Judges 6:28
Judges 6:28 in Multiple Translations
When 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.
¶ 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 broken down, and the Asherah was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
And the men of the town got up early in the morning, and they saw the altar of Baal broken down, and the holy tree which was by it cut down, and the ox offered on the altar which had been put up there.
Early in the morning when the people of the town got up, they saw that the altar of Baal had been torn down and the Asherah pole beside it had been cut down, with the second bull sacrificed on the altar that had just been built.
And when the men of the citie arose early in the morning, beholde, the altar of Baal was broken, and the groue cut downe that was by it, and the seconde bullocke offred vpon the altar that was made.
And the men of the city rise early in the morning, and lo, broken down hath been the altar of Baal, and the shrine which is by it hath been cut down, and the second bullock hath been offered on the altar which is built.
When the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah was cut down that was by it, and the second bull was offered on 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.
And when the men of that town were risen in the morning, they saw the altar of Baal destroyed, and the grove cut down, and the second bullock laid upon the altar, which then was built.
Early the next morning, as soon as the men got up, they saw that the altar to Baal had been torn down, and the pole for worshiping Astarte was gone. They saw that there was a new altar there, and on it was what remained from the bull they had sacrificed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 6:28
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 6:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּשְׁכִּ֜ימוּ
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
הָ/עִיר֙
בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
נֻתַּץ֙
מִזְבַּ֣ח
הַ/בַּ֔עַל
וְ/הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
אֲשֶׁר
עָלָ֖י/ו
כֹּרָ֑תָה
וְ/אֵת֙
הַ/פָּ֣ר
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
הֹֽעֲלָ֔ה
עַל
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
הַ/בָּנֽוּי
וַ/יַּשְׁכִּ֜ימוּ
shâkam
H7925
to rise
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
Prep | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
נֻתַּץ֙
nâthats
H5422
to tear
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
מִזְבַּ֣ח
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-ms
הַ/בַּ֔עַל
Baʻal
H1168
Baal
Art | N-proper
וְ/הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
Asherah
Conj | Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
כֹּרָ֑תָה
kârath
H3772
to cut
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/פָּ֣ר
par
H6499
bullock
Art | N-ms
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֔י
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
הֹֽעֲלָ֔ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
הַ/בָּנֽוּי
bânâh
H1129
to build
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 6:28
וַ/יַּשְׁכִּ֜ימוּ
shâkam
H7925
"to rise"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to rise or start early, like loading up a burden. It is used in Genesis to describe early morning activities.
Definition: 1) to rise or start early 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to rise early, make an early start 1a2) early (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: (arise, be up, get (oneself) up, rise up) early (betimes), morning. See also: Genesis 19:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 127:2.
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.
בַּ/בֹּ֔קֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נֻתַּץ֙
nâthats
H5422
"to tear"
V-Pual-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.
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/הָ/אֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
ʼăshêrâh
H842
"Asherah"
Conj | 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.
עָלָ֖י/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.
כֹּרָ֑תָה
kârath
H3772
"to cut"
V-Pual-Perf-3fs
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.
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
הֹֽעֲלָ֔ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hophal-Perf-3ms
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.
עַל
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.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | 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/בָּנֽוּי
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
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.
Study Notes — Judges 6:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Judges 6:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 6:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:28
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:28
Context — Gideon Destroys Baal’s Altar
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.
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.”Judges 6:28 Summary
This verse shows how Gideon, with the help of his servants, tore down the altar to the false god Baal and cut down the Asherah pole, and then built a new altar to the one true God and offered a sacrifice on it. This was a brave act of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Judges 6:25-27, and it marked a significant step in Gideon's journey of faith. Just like Gideon, we are called to reject false idols and worship the one true God, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 6:13-15. By trusting and obeying God, we can experience His presence and blessing in our lives, just as Gideon did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men of the city wake up to find Baal's altar torn down?
The men of the city woke up to find Baal's altar torn down because Gideon, following God's instructions, had torn it down the night before, as seen in Judges 6:25-27. This act was a bold declaration of Gideon's faith in the one true God of Israel.
What is the significance of the Asherah pole being cut down?
The Asherah pole was a symbol of the idolatrous worship of the Canaanites, and cutting it down represented a rejection of false idols and a return to the worship of the one true God, as commanded in Deuteronomy 16:21 and Judges 3:7.
Why did Gideon offer a second bull on the newly built altar?
Gideon offered a second bull on the newly built altar as a burnt offering to the Lord, following the instructions given to him in Judges 6:26, which was a way of dedicating the new altar to the Lord and seeking His blessing and presence.
How does this event relate to the broader story of Gideon's life?
This event marks a turning point in Gideon's life, as he begins to trust and obey God, despite his fears and doubts, and it sets the stage for his future role as a leader and judge of Israel, as seen in Judges 6:34 and following chapters.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to tear down idols and false worship, and how can I take steps to do so?
- How can I, like Gideon, trust and obey God even when it's difficult or scary?
- What are some ways I can dedicate myself and my resources to the Lord, like Gideon dedicated the new altar?
- How can I balance my desire to follow God with the potential risks and challenges that come with it, as Gideon faced in this story?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 6:28
And when the men of the city arose early in the morning,.... And came to the place where the altar of Baal, his grove and image, were, to pay their morning devotions to him: behold, the altar of Baal
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 6:28
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 6:28
Not upon Baal’ s altar, for which it was designed; but upon an altar erected in contempt of Baal.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 6:28
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.Ver. 28. Early in the morning.] To do their devotions. So did Nestor in Homer, the Argonauts in Apollonius, the Persian Magi, the Roman Pinarii and Potitii, &c., for a shame to many Christians are late and lag in God’ s service.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 6:28
(28) Arose early in the morning.—The habits of Orientals are early, and Baal-worship may well have involved some adoration of the rising sun. Cast down.—They observed three things: viz., the demolished altar of Baal; the stump of the destroyed Asherah; and a new altar, with the remains of a burnt offering smoking upon it. The second bullock.—It has been supposed that Gideon offered both bullocks, the first as a burnt offering for his family, and the second for the nation. Nothing, however, is said of the fate of the young bullock; and, apart from express direction, Gideon may have hesitated to offer to the Lord a sacrifice which may have been devoted to Baal.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 6:28
Verse 28. The second bullock was offered] It appears that the second bullock was offered because it was just seven years old, Judges 6:25, being calved about the time that the Midianitish oppression began; and it was now to be slain to indicate that their slavery should end with its life. The young bullock, Judges 6:25, is supposed to have been offered for a peace-offering; the bullock of seven years old, for a burnt-offering.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 6:28
25–32. Gideon overthrows the altar of Baal and receives the name Jerub-baal. This story has no connexion with the preceding narrative Judges 6:11-24; for after Gideon had built the altar Jehovah-shalom (Judges 6:24), it is not likely that he would have been told to build another altar at once and in the same place (Judges 6:26). So far as any antecedents of the story exist they are to be found in Judges 6:7-10, which denounce the worship of Canaanite (‘Amorite’) gods.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 6:28
28. Behold… the second bullock was offered — Its carcass was not yet consumed, but was smoking and burning still, when the men of the city arose; for it was probably near morning when Gideon and his ten men finished their work.