What does Judges 6:32 mean?
"Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar." - Judges 6:32
Judges 6:32 (KJV) states, "Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar." This verse is a part of the story of Gideon, a judge of Israel, and his interaction with the people of Israel in the context of the worship of Baal.
To understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to provide some context. In the preceding verses, we learn that Gideon has been called by God to lead the Israelites in a battle against the Midianites, who have been oppressing the Israelites for seven years. Gideon, however, is reluctant and doubts his ability to lead the Israelites to victory. He asks for signs from God to confirm his calling, and God graciously provides them.
In the verse itself, the people have become angry because Gideon has destroyed the altar of Baal that belongs to his father. Gideon's father was a worshipper of Baal, and by destroying the altar, Gideon has shown his loyalty to God and rejection of the false god. In response to this act, the people give Gideon a new name, Jerubbaal, which means "let Baal contend against him" or "let Baal plead," as a way of challenging Gideon's action.
The significance of this verse lies in the theological, cultural, and political themes that are at play. Firstly, it is a continuation of the theme of idolatry versus the worship of the one true God that pervades the book of Judges. The people of Israel have continually turned away from God and followed after false gods, resulting in their oppression and suffering. Gideon's act of destroying the altar of Baal symbolizes a rejection of false gods and a return to the worship of the Lord.
Secondly, the naming of Gideon as Jerubbaal reflects the cultural and political context of the time. In ancient Near Eastern societies, names carried deep significance and often reflected the character or circumstances of the individual. By naming Gideon Jerubbaal, the people are not only challenging his actions but also identifying him with the struggle against Baal worship. This points to a larger conflict between the worship of the true God and the prevailing idolatry of the time.
From a theological perspective, the verse underscores the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. Despite the prevailing idolatry and opposition, God has called Gideon and empowered him to lead the Israelites to victory. The destruction of the altar of Baal symbolizes God's desire for pure worship and His judgment against idolatry. In this way, the verse communicates the unfailing presence and intervention of God in the affairs of His people.
In conclusion, Judges 6:32 (KJV) is a pivotal verse in the story of Gideon, encapsulating the themes of idolatry, cultural and political conflict, and the faithfulness of God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the faithfulness of God to deliver His people. As such, it continues to resonate with believers today, calling on them to turn away from false gods and worship the one true God, who is sovereign and faithful.
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Judges 6:32 - "Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar."
"Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar." - Judges 6:32
Deuteronomy 32:31 - "For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges."
Judges 9:32 - "Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:"
Judges 1:32 - "But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out."
Judges 8:32 - "¶ And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
Judges 11:32 - "¶ So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands."
Judges 6:6 - "And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD."
1 Corinthians 11:32 - "But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
Mark 6:32 - "And they departed into a desert place by ship privately."
Judges 20:32 - "And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways."
"For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges." - Deuteronomy 32:31
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?"
"But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out." - Judges 1:32
"Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:" - Judges 9:32
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:"
Jeremiah 32:6 - "¶ And Jeremiah said, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Judges 6:36-40 – Gideon’s fleece test for dew.
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."
Deuteronomy 32:36 - "For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left."
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."
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 they departed into a desert place by ship privately." - Mark 6:32
Proverbs 6:32 - "But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul."