Judges 6:29
And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 17
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)
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 17
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
עָשָׂ֖ה
Who hath done
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
Who hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 17
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וַֽיִּדְרְשׁוּ֙
And when they enquired
H1875
וַֽיִּדְרְשׁוּ֙
And when they enquired
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
וַיְבַקְשׁ֔וּ
and asked
H1245
וַיְבַקְשׁ֔וּ
and asked
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
10 of 17
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עָשָׂ֖ה
Who hath done
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
Who hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Baal worship enjoyed civic protection and popular participation, making attacks on Baal altars acts of religious sedition threatening community cohesion. Ancient Near Eastern cities often identified strongly with patron deities—attacking the god's altar insulted the entire community. The investigation's thoroughness suggests either witnesses saw suspicious activity or evidence pointed clearly to Joash's household. Gideon's act was deliberate reformation, not anonymous vandalism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the community's vigorous defense of false worship expose the spiritual blindness of idolatry?
- What modern institutions or ideologies enjoy similar civic protection and popular support despite opposing biblical truth?
- How should Christians respond when confronting idolatry that enjoys widespread social acceptance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The townspeople investigate: 'Who hath done this thing?' Their question seeks to identify and punish the perpetrator of what they view as sacrilege against Baal. After inquiring and searching (vayidreshu vayevakshu, וַיִּדְרְשׁוּ וַיְבַקְשׁוּ, 'they inquired and sought'), they conclude 'Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.' The verbs suggest thorough investigation—questioning witnesses, examining evidence, following leads. Their determination to find the culprit reveals the seriousness they attach to Baal worship. The identification of Gideon by name and patronymic (son of Joash) formally designates him for judgment.