Old Testament
Judges 6:26
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Build an altar to the LORD your God on top of this rock, in the ordered place. Take the second bull and offer it as a burnt sacrifice, using the wood from the Asherah pole you cut down.
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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.
What Judges 6:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 6:26, God instructs Gideon to build an altar dedicated to Him on a specific rock. This act symbolizes a commitment to worship and serve the Lord. The altar is to be built in an orderly manner, reflecting the importance of proper worship. Gideon is also commanded to take a second bull and offer it as a burnt sacrifice, using the wood from an Asherah pole he has just cut down. This signifies a rejection of idolatry and a return to true worship of God. The act of using the Asherah pole's wood for the sacrifice emphasizes the destruction of false gods and the establishment of a right relationship with the Lord. This moment marks a pivotal point in Gideon's journey, as he begins to lead Israel back to faithfulness to God amidst a culture steeped in idol worship.
How to apply Judges 6:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our own lives for any idols that may distract us from true worship of God. Just as Gideon was called to remove false gods, we should identify and eliminate anything that hinders our relationship with the Lord, prioritizing our devotion to Him.
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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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Related Bible verses
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 6:26 mean?
Judges 6:26 describes God's command to Gideon to build an altar on a specific rock and offer a burnt sacrifice using wood from an Asherah pole he cut down. This act symbolizes a commitment to worship God and reject idolatry, marking a significant step in restoring Israel's faith.
What is the significance of the altar in Judges 6:26?
The altar in Judges 6:26 represents a place of worship and dedication to God. By building it, Gideon demonstrates obedience to God's instructions and signifies a break from idol worship, emphasizing the importance of proper worship.
What does the Asherah pole represent in Judges 6:26?
The Asherah pole in Judges 6:26 represents idolatry and false worship practices. By cutting it down and using its wood for a sacrifice, Gideon is rejecting these false gods and reaffirming his commitment to worship the true God.
How does Judges 6:26 relate to idolatry?
Judges 6:26 highlights the theme of idolatry by showing Gideon's actions to destroy the Asherah pole. This act signifies the need to remove distractions and false gods in order to restore a genuine relationship with God.
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