worship, contrasting lifeless idols with the living God who needs no human defense. It's a profound declaration of the absurdity of idolatry, similar to the later challenge by Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:27) and the biblical descriptions of idols as having "mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not" (Psalm 115:4-7).
  • Courage and Conviction: Joash, who likely participated in Baal worship himself, undergoes a remarkable transformation. His bold declaration against the angry mob, risking his own life to protect his son and challenge the prevailing idolatry, demonstrates immense courage and a newfound conviction in the one true God. This pivotal moment not only saved Gideon's life but also validated his act of faith.
  • Divine Vindication: Implicit in Joash's statement is the understanding that the true God is self-sufficient and capable of defending His own name and cause. If Baal could not defend his altar from being cast down, he was clearly not a god. This concept reinforces the sovereignty and power of the Lord, who works through His chosen servants but ultimately vindicates Himself.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Baal" (Hebrew: בַּעַל, Ba'al) literally means "lord" or "master." It was a prominent Canaanite deity associated with storms, fertility, and kingship, often depicted as riding on clouds and holding a thunderbolt. The phrase "plead for Baal" uses the Hebrew verb rib (רִיב), which means to contend, strive, or argue a legal case. Joash challenges the townspeople to literally act as Baal's advocate in a divine court, knowing that a non-existent god has no case to present.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Challenging Modern Idols: Just as ancient Israel struggled with Baal worship, contemporary society presents its own "Baals"—anything that demands ultimate allegiance, promises ultimate satisfaction, or usurps God's rightful place in our lives (e.g., materialism, power, self-worship, comfort). Joash's challenge encourages us to identify and dismantle these false gods in our own lives and communities.
  • Standing for Truth: Joash's example inspires us to stand firm for God's truth, even when it is unpopular, inconvenient, or puts us at odds with prevailing cultural norms. Courage in faith is often required to defend what is right.
  • Trusting God's Power: We are reminded that God is fully capable of defending His own truth and His people. Our role is to be faithful and obedient, and He will ultimately vindicate His name and purpose. We do not need to "plead for God"; He is mighty enough to plead for Himself and for us.
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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:11 (3 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 10:5 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.