The Courage to Dismantle Idols
"¶ And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built." - Judges 6:28
The world often stands at a precipice, on the verge of choosing between the divine commissions of God and the alluring idols that demand our allegiance. Judges 6:28 describes a moment of profound significance in Israel's history: "And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built." This passage opens a door into the heart of faith, courage, and the need for restoration in a culture rife with idolatry.
In the preceding verses, we are introduced to Gideon, a man chosen by God to lead the Israelites against the Midianites. The commissioning of Gideon marks a turning point, not just for his life but for the entire nation. His first task was a monumental one: to destroy the altar of Baal that his father had erected, signifying a deep-seated corruption of faith among the people. The very altars intended for worship of Yahweh had been replaced with those of false gods.
Courage is said to be the designation of all heroes, yet it is not a fearless act but rather an act of defiance against fear. Gideon exhibited unparalleled courage by obeying God’s command at night – a time when he could work inconspicuously without the overwhelming pressure from his townspeople who worshipped Baal. Despite his fear, he took action. How often are we called to dismantle the altars in our own lives? What are the idols that vie for our affection and attention?
The act of dismantling these idols is not merely a physical act but a deeply spiritual confrontation. They come in many forms—money, success, relationships, and more. Just as the altar of Baal represented an external symbol of defiance against God, our modern-day idols can represent the internal struggles of our hearts. To successfully cast down these idols, we must understand the reason behind Gideon’s actions. He didn’t destroy Baal's altar because he sought personal acclaim or demanded a reputation. His motivation was purely obedience to God’s command!
Obedience is a crucial element of our faith journey. Gideon’s actions stirred the people, inciting both fear and anger among those who worshipped Baal. In turning against cultural norms, Gideon paved the way for the possibility of revival and a return to the true worship of God. There are moments in life where the righteous path may provoke opposition. Just as Gideon faced the wrath of his community, so too might we face backlash when we choose to stand firm for what is right in our own spheres of influence.
The aftermath of Gideon’s courageous act reminds us of God’s unfailing promise. By offering the second bullock upon the new altar erected in the correct worship spirit, he sought to restore the relationship between God and Israel. Sacrifice was key in the Old Testament as it symbolized the commitment and repentance of the people. In our times of dismantling the idols in our lives, we are also called to a life of sacrifice—laying down our desires in exchange for God’s will.
Is there a grove or an altar in your life that needs to be cut down? What beliefs have you entertained that diminish the greatness of our faith? As we contemplate Gideon’s decisive actions, may we also find the resolve to root out the false gods created by our own hands. Though it may be intimidating and possibly lonely, the commitment to God’s truth can illuminate the path for others.
Ultimately, Gideon’s story concludes with the initial steps of a revival, drastically altering Israel’s trajectory. As we engage earnestly in our spiritual walks, may we cultivate the courage to challenge the falsehoods surrounding us and passionately pursue authentic worship. Let’s claim the promise that God empowers us in our obedience, that through Him, every altar of Baal in our lives can be cast down, leading us to a new life of worshipful surrender.
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Judges 6:28 Artwork
Judges 6:28 - "¶ And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built."
"¶ And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built." - Judges 6:28
Create a digital art style rendition of a scene inspired by Judges 6:25-28
Judges 11:28 - "Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him."
Judges 6:6 - "And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD."
Judges 1:28 - "And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out."
Jeremiah 5:28 - "They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge."
"And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate." - Isaiah 28:6
Judges 18:28 - "And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein."
Judges 8:28 - "¶ Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon."
1 Corinthians 6:2 - "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?"
Job 31:28 - "This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above."
Judges 3:6 - "And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods."
Luke 6:37 - "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"
Judges 5:28 - "The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots?"
Judges 6:36-40 – Gideon’s fleece test for dew.
1 Kings 6:28 - "And he overlaid the cherubims with gold."
Judges 6:7 - "¶ And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,"
Psalms 141:6 - "When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet."
2 Chronicles 19:6 - "And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment."
Judges 6:23 - "And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die."
Judges 6:40 - "And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground."
Judges 11:6 - "And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."
1 Chronicles 6:28 - "And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah."
Job 28:6 - "The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold."
Judges 17:6 - "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Judges 6:34 - "But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him."
"And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD." - Judges 6:6
Judges 6:24 - "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
Judges 5:6 - "In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways."