Old Testament
Judges 6:25
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That same night, the LORD said to him, "Take your father's bull — the second bull, the one that is 7 years old — and tear down your father's altar to Baal. Cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it.
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And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father’s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
What Judges 6:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Gideon to take a specific bull from his father's herd and destroy the altar dedicated to Baal, a false god. The bull is seven years old, symbolizing maturity and strength. By tearing down the altar and cutting down the Asherah pole, Gideon is called to confront idolatry in his own family and community. This act signifies a rejection of false worship and a return to true worship of the Lord. It is a pivotal moment for Gideon, as he begins his journey as a leader chosen by God to save Israel from oppression. This command also highlights the importance of addressing sin and idolatry in our lives, even when it is close to home, such as within our families or communities. Gideon's obedience sets the stage for his role in delivering Israel from the Midianites, showcasing the need for courage and faith in following God's directives, even when they are challenging or uncomfortable.
How to apply Judges 6:25 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives for any forms of idolatry or distractions that take us away from true worship of God. It challenges us to be courageous in addressing these issues, even if they are rooted in our families or communities, and to take action to restore our focus on God.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: Gideon Tears Down the Altar of Baal (Judges 6:25–32)
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Gideon
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying Judges 6:25
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 6:25 mean?
Judges 6:25 describes God's command to Gideon to destroy his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole. This act symbolizes a rejection of idolatry and a return to true worship of the Lord, marking the beginning of Gideon's leadership in delivering Israel.
What is the significance of the bull in Judges 6:25?
The bull mentioned in Judges 6:25 is seven years old, representing maturity and strength. By using this specific bull, Gideon is making a significant sacrifice to demonstrate his commitment to obeying God's command.
What does the altar of Baal represent in Judges 6:25?
The altar of Baal in Judges 6:25 represents idolatry and false worship that was prevalent in Gideon's community. God's instruction to destroy it signifies the need to confront and eliminate false beliefs in order to restore true worship.
How does Judges 6:25 relate to personal idolatry?
Judges 6:25 encourages individuals to examine their own lives for any forms of idolatry that distract from true worship of God. It highlights the importance of courageously addressing these issues, even if they are rooted in family or community.
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