Topical Encyclopedia The altars associated with Gideon, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, hold considerable importance in understanding the religious and cultural dynamics of ancient Israel during the period of the Judges. Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. His account is primarily found in Judges 6-8.The Altar of the LORD at Ophrah The first altar connected to Gideon is constructed shortly after his divine commissioning. In Judges 6:11-24, the Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon while he is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel addresses him as a "mighty warrior" and instructs him to save Israel. Gideon, seeking confirmation of this divine encounter, prepares an offering of a young goat and unleavened bread. The Angel instructs him to place the offering on a rock, and then miraculously consumes it with fire. Following this encounter, Gideon builds an altar to the LORD at the site, naming it "The LORD Is Peace" (Judges 6:24). This altar signifies Gideon's acknowledgment of God's presence and peace, despite the surrounding turmoil. It serves as a testament to his initial act of faith and obedience. The Altar of Baal and the Asherah Pole The second significant altar event involves the destruction of a pagan altar. In Judges 6:25-32, God commands Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Gideon is instructed to build a proper altar to the LORD on the height of the stronghold and to offer a burnt sacrifice using the wood of the Asherah pole. Gideon obeys, albeit under the cover of night due to fear of his family and the townspeople. The next morning, when the townspeople discover the demolished altar of Baal and the sacrificed bull, they demand Gideon's execution. However, his father Joash defends him, arguing that if Baal is truly a god, he can contend for himself. This incident earns Gideon the name Jerubbaal, meaning "Let Baal contend against him." Significance and Theological Implications The altars of Gideon highlight several theological themes central to the narrative of Judges. Firstly, they underscore the call to exclusive worship of Yahweh amidst a culture steeped in idolatry. Gideon's actions in tearing down the altar of Baal symbolize a return to covenant faithfulness and a rejection of syncretism. Secondly, these altars reflect the transformative journey of Gideon's faith. From his initial doubts and fears, represented by the altar "The LORD Is Peace," to his bold act of destroying the pagan altar, Gideon's account illustrates the process of spiritual growth and the empowerment that comes from obedience to God's commands. Lastly, the altars serve as physical markers of divine intervention and human response. They remind the Israelites of God's deliverance and the necessity of maintaining a pure and devoted worship life. Through Gideon's altars, the narrative reinforces the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the Book of Judges. In summary, the altars of Gideon are not merely historical artifacts but are imbued with deep spiritual significance, reflecting the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the pervasive influence of surrounding pagan practices. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 6:26,27And build an altar to the LORD your God on 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 you shall cut down. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Letter Xlvii. (AD 398. ) Power "In" and "Upon. " Carey's College Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus. The Seventh Book God's Gentle Power The War of Truth The Image of the Beast. Resources Who are the Chemarim / Chemarims in Zephaniah 1:4? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.org Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
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