Old Testament
Judges 6:28
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When the townspeople got up early the next morning, they found the altar of Baal torn down, the Asherah pole beside it cut down, and the second bull burned on a newly built altar.
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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.
What Judges 6:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 6:28, the townspeople wake up to a shocking sight. The altar dedicated to Baal, a false god, has been destroyed, and the Asherah pole, another symbol of idol worship, has been cut down. This act of destruction signifies a bold stand against idolatry and a return to worshiping the true God. The second bull, which was sacrificed on a newly constructed altar, represents a commitment to God and a desire to restore proper worship. This event is pivotal as it marks the beginning of a significant change in the spiritual direction of the people, led by Gideon. The townspeople's reaction to this act of defiance against their established practices reveals the tension between faithfulness to God and the surrounding culture of idol worship.
How to apply Judges 6:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our own lives for any idols that may distract us from true worship. Just as Gideon took a stand, we too can courageously remove anything that hinders our relationship with God, fostering a deeper commitment 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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Keep studying Judges 6:28
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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 6:28 mean?
Judges 6:28 describes the townspeople discovering that the altar of Baal has been destroyed and the Asherah pole cut down. This act symbolizes a rejection of idol worship and a return to the worship of the true God, marking a significant shift in the spiritual direction of the community.
What is the significance of the altar of Baal in Judges 6:28?
The altar of Baal represents the false god worshiped by the townspeople. Its destruction signifies a bold stand against idolatry and a commitment to restoring true worship of God.
What does the Asherah pole represent in Judges 6:28?
The Asherah pole is a symbol of idol worship associated with fertility and pagan practices. Its removal alongside the altar of Baal highlights the rejection of these false beliefs and the desire to return to faithfulness to God.
What does the second bull symbolize in Judges 6:28?
The second bull, which was sacrificed on a newly built altar, symbolizes a commitment to God and the restoration of proper worship. It represents the people's desire to renew their relationship with God after rejecting idol worship.
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