Judges 6:31
And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.
Original Language Analysis
לְכֹל֩
H3605
לְכֹל֩
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 28
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 28
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָֽמְד֨וּ
unto all that stood
H5975
עָֽמְד֨וּ
unto all that stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
5 of 28
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עָלָ֜יו
H5921
עָלָ֜יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 28
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָ֣רֶב
against him Will ye plead
H7378
יָ֣רֶב
against him Will ye plead
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
8 of 28
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
10 of 28
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תּֽוֹשִׁיע֣וּן
will ye save
H3467
תּֽוֹשִׁיע֣וּן
will ye save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
12 of 28
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
אוֹת֔וֹ
H853
אוֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 28
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 28
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָ֣רֶב
against him Will ye plead
H7378
יָ֣רֶב
against him Will ye plead
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
15 of 28
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
יוּמַ֖ת
for him let him be put to death
H4191
יוּמַ֖ת
for him let him be put to death
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
17 of 28
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
18 of 28
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַבֹּ֑קֶר
whilst it is yet morning
H1242
הַבֹּ֑קֶר
whilst it is yet morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
19 of 28
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
20 of 28
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
if he be a god
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
if he be a god
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
21 of 28
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
22 of 28
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יָ֣רֶב
against him Will ye plead
H7378
יָ֣רֶב
against him Will ye plead
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
23 of 28
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
25 of 28
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Jeremiah 10:11Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.Jeremiah 10:5They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.1 Corinthians 8:4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
Historical Context
Joash's argument 'let him plead for himself' reflects ancient polytheistic belief that gods actively defended their honor and sanctuaries. That Baal didn't immediately strike Gideon dead exposed his impotence. Joash's willingness to publicly defend his son despite maintaining the Baal altar shows the complex religious situation—public conformity to cultural norms despite private doubts. His speech turned the mob by forcing them to confront Baal's obvious powerlessness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Joash's reasoning expose the absurdity of defending gods who supposedly possess power?
- What modern ideologies demand vigorous human defense despite claiming inherent truth and power?
- How can Christians use similar reasoning to expose the irrationality of false worldviews?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joash's response demonstrates courage and theological clarity: 'Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself.' This remarkable defense combines three arguments:
Joash's reasoning echoes Elijah's later mockery of Baal prophets (1 Kings 18:27) and exposes idolatry's fundamental irrationality. His boldness suggests either previous private doubt about Baal or instant conversion upon seeing his son's courage.