Judges 6:26
Judges 6:26 in Multiple Translations
Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering.”
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.
and build an altar unto Jehovah thy God upon the top of this stronghold, in the orderly manner, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt-offering with the wood of the Asherah which thou shalt cut down.
Make an altar to the Lord your God on the top of this rock, in the ordered way and take the ox and make a burned offering with the wood of the holy tree which has been cut down.
Then build an altar to the Lord your God in the proper way on this hilltop. Using the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down as firewood, take the second bull and present it as a burnt offering.”
And build an altar vnto the Lord thy God vpon the top of this rocke, in a plaine place: and take the seconde bullocke, and offer a burnt offringe with the woode of the groue, which thou shalt cut downe.
and thou hast built an altar to Jehovah thy God on the top of this stronghold, by the arrangement, and hast taken the second bullock, and caused to ascend a burnt-offering with the wood of the shrine which thou cuttest down.'
Then build an altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold, in an orderly way, and take the second bull, and offer a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah which you shall cut down.”
And build an altar to 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.
And thou shalt build an altar to the Lord thy God in the top of this rock, whereupon thou didst lay the sacrifice before: and thou shalt take the second bullock, and shalt offer a holocaust upon a pile of the wood, which thou shalt cut down out of the grove.
Then build a stone altar to worship me, your God Yahweh, here on this hill. Take the wood from the pole you cut down and make a fire to cook the meat of the bull as a burnt offering to me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 6:26
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 6:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בָנִ֨יתָ
מִזְבֵּ֜חַ
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ
עַ֣ל
רֹ֧אשׁ
הַ/מָּע֛וֹז
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
בַּ/מַּֽעֲרָכָ֑ה
וְ/לָֽקַחְתָּ֙
אֶת
הַ/פָּ֣ר
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
וְ/הַעֲלִ֣יתָ
עוֹלָ֔ה
בַּ/עֲצֵ֥י
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
תִּכְרֹֽת
וּ/בָנִ֨יתָ
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מִזְבֵּ֜חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹ֧אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הַ/מָּע֛וֹז
mâʻôwz
H4581
security
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
בַּ/מַּֽעֲרָכָ֑ה
maʻărâkâh
H4634
rank
Prep | N-fs
וְ/לָֽקַחְתָּ֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/פָּ֣ר
par
H6499
bullock
Art | N-ms
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
וְ/הַעֲלִ֣יתָ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
עוֹלָ֔ה
ʻôlâh
H5930
burnt offering
N-fs
בַּ/עֲצֵ֥י
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Prep | N-mp
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּכְרֹֽת
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 6:26
וּ/בָנִ֨יתָ
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
מִזְבֵּ֜חַ
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.
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֗י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
רֹ֧אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/מָּע֛וֹז
mâʻôwz
H4581
"security"
Art | N-ms
A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.
Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
בַּ/מַּֽעֲרָכָ֑ה
maʻărâkâh
H4634
"rank"
Prep | N-fs
It refers to a row or rank, often used for military arrays or armies, as in a battle-line or ordered place.
Definition: 1) row, rank, battle-line 1a) battle-line 1b) rank 1c) row Also means: ma.a.rah (מַעֲרָה "army" H4630)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: army, fight, be set in order, ordered place, rank, row. See also: Exodus 39:37; 1 Samuel 17:21; 1 Chronicles 12:39.
וְ/לָֽקַחְתָּ֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
הַ/פָּ֣ר
par
H6499
"bullock"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
וְ/הַעֲלִ֣יתָ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
עוֹלָ֔ה
ʻôlâh
H5930
"burnt offering"
N-fs
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.
בַּ/עֲצֵ֥י
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה
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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
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.
תִּכְרֹֽת
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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.
Study Notes — Judges 6:26
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- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 6:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 6:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:26
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:26
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 6:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:26
- Sermons on Judges 6:26
Context — Gideon Destroys Baal’s Altar
24So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
25On that very night the LORD said to Gideon, “Take your father’s young bull and a second bull seven years old, tear down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.
26Then build a proper altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold. And with the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down, take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering.”
27So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 14:40 | But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 24:18 | And that day Gad came to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 14:33 | For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints. |
Judges 6:26 Summary
[In Judges 6:26, God instructs Gideon to build an altar to Him and offer a burnt offering using the wood of the Asherah pole. This act represents a commitment to worship and obey God, and to turn away from idolatry (as seen in Deuteronomy 12:3). By building the altar and offering the burnt offering, Gideon is demonstrating his trust in God's power and provision. This verse reminds us that we too can trust in God's power and presence in our lives, and that we should strive to surrender our lives to Him, just as Gideon did (Romans 12:1-2).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of building an altar to the Lord in Judges 6:26?
Building an altar to the Lord symbolizes worship, obedience, and a commitment to follow God, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 20:24-25. This act of building an altar is a way of dedicating oneself to the Lord and acknowledging His presence in one's life.
Why does God instruct Gideon to use the wood of the Asherah pole for the burnt offering?
The use of the Asherah pole wood for the burnt offering represents the destruction of idolatry and the triumph of God's power over false gods, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:3 and 2 Kings 13:6. This act is a declaration of God's supremacy and a call to turn away from idolatry.
What is the importance of offering a burnt offering in this context?
The burnt offering is a symbol of complete surrender and dedication to God, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-17. By offering a burnt offering, Gideon is demonstrating his willingness to surrender his life and his possessions to the Lord, and to trust in His power and provision.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Judges 6?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Gideon's call to leadership and his trusting in God's power to deliver Israel from the Midianites, as seen in Judges 6:1-40. The building of the altar and the offering of the burnt offering are key steps in Gideon's journey of faith and obedience to God's commands.
Reflection Questions
- What are the idols or false gods that I need to tear down in my own life, and how can I trust in God's power to help me overcome them?
- In what ways can I build an altar to the Lord in my daily life, and what does it mean to dedicate myself to Him?
- How can I apply the principle of surrender and dedication seen in the burnt offering to my own life, and what areas of my life need to be surrendered to God?
- What are the strongholds in my life that need to be torn down, and how can I trust in God's power to help me overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:26
And build an altar to the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock,.... Where the provisions were laid, and out of which came forth fire that consumed them; and where the altar, called by the name of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:26
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 6:26
Upon the top of this rock; of which ,21. Heb. of this strong hold; for in that calamitous time the Israelites retreated to such rocks, and hid and fortified themselves in them. In the ordered place, i.e. in a plain and smooth part of the rock, where an altar may be conveniently built. Or, in order, i.e. in such manner as I have appointed; for God had given rules about the building of altars. Offer a burnt-sacrifice: Gideon was no priest, nor was this the appointed place of sacrifice; but God can dispense with his own institutions, though we may not; and his call gave Gideon sufficient authority.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:26
Judges 6:26 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.Ver. 26. And take the second bullock.] Appointed likely for Baal. This bullock was to be offered up, and with the wood of the grove, in sacrifice to the Lord. We see then that things which have been abused to idolatry, may afterwards be lawfully used in God’ s service, as churches, monasteries, chalices, &c. So the men of Bethshemesh took and used the Philistines’ cart and cattle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:26
(26) Of this rock.—The word is not selah, as in Judges 6:20, or tsor, as in Judges 6:21, but malioz, “stronghold,” probably the citadel of Ophrah. The LXX. render it as a proper name (maoz), or in some MSS., “on the top of this mountain.” The word only occurs elsewhere in Hebrew poetry. In the ordered place.—The margin reads, “in an orderly manner;” but probably neither version is quite correct. The Hebrew word is bammaarachah (comp. Leviticus 24:6; 2 Chronicles 2:4); and as the particle be is used of the materials with which a thing is built in 1 Kings 15:22; some here render it, “with the materials.” That the Jews themselves were not quite certain of the meaning appears from the various versions. The LXX. render it, “in the arrangement,” and the Vulg., “on which you have before placed the sacrifice.” It means “with the Asherah pillar hewed down, and split up into firewood.” The Jews point out the peculiar features of this burnt offering: (1) It was not at Shiloh; (2) it was not offered by a priest; (3) it was offered at night; and (4) the fire was kindled with the unhallowed materials of an idol. The Divine command was, of course, more than sufficient to justify these merely ritual irregularities; and, indeed, it is clear that in these rude times, when the country was in the hands of the heathen, the Levitic order of worship became, for the time, impossible in many particulars. Prophets and those directly commissioned by heaven were tacitly regarded as exempt from the strict rules of outward ritual which were necessary for the mass of the nation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:26
Verse 26. With the wood of the grove] It is probable that אשרה Asherah here signifies Astarte; and that there was a wooden image of this goddess on the altar of Baal. Baal-peor was the same as Priapus, Astarte as Venus; these two impure idols were proper enough for the same altar. In early times, and among rude people, the images of the gods were made of wood. This is the case still with the inhabitants of the South Sea Islands, with the Indians of America, and with the inhabitants of Ceylon: many of the images of Budhoo are of wood. The Scandinavians also had wooden gods.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:26
26. build an altar unto the Lord] The present narrative tells another story about Gideon independently of what has gone before, Judges 6:24. this strong hold] Strictly ‘place of refuge’; but sometimes, as here and in Isaiah 17:9-10, the idea of strength is added. For Jehovah’s altar a new site is to be chosen. in the orderly manner] The cognate verb is used in Numbers 23:4 of arranging altars, and elsewhere of arranging in order offerings or wood for sacrifice. The noun generally means a row or rank, esp. the ranks of an army, e.g. 1 Samuel 4:2; 1 Samuel 4:12 (‘army,’ marg. ‘array’); hence it may denote here the row or course of stones built into the altar. But the exact sense of the word is uncertain. The marg. may be ignored. the second bullock] Probably the second has been introduced here and in Judges 6:28 for the sake of verbal harmony with Judges 6:25, where, however, the text is corrupt.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 6:26
In the ordered place - See the margin. “Build an altar, etc., with the materials,” “the wood laid in order” (compare Genesis 22:9), that, namely, which he would find ready to hand in the altar of Baal which he was to throw down.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:26
26. Upon the top of this rock — Rather, the top of this stronghold. The reference is to the fortified summit of the mountain or hill on which Ophrah stood, not the rock on which Gideon had already built his Jehovah-shalom altar.
Sermons on Judges 6:26
| Sermon | Description | |
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Timothy, I #2 Ch. 2 by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the brilliance of scientific minds who often fail to recognize the existence of a Creator. The speaker emphasizes the importance of confession |
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The Disciplinarian Controversy by J.I. Packer | In this video, the speaker discusses the points made in the admonition, a document written by Edwin Sam in 1573. The admonition criticizes young men who are seeking to overthrow th |
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The Breaking of Bread by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of announcing and remembering the death of the Lord Jesus. The act of breaking bread and drinking the cup is a testimony to th |
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Corinthians: Love, the More Excellent Way by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God, even when it becomes difficult to believe in our fellow brothers and sisters. The disciples ask Jesus |
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Establishing Kingdom Communities - Part 2 by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living out the words of Jesus and putting them into practice. He shares a parable about a law school project that studied t |
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6 - Smyrnaeans by Ignatius of Antioch | In this sermon, the speaker warns the audience about the presence of false teachers and urges them to be cautious and avoid them. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and tur |
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Leadership 4 by George Verwer | In this sermon, Ron George emphasizes the importance of being able to effectively communicate the message of God in a concise manner. He suggests that if you can't say it in seven |