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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 6:31 But Joash said to all who stood against him, "Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself with the one who has torn down his altar."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/6-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/07_Jdg_06_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 6:31 - Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Joash said to all who stood against him, Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! 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Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Joash shouted to the mob that confronted him, “Why are you defending Baal? Will you argue his case? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal truly is a god, let him defend himself and destroy the one who broke down his altar!” <a href="/esv/judges/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.” <a href="/bsb/judges/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself with the one who has torn down his altar.” <a href="/kjv/judges/6.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/judges/6.htm">New King James Version</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Would you plead for Baal? Would you save him? Let the one who would plead for him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead for himself, because his altar has been torn down!” <a href="/nasb_/judges/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal, or will you save him? Whoever will contend for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, since someone has torn down his altar!” <a href="/nasb/judges/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, &#8220Will you contend for Baal, or will you deliver him? Whoever will plead for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has torn down his altar.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal, or will you deliver him? Whoever will plead for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has torn down his altar.” <a href="/lsb/judges/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal, or will you save him? Whoever will contend for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has torn down his altar.” <a href="/amp/judges/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you plead for Baal? Will you save him? Whoever pleads for Baal shall be put to death while it is still morning. If Baal is a god, let him defend himself, because someone has torn down his altar.” <a href="/csb/judges/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Would you plead Baal’s case for him? Would you save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead his own case because someone tore down his altar.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, &#8220Would you plead Baal&#8217s case for him? Would you save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead his own case because someone tore down his altar.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye contend for Baal? or will ye save him? he that will contend for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him contend for himself, because one hath broken down his altar. <a href="/cev/judges/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The crowd pushed closer and closer, but Joash replied, "Are you trying to take revenge for Baal? Are you trying to rescue Baal? If you are, you will be the ones who are put to death, and it will happen before another day dawns. If Baal really is a god, let him take his own revenge on someone who tears down his altar." <a href="/erv/judges/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? or 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 broken down his altar. <a href="/gwt/judges/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Joash said to everyone standing around him, "You're not going to defend Baal, are you? Do you think you should save him? Whoever defends him will be put to death in the morning. If he's a god, let him defend himself when someone tears down his altar." <a href="/gnt/judges/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Joash said to all those who confronted him, "Are you arguing for Baal? Are you defending him? Anyone who argues for him will be killed before morning. If Baal is a god, let him defend himself. It is his altar that was torn down." <a href="/isv/judges/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Joash responded to everyone who was opposing him, "Do you really intend to fight on Baal's behalf? Do you really intend to rescue him by ordering that whoever fights him will be executed by morning? If Baal is a god, let him fight for himself. After all, it was his altar that was torn down." <a href="/msb/judges/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Joash said to all who stood against him, ?Are you contending for Baal? Are you trying to save him? Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself with the one who has torn down his altar.? <a href="/net/judges/6.htm">NET Bible</a> But Joash said to all those who confronted him, "Must you fight Baal's battles? Must you rescue him? Whoever takes up his cause will die by morning! If he really is a god, let him fight his own battles! After all, it was his altar that was pulled down." <a href="/nheb/judges/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Joash said to all who stood against him, "Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? He who will contend for him, let him be put to death while it is yet morning: if he is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has broken down his altar." <a href="/wbt/judges/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Joash said to 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 is a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar. <a href="/web/judges/6.htm">World English Bible</a> Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? He who will contend for him, let him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has broken down his altar!” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Joash says to all who have stood against him, “You, do you plead for Ba‘al? You—do you save him? He who pleads for him is put to death during the morning; if he [is] a god he pleads against him himself, because he has broken down his altar.” <a href="/ylt/judges/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Joash saith to all who have stood against him, 'Ye, do ye plead for Baal? ye -- do ye save him? he who pleadeth for him is put to death during the morning; if he is a god he himself doth plead against him, because he hath broken down his altar.' <a href="/slt/judges/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joash will say to all who stood against him, Will ye contend for Baal? or will ye save him? whoever will contend for him shall die during the morning: if he is a god he will be mighty for himself, for he threw down his altar.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He answered them: Are you the avengers of Baal, that you fight for him? he that is his adversary, let him die before to morrow light appear: if he be a god, let him revenge himself on him that hath cast down his altar. <a href="/cpdv/judges/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But he responded to them: “Could you be the avengers of Baal, so that you fight on his behalf? Whoever is his adversary, let him die before the light arrives tomorrow; if he is a god, let him vindicate himself against him who has overturned his altar.” <a href="/nabre/judges/6.htm">New American Bible</a> But Joash replied to all who were standing around him, “Is it for you to take action for Baal, or be his savior? Anyone who takes action for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him act for himself, since his altar has been dismantled!” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Joash said to all who were arrayed against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you defend his cause? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been pulled down.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Joash said to all who stood against him, Will you plead for Baal? Or will you try to save him? Whosoever pleads for him shall be put to death while it is yet morning; if he is a god, let him plead for himself, because his altar has been thrown down. <a href="/hpbt/judges/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yoash said to all who had risen up against him: “Do you judge against the presence of Baala, or are you saving him? He who judges against his presence this morning should die! If he is God, he will judge for his own sake against him who tore down the altar!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Joash said unto all that stood against him: 'Will ye contend for Baal? or will ye save him? he that will contend for him, shall be put to death before morning; if he be a god, let him contend for himself, because one hath broken down his altar.' <a href="/sep/judges/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Gedeon the son of Joas said to all the men who rose up against him, Do ye now plead for Baal, or will ye save him? whoever will plead for him, let him be slain this morning: if he be a god let him plead for himself, because one has thrown down his altar. <a href="/parallel/judges/6-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=1798" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/6.htm">Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar</a> …30Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has torn down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.” 31<a href="/hebrew/3101.htm" title="3101: yō·w·’āš (N-proper-ms) -- Joash. Or Yoash; a form of Yhow'ash; Joash, the name of six Israelites.">But Joash</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵōl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">to all</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ā·mə·ḏū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ha·’at·tem (Art:: Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">“Are you</a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: tə·rî·ḇūn (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">contending</a> <a href="/hebrew/1168.htm" title="1168: lab·ba·‘al (Prep-l, Art:: N-proper-ms) -- Baal -- a heathen god. The same as ba'al; Baal, a Phoenician deity.">for Baal?</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">Are you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: tō·wō·šî·‘ūn (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">trying to save him?</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">Whoever</a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: yā·rîḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">pleads his case</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·maṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">will be put to death</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">by</a> <a href="/hebrew/1242.htm" title="1242: hab·bō·qer (Art:: N-ms) -- Morn- ing. From baqar; properly, dawn; generally, morning.">morning!</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">Baal</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">is a god,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: yā·reḇ (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">let him contend</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">for himself</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/5422.htm" title="5422: nā·ṯaṣ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To pull down, break down. A primitive root; to tear down.">the one who has torn down</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: miz·bə·ḥōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">his altar.”</a> 32So on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend with him,” because he had torn down Baal’s altar.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm">1 Kings 18:21</a> Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. <a href="/deuteronomy/13-6.htm">Deuteronomy 13:6-10</a> If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, / the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, whether from one end of the earth or the other), / you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him. ... <a href="/jeremiah/10-5.htm">Jeremiah 10:5</a> Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” <a href="/1_samuel/12-21.htm">1 Samuel 12:21</a> Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a> All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4-6</a> So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Acts 17:29-31</a> Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination. / Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. / For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” <a href="/1_kings/18-26.htm">1 Kings 18:26-29</a> And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. / At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” / So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them. ... <a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Isaiah 41:21-24</a> “Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob. / “Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. / Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. ... <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-8</a> Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; they have noses, but cannot smell; ... <a href="/jeremiah/2-28.htm">Jeremiah 2:28</a> But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19-20</a> Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? / No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. <a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8</a> Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. <a href="/isaiah/46-5.htm">Isaiah 46:5-7</a> To whom will you liken Me or count Me equal? To whom will you compare Me, that we should be alike? / They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. / They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles. <a href="/1_samuel/5-2.htm">1 Samuel 5:2-4</a> carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue. / When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place. / But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD, with his head and his hands broken off and lying on the threshold. Only the torso remained.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Joash said to all that stood against him, Will you plead for Baal? will you 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 has cast down his altar.will ye plead.<a href="/exodus/23-2.htm">Exodus 23:2</a> Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:<a href="/numbers/14-6.htm">Numbers 14:6</a> And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:<a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a> And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.let him be<a href="/deuteronomy/13-5.htm">Deuteronomy 13:5</a> And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.<a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Deuteronomy 17:2-7</a> If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant, … <a href="/1_kings/18-40.htm">1 Kings 18:40</a> And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.if he be<a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">1 Kings 18:27,29</a> And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked… <a href="/psalms/115-4.htm">Psalm 115:4-7</a> Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands… <a href="/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23</a> Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/6-30.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/judges/6-30.htm">Baal</a> <a href="/judges/6-30.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/judges/6-30.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-7.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/judges/6-30.htm">Death</a> <a href="/judges/6-30.htm">Joash</a> <a href="/judges/6-28.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/exodus/9-28.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Save</a> <a href="/judges/3-19.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/numbers/10-21.htm">Whilst</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/6-32.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/judges/6-32.htm">Baal</a> <a href="/judges/6-32.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/judges/8-25.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/judges/6-32.htm">Contend</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Death</a> <a href="/judges/7-14.htm">Joash</a> <a href="/judges/6-38.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/judges/6-32.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/judges/6-36.htm">Save</a> <a href="/judges/7-21.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Whilst</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 6</div>1. <a href="/judges/6-1.htm">The Israelites for their sin are oppressed by Midian</a> 8. <a href="/judges/6-8.htm">A prophet rebukes them</a> 11. <a href="/judges/6-11.htm">An angel sends Gideon for their deliverance</a> 17. <a href="/judges/6-17.htm">Gideon's present is consumed with fire</a> 24. <a href="/judges/6-24.htm">Gideon destroys Baal's altar; offers a sacrifice upon the altar Jehovah-shalom</a> 28. <a href="/judges/6-28.htm">Joash defends his son, and calls him Jerubbaal</a> 33. <a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Gideon's army</a> 36. <a href="/judges/6-36.htm">Gideon's signs</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But Joash said to all who stood against him Joash, the father of Gideon, speaks to the men of the town who are angered by the destruction of Baal's altar. This indicates Joash's position of authority and influence within the community. His response is significant as it shows a shift from idolatry to a defense of his son’s actions, possibly indicating a change in his own beliefs or a protective instinct. This moment reflects the tension between the worship of Yahweh and the prevalent Canaanite practices, highlighting the spiritual conflict in Israel during the time of the Judges.“Are you contending for Baal? Joash challenges the townspeople by questioning their defense of Baal, a Canaanite deity. This rhetorical question exposes the futility of worshiping a god who cannot defend himself. It underscores the biblical theme of the impotence of idols, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a>, where the prophet mocks the creation and worship of idols. Joash's question implies that if Baal were truly a god, he would not need human defense.Are you trying to save him? This question further emphasizes the absurdity of the situation. The idea of humans needing to save a deity is ironic and highlights the powerlessness of Baal compared to the God of Israel. This reflects the biblical narrative that only the true God is the Savior, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/43-11.htm">Isaiah 43:11</a>, where God declares, "I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior."Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning! Joash issues a stern warning to those who would defend Baal, suggesting that such actions are not only futile but also deserving of death. This reflects the seriousness of idolatry in Israelite law, where worshiping other gods was a capital offense (<a href="/deuteronomy/13-6.htm">Deuteronomy 13:6-10</a>). Joash's declaration serves as a turning point, protecting Gideon and reinforcing the call to return to the worship of Yahweh.If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself Joash's statement challenges the power and existence of Baal, suggesting that a true deity would not need human intervention. This echoes the biblical theme of God’s sovereignty and power, as seen in the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel (<a href="/1_kings/18-20.htm">1 Kings 18:20-40</a>), where the impotence of Baal is similarly exposed. It serves as a call to recognize the one true God who acts on behalf of His people.with the one who has torn down his altar.” The phrase refers to Gideon, who, under divine instruction, destroyed the altar of Baal. This act of defiance against idolatry is a pivotal moment in Gideon's story, marking the beginning of his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. It foreshadows the ultimate victory of God over false gods and points to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ, who triumphs over all spiritual powers and authorities (<a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joash.htm">Joash</a> The father of Gideon, who defends his son’s actions against the townspeople who are angry about the destruction of Baal's altar. 2. <a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon</a> The son of Joash, chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. He destroys the altar of Baal as commanded by God. 3. <a href="/topical/b/baal.htm">Baal</a> A Canaanite deity whose worship had infiltrated Israel, leading them away from the worship of Yahweh. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_townspeople.htm">The Townspeople</a> The people of Ophrah who are angered by the destruction of Baal's altar and seek to punish Gideon. 5. <a href="/topical/o/ophrah.htm">Ophrah</a> The location where these events take place, specifically the hometown of Gideon and his family.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_obedience.htm">Courage in Obedience</a> Gideon's actions demonstrate the courage required to obey God, even when it means standing against cultural norms and facing potential backlash. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_idolatry.htm">The Futility of Idolatry</a> Joash's argument highlights the impotence of false gods, reminding believers of the power and sovereignty of the one true God. <a href="/topical/d/defending_the_faith.htm">Defending the Faith</a> Joash's defense of Gideon serves as an example of standing firm in faith and truth, even when it is unpopular or dangerous. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> The passage underscores the belief that God is in control and that false gods cannot contend with His power. <a href="/topical/f/family_influence.htm">Family Influence</a> Joash's support of Gideon shows the importance of family in nurturing and defending faith, encouraging believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 6</a> <a href="/q/who_was_gideon_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/summarize_gideon's_bible_story..htm">What is the summary of Gideon's story in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_baal's_altar_destruction.htm">Judges 6:25-27: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Baal's altar in Gideon's hometown?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jer._9_14_align_with_idol_evidence.htm">In Jeremiah 9:14, the people follow Baal--how does this align historically with evidence of idol worship in that era?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) Unto all that stood against him.--The meaning of these words is very uncertain. They may mean, "to all that stood around."Will ye plead for Baal?--The pronoun ye is very emphatic, being twice expressed in the Hebrew.He that will plead for him, let him be put to death.--These words of Joash were extraordinarily bold and cunning. Possibly the brave act of his son may have roused his conscience, and Gideon may have told him that he had acted under Divine guidance. But he saves his son's life, not by excusing his act, but by feigning such a zeal for Baal as to denounce it as a blasphemous impiety to suppose that Baal will not avenge his own insult--an impiety so monstrous, that the man who was guilty of it should be at once put to death. Thus he made Baal-worship a plea for not avenging the insult offered to Baal. He was well aware that if he thus gained time, the fact that Baal did not interfere to protect himself from such fearful outrage would weigh powerfully with all his worshippers. Among idolaters the sight of an act of open contempt for their idol often shakes their superstitious reverence. Aristophanes, Persius, and Lucian sneer at the inability of Jupiter to defend his own temple, golden locks, and golden beard. When Olaf had the huge image of Odin destroyed, and when the high priest Coifi at Saxmundham, clad in armour and mounted on horseback (two things which were forbidden to a priest), rode up to the Saxon idols and hurled them down, the people, seeing that no thunder followed, but that all went on as well as usual, were quite ready to embrace Christianity.Whilst it is yet morning.--The Hebrew is ad habb?ker ("until morning"); LXX., he?s pr?i, which may mean, "before to-morrow's sun has dawned." (Antequan lux crastina veniat, Vulg.; as also the Syriac, Arabic, and Chaldee.) It is a much more likely rendering than that of the E.V., for it implies, "Let us wait till to-morrow, to see whether Baal will avenge himself." Joash knew that in popular outbreaks procrastination means security.If he be a god.--Compare the language of Elijah to the Baal and Asherah priests (<a href="/1_kings/18-21.htm" title="And Elijah came to all the people, and said, How long halt you between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.">1Kings 18:21</a>; <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm" title="And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleeps, and must be awaked.">1Kings 18:27</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 31. - Stood against him. The words describe their hostile, menacing, attitude, clamouring to have Gideon brought out that they might kill him. Will ye plead, etc. The emphasis is on the ye. Joash met and silenced their pleading by threatening death to any that should plead for Baal. Baal shall plead for himself. Joash's courage was rising under the influence of his son s brave deed. <a href="/commentaries/judges/6-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Joash יוֹאָ֡שׁ (yō·w·’āš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> Joash said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to all לְכֹל֩ (lə·ḵōl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that stood עָמְד֨וּ (‘ā·mə·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations against him, עָלָ֜יו (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against “Are you הַאַתֶּ֣ם ׀ (ha·’at·tem) Article | Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you contending תְּרִיב֣וּן (tə·rî·ḇūn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend for Baal? לַבַּ֗עַל (lab·ba·‘al) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1168.htm">Strong's 1168: </a> Baal -- a heathen god Are you אַתֶּם֙ (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you trying to save him? תּוֹשִׁיע֣וּן (tō·wō·šî·‘ūn) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor Whoever אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that pleads his case יָרִ֥יב (yā·rîḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend will be put to death יוּמַ֖ת (yū·maṯ) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill by עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while morning! הַבֹּ֑קֶר (hab·bō·qer) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1242.htm">Strong's 1242: </a> Dawn, morning If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not [Baal] הוּא֙ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is a god, אֱלֹהִ֥ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative let him contend יָ֣רֶב (yā·reḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend for himself ל֔וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 if כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction someone has torn down נָתַ֖ץ (nā·ṯaṣ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5422.htm">Strong's 5422: </a> To pull down, break down his altar.? מִזְבְּחֽוֹ׃ (miz·bə·ḥōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/6-31.htm">Judges 6:31 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/6-31.htm">OT History: Judges 6:31 Joash said to all who stood against (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/6-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 6:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 6:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/6-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 6:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 6:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>