Judges 6:26 – “Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.”
Extended Explanation
In Judges 6:26, God instructs Gideon to build a proper altar to the Lord after tearing down the altar to Baal and cutting down the Asherah pole. God tells Gideon to use the wood from the Asherah pole to fuel the fire for the burnt offering, symbolizing the complete rejection of false worship and the dedication to true worship of God. This act was not only about removing idolatry but also about restoring proper worship in Israel, starting with a personal and family commitment. Gideon’s obedience in building the altar and making the sacrifice reflects his willingness to honor God’s command and reestablish God’s rightful place in his life and community.
Historical Context
At this time, Israel was struggling under Midianite oppression, and the people had turned to worship false gods like Baal and Asherah. Idolatry had become commonplace, and the nation’s spiritual decline was a key reason for their suffering. God’s instruction to Gideon was not just about removing false gods but about restoring true worship. Building altars was an important practice in ancient Israel, symbolizing dedication, worship, and covenant with God. By using the wood of the Asherah pole for the offering, God was making a powerful statement: the idols that once led Israel astray would now serve to glorify Him.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the need for true worship and the importance of dedicating ourselves fully to God. Theologically, it teaches that worship is not just about removing sin but about actively replacing it with a commitment to God. Gideon’s task of building a proper altar highlights that God desires worship that is genuine and intentional. It also shows that God can take what was once used for evil and turn it into something that honors Him. This transformation of the Asherah pole into fuel for the burnt offering symbolizes God’s power to redeem and repurpose our lives when we turn to Him in obedience.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses specific instructions that create a vivid image of transformation and dedication. The directive to build the altar on a high place emphasizes the public and visible nature of true worship. The act of using the Asherah pole’s wood for the burnt offering underscores the dramatic shift from idolatry to faithful worship. The language is deliberate, highlighting a complete reversal—from worshiping false gods to honoring the one true God. The narrative structure moves from tearing down to building up, showing that God’s work in our lives is about both removing the old and establishing the new.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 34:13-14: “Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” This command echoes the actions Gideon takes in tearing down false worship and restoring true worship.
- 1 Kings 18:30-32: Elijah repairs the altar of the Lord that had been broken down, highlighting the importance of restoring true worship.
- Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This New Testament verse parallels the idea of dedicating ourselves wholly to God as an act of worship.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Judges 6:26 serves as a reminder that true worship involves both turning away from sin and turning toward God. It challenges believers to actively build their lives on a foundation of faith, replacing old habits or idols with dedicated acts of worship. This verse teaches that obedience to God often requires tearing down what is wrong and building up what honors Him. It encourages us to examine our own “altars” and to ensure that our worship is genuine, placing God at the center of our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving nature in His desire to restore His people to true worship. God’s instructions to build a proper altar show that He does not merely call us away from sin but invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. God’s love is seen in His willingness to guide us in the process of renewal, helping us replace what is false with what is true. He provides clear direction and the means to worship Him rightly, demonstrating that His ultimate goal is not just our obedience but our restoration and fellowship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate altar and sacrifice for our sins. Just as Gideon was instructed to build a proper altar and make a sacrifice, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross became the means by which we can truly worship God. In John 4:23, Jesus speaks of true worshipers who will worship the Father in spirit and truth, highlighting the importance of genuine worship that comes from the heart. Jesus’ death and resurrection transformed the cross, an instrument of death, into a symbol of hope and redemption, much like the Asherah pole was repurposed for God’s glory.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What “altars” or areas in your life need to be torn down and rebuilt in alignment with God’s will?
- How does this verse challenge you to replace false worship or distractions with genuine acts of devotion to God?
- In what ways can you actively build a life of true worship that honors God?
- How does understanding God’s desire for proper worship deepen your relationship with Him?
- How does Jesus’ example of sacrifice inspire you to offer your life as a living sacrifice, dedicated to God?