The second bullock was offered - It appears that the second bullock was offered because it was just seven years old, Judges 6:25 , being calved about the time that the Midianitish oppression began; and it was now to be slain to indicate that their slavery should end with its life. The young bullock, Judges 6:25 , is supposed to have been offered for a peace-offering; the bullock of seven years old, for a burnt-offering. read more
Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing - They fixed on him the more readily because they knew he had not joined with them in their idolatrous worship. read more
The men of the city said - They all felt an interest in the continuance of rites in which they had often many sensual gratifications. Baal and Ashtaroth would have more worshippers than the true God, because their rites were more adapted to the fallen nature of man. read more
Will ye plead for Baal? - The words are very emphatic "Will ye plead in earnest תריבן for Baal? Will ye תושיען really save him? If he be God, אלהים Elohim, let him contend for himself, seeing his altar is thrown down." The paragogic letters in the words plead and save greatly increase the sense. Joash could not slay his son; but he was satisfied he had insulted Baal: if Baal were the true God, he would avenge his own injured honor. This was a sentiment among the heathens. Thus... read more
Even - Rather, as in the margin, and. Two bullocks are spoken of. The labor of both would be required for pulling down and removing the altar of Baal, and for bringing the materials for building the altar of Yahweh.The grove by it - Rather, “the idol upon it,” the Asherah, the wooden image of Astarte Judges 3:7. read more
In the ordered place - See the margin. “Build an altar, etc., with the materials,” “the wood laid in order” (compare Genesis 22:9), that, namely, which he would find ready to hand in the altar of Baal which he was to throw down.The wood of the grove - “The (blocks of) wood of the idol,” i. e. the image of Astarte. The command from God Himself to build an altar, and sacrifice upon it, is analogous to Elijah’s sacrifice 1 Kings 18:0, and was doubtless caused by the extraordinary circumstance of... read more
The mention of the “men of the city” by the side of Gideon’s “father’s household” suggests the probability of their being a remnant of the Canaanite population, and the special patrons of Baal-worship. read more
From the boldness of Joash in defending his son, it is likely that the majority of the Abi-ezrites sided with him against “the men of the city,” and already felt drawn toward Gideon as their national and religious leader Judges 6:34. Joash appears as the chief magistrate of Ophrah.Will ye plead ...? will ye save? - The emphasis is upon ye, as much as to say, What business is it of yours? read more
Judges 6:25. The same night the Lord said unto him Most likely in a dream; Take the second bullock Houbigant and some others suspect that there is a deficiency in the text here, as nothing is said of the first bullock. Perhaps he was to offer both bullocks, one for himself, and the other for the sins of the people whom he was to deliver. For, till sin was pardoned through sacrifice offered for it, no good was to be expected. Dr. Dodd, however, conjectures that there is a false reading in... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 6:27
He feared his father ' s household - So it appears that his father was an idolater: but as Gideon had ten men of his own servants whom he could trust in this matter, it is probable that he had preserved the true faith, and had not bowed his knee to the image of Baal. read more