And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father’s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
That same night, the LORD said to him, 'Take your father's young bull, the second bull that is seven years old, and tear down the altar to Baal that your father has built, and cut down the wooden pole that stands beside it.'
God is commanding Gideon to destroy his own father's pagan worship site and use the sacrifice meant for false gods to worship the true God instead.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of the Judges, Israel often cycled through periods of rebellion against God, worshiping Canaanite gods like Baal due to influences from surrounding nations, which led to their oppression by enemies such as the Midianites. Gideon, a man from the tribe of Manasseh, was chosen by God as a reluctant leader to deliver Israel, and this command was his first test of faith. As part of this, God instructed him to destroy his father's altar to Baal and the nearby Asherah pole, symbolizing a return to exclusive worship of the Lord.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.