Judges 6:30
Judges 6:30 in Multiple Translations
Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has torn down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.”
Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.
Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die, because he hath broken down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the Asherah that was by it.
Then the men of the town said to Joash, Make your son come out to be put to death, for pulling down the altar of Baal and cutting down the holy tree which was by it.
“Hand over your son,” the people of the town ordered Joash. “He must die, because he has torn down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.”
Then the men of the citie said vnto Ioash, Bring out thy sonne, that hee may dye: for he hath destroyed the altar of Baal, and hath also cut downe the groue that was by it.
And the men of the city say unto Joash, 'Bring out thy son, and he dieth, because he hath broken down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the shrine which [is] by it.'
Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son, that he may die, because he has broken down the altar of Baal, and because he has cut down the Asherah that was by it.”
Then the men of the city said to Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.
And they said to Joas: Bring out thy son hither, that he may die: because he hath destroyed the altar of Baal, and hath cut down his grove.
They went to Joash and said to him, “Bring your son out here! ◄He must be executed/We must kill him►, because he destroyed our god Baal’s altar and cut down the pole for our goddess Astarte!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 6:30
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 6:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
הָ/עִיר֙
אֶל
יוֹאָ֔שׁ
הוֹצֵ֥א
אֶת
בִּנְ/ךָ֖
וְ/יָמֹ֑ת
כִּ֤י
נָתַץ֙
אֶת
מִזְבַּ֣ח
הַ/בַּ֔עַל
וְ/כִ֥י
כָרַ֖ת
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
אֲשֶׁר
עָלָֽי/ו
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יוֹאָ֔שׁ
Yôwʼâsh
H3101
Joash
N-proper
הוֹצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בִּנְ/ךָ֖
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וְ/יָמֹ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָתַץ֙
nâthats
H5422
to tear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מִזְבַּ֣ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
הַ/בַּ֔עַל
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Art | N-proper
וְ/כִ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
כָרַ֖ת
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 6:30
וַ/יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יוֹאָ֔שׁ
Yôwʼâsh
H3101
"Joash"
N-proper
Joash means given by the Lord, the name of several Israelites, including a king of Judah and a king of Israel, mentioned in 1 Chronicles and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; son of: Shemaah (H8094); brother of: Ahiezer (H0295H) § Joash = "given by the Lord" 1) son of king Ahaziah and the 8th king of Judah 2) son of king Jehoahaz and the 12th king of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) father of Gideon 4) a son of king Ahab 5) a descendant of Shelah the son of Judah; either the son of Shelah or the son of Jokim 6) son of Shemaah of Gibeah who resorted to David at Ziklag
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Joash. See also: Judges 6:11; 2 Kings 14:3; Amos 1:1.
הוֹצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בִּנְ/ךָ֖
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/יָמֹ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָתַץ֙
nâthats
H5422
"to tear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The act of tearing down or destroying something, like a wall or a city, is what this word describes, and it can also mean to overthrow or defeat someone.
Definition: 1) to pull down, break down, cast down, throw down, beat down, destroy, overthrow, break out (teeth) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull down 1a2) to break down, break off 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled or broken down 1c) (Piel) to tear down 1d) (Pual) to be torn down 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be broken down
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down. See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Chronicles 23:17; Psalms 52:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִזְבַּ֣ח
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
הַ/בַּ֔עַל
Baʻal
H1168
"Baal"
Art | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
וְ/כִ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כָרַ֖ת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off
Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
Art | N-proper
Asherah was a goddess worshipped by the Canaanites and Phoenicians, often represented by a tree or pole near an altar. The Bible warns against worshipping her, as in Deuteronomy and Judges. She was considered a consort of Baal.
Definition: § Ashera(h) = "groves (for idol worship)" a Babylonian (Astarte)-Canaanite goddess (of fortune and happiness), the supposed consort of Baal, her images her images sacred trees or poles set up near an altar
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: grove. Compare H6253 (עַשְׁתֹּרֶת). See also: Exodus 34:13; 2 Kings 23:4; Isaiah 17:8.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Judges 6:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 6:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:30
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:30
- Sermons on Judges 6:30
Context — Gideon Destroys Baal’s Altar
28When the men of the city got up in the morning, there was Baal’s altar torn down, with the Asherah pole cut down beside it and the second bull offered up on the newly built altar.
29“Who did this?” they said to one another. And after they had investigated thoroughly, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.”
30Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has torn down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.”
31But 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.” 32So on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend with him,” because he had torn down Baal’s altar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 26:9 | So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. |
| 2 | Philippians 3:6 | as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 50:38 | A drought is upon her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is a land of graven images, and the people go mad over idols. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 26:11 | Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!” |
| 5 | John 16:2 | They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. |
Judges 6:30 Summary
This verse shows how the men of the city reacted with anger and a desire for revenge when they found out that Gideon had torn down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah pole. They saw this as a challenge to their way of life and their idolatrous practices, and they wanted Gideon to pay for it. However, this event also sets the stage for Gideon's courageous stand against idolatry, as seen in the rest of the chapter (Judges 6:31-32). As believers, we can learn from Gideon's example and be encouraged to stand against sinful practices in our own lives, just as we are called to in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of the city want to kill Gideon?
The men of the city wanted to kill Gideon because he had torn down Baal's altar and cut down the Asherah pole, which was a direct challenge to their idolatrous practices, as seen in Judges 6:30 and also warned against in Deuteronomy 12:3.
What was the significance of the Asherah pole?
The Asherah pole was a symbol of the idolatrous worship of the Canaanites, and its presence beside Baal's altar indicates the deep-seated idolatry of the people, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:21 and Judges 3:7.
How did the men of the city find out it was Gideon who tore down the altar?
The men of the city investigated thoroughly and were told that Gideon, the son of Joash, was the one who had torn down Baal's altar, as stated in Judges 6:29.
What can we learn from the men's reaction to Gideon's actions?
The men's reaction shows the strong opposition that can arise when we stand against idolatry and sinful practices, but it also highlights the importance of taking a stand for what is right, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:11 and 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'altars' in my life that I need to tear down in order to follow God more fully?
- How can I, like Gideon, stand against the pressures of a sinful culture and remain faithful to God?
- What role does fear play in my decision to stand up for what is right, and how can I overcome it?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of removing idolatrous influences from my life, as seen in Judges 6:30 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-17?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:30
Then the men of the city said unto Joash,.... The principal inhabitants of the place met together, and in a body went to Joash their chief magistrate, to have justice done in this case: bring out thy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:30
And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:30
Judges 6:30 Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that [was] by it.Ver. 30. Bring out thy son, that he may die.] Idolatry is bloody, as the experience of all ages testifieth. How Nebuchadnezzar dealt by those who would not worship his golden gods, and how the king of Persia handled Abdas, the bishop who had overturned his idol temple, A.D. 413, I need not relate. The memorable story of William Gardiner, an English martyr in Portugal, who had both his hands cut off, and was afterwards burnt to ashes, for overturning the chalice at Mass, and treading under foot the breaden god, may be read in Mr Foxe’ s "Martyrology," fol. 1242; and so may the story of William Flower, who, for like cause here in England, had first his hand held up against the stake where he was burned, and stricken off. John Clark, of Melda, for testifying against the Pope’ s pardons, and calling him Antichrist, was whipped and branded with a hot iron. But the next year, A.D. 1524, for breaking down the images without the town, which the superstitious Papists were the next day to have worshipped, he had first his right hand chopped off, and after that his nose pulled off with pinchers, and then his two arms and his two breasts torn from his body with the same instrument. Amidst his greatest torments he cried out, "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’ s hands." When they had tired themselves torturing of him, they burnt his body with fire. Act. and Mon., 1427. Scultet., Annal.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:30
(30) The men of the city said unto Joash.—It is difficult to conceive that these could have been Israelites (see on Judges 6:27). Bring out thy son, that he may die.—For the phrase, see Genesis 38:24; 1 Kings 21:10; Luke 19:27.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:30
Verse 30. The men of the city said] They all felt an interest in the continuance of rites in which they had often many sensual gratifications. Baal and Ashtaroth would have more worshippers than the true God, because their rites were more adapted to the fallen nature of man.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:30
30. Bring out thy son] If the father gave up his son there would be no blood-feud.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:30
30. That he may die — Such sacrilege, in their judgment, deserved immediate death.
Sermons on Judges 6:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Studies in the Gospel of John 05 - Work of the Spirit by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of witnessing to someone who was confused about various religious beliefs. The preacher starts by discussing different ide |
|
The Death of John the Baptist by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield delves into the analysis of Matthew 14:1-12, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's truth and the mystery of a perverted conscience in the story of Herod an |
|
The Spirit as Light by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the Holy Spirit as Light, emphasizing the importance of transparency, fearlessness, disinfection, and joy that come with walking in the light of the |
|
Do Not Seek Righteousness by the Law by Robert Traill | Robert Traill preaches on the importance of not frustrating the grace of God by seeking righteousness through the law, emphasizing that true righteousness for justification is foun |
|
Homily 52 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about Paul's defense before Agrippa, highlighting how Paul is proclaimed as a conqueror despite the accusations brought against him. Paul boldly speaks abo |
|
Paul's Humiliating Confession by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his characte |
|
(Basics) 16. Keeping the Tenth Commandment by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker explores the difference between being religious and being spiritual. They emphasize the importance of honesty as the first step towards true spiritualit |