Judges 6:24
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Judges 6:24
24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Chapter Context
Judges 6 is a cyclical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, redemption, creation. Written during the pre-monarchic period (c. 1375-1050 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Without central leadership, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding peoples like the Philistines and Midianites.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Judges and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Judges 6:24
24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Analysis
In gratitude and worship, Gideon builds an altar and names it Jehovah-shalom ('The LORD is Peace'). The Hebrew Yahweh-shalom (יְהוָה שָׁלוֹם) commemorates God's gracious promise in verse 23. Building altars marked significant divine encounters throughout Scripture (Genesis 12:7, 13:18, 35:7), serving both as worship sites and memorial witnesses. The note 'unto this day' indicates the altar's continued existence when Judges was written, providing historical validation. That it stood 'in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites' shows this became a recognized worship site for Gideon's clan.
Historical Context
Personal altars built by individuals at sites of divine encounter were common before temple centralization under Solomon. These altars served local worship until Deuteronomic reform centralized worship in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12, 2 Kings 23). The name Jehovah-shalom joined other memorial names: Jehovah-jireh ('The LORD will provide,' Genesis 22:14), Jehovah-nissi ('The LORD is my banner,' Exodus 17:15), Jehovah-rophe ('The LORD who heals,' Exodus 15:26).
Reflection
- How does naming the altar Jehovah-shalom express Gideon's theological understanding of his encounter?
- What 'altars' or memorials help you remember God's faithfulness and grace?
- How does the LORD being peace resolve the tension between God's holiness and human sinfulness?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Genesis 22:14, Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16, Ezekiel 48:35
- Sacrifice: Judges 21:4, Genesis 33:20, Exodus 17:15, Joshua 22:10
- Parallel theme: Judges 8:32