Judges Chapter 6 · Verse 28
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֜ימוּ
arose early
H7925
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֜ימוּ
arose early
Strong's:
H7925
Word #:
1 of 19
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֤י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָעִיר֙
of the city
H5892
הָעִיר֙
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 19
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בַּבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
H1242
בַּבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וְהָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
and the grove
H842
וְהָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֥ה
and the grove
Strong's:
H842
Word #:
9 of 19
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֹּרָ֑תָה
was cut down
H3772
כֹּרָ֑תָה
was cut down
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
12 of 19
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַפָּ֣ר
bullock
H6499
הַפָּ֣ר
bullock
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
14 of 19
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
that was by it and the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֔י
that was by it and the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
הֹֽעֲלָ֔ה
was offered
H5927
הֹֽעֲלָ֔ה
was offered
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
16 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Burnt offerings (olah, עֹלָה) were completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing total consecration to God (Leviticus 1). Using the second bull as specified and Asherah wood as fuel showed exact obedience to divine instructions. The discovery by 'men of the city' early in the morning suggests regular visits to the Baal altar, confirming widespread participation in this false worship. That they immediately recognized the religious revolution's significance shows how central this idolatry was to community life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gideon's complete obedience—destruction of idolatry AND establishment of proper worship—model thorough reformation?
- What does the burnt offering's complete consumption symbolize about total consecration to God?
- Why is it insufficient merely to remove false worship without establishing true worship in its place?
Analysis & Commentary
Morning reveals the night's work: Baal's altar destroyed, the Asherah cut down, and a new altar built with the burnt offering consumed. The passive construction 'was cast down... was cut down... was offered' emphasizes the completed facts rather than identifying actors. The town's discovery of these revolutionary acts will provoke the crisis of verses 29-32. That the burnt offering was already consumed indicates Gideon completed the entire sequence—destruction of idolatry, construction of proper altar, and acceptable sacrifice. This thoroughness demonstrates genuine covenant faithfulness despite fearful execution.