Old Testament
Judges 6:27
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So Gideon took 10 of his servants and did exactly what the LORD told him. But because he was afraid of his father's household and the men of the town, he did it at night instead of during the day.
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Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
What Judges 6:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Gideon follows God's command to destroy an altar dedicated to Baal, but he does so under the cover of night. His fear of his father's household and the townspeople's reaction shows the internal struggle he faces between obedience to God and the fear of man. Gideon's actions highlight the tension between faith and fear, as he chooses to obey God despite his apprehensions. This moment is significant because it marks the beginning of Gideon's journey as a leader and judge of Israel. By acting at night, he demonstrates both his commitment to God's will and his awareness of the potential backlash from his community. This verse illustrates that even those chosen by God can experience fear, but they can still take steps to fulfill their divine calling, albeit cautiously. Gideon's actions set the stage for the larger narrative of his leadership and the deliverance of Israel from oppression.
How to apply Judges 6:27 to your life
When faced with difficult tasks or decisions, we may feel fear or hesitation. Like Gideon, we can take small steps toward obedience, even if we must do so cautiously. Trusting God can help us overcome our fears and fulfill our purpose.
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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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 6:27 mean?
Judges 6:27 describes Gideon obeying God's command to destroy an altar to Baal, but he does it at night due to fear of his family and the townspeople. This highlights his internal struggle between following God's will and fearing human consequences.
What themes are present in Judges 6:27?
Judges 6:27 encompasses themes of obedience, fear, faith, divine calling, courage, and leadership. It illustrates the tension between following God's direction and the fear of societal repercussions.
What does Gideon's fear reveal in Judges 6:27?
Gideon's fear in Judges 6:27 reveals the human struggle of balancing faith and fear. It shows that even those chosen by God can experience apprehension, yet they can still take steps toward fulfilling their divine purpose.
How can we apply the lessons from Judges 6:27 to our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Judges 6:27 by recognizing that it's normal to feel fear when facing difficult tasks. Like Gideon, we can take small, cautious steps toward obedience, trusting that God will guide us through our fears.
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