This verse from Judges 6:29 describes the aftermath of Gideon tearing down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole in his village. Let's break down what it means:
"They said to one another, “Who has done this thing?”": This shows that the villagers were shocked and outraged to discover the destruction of their idols. It highlights the importance of Baal and Asherah in their religious practices. They are clearly concerned and want to find the culprit.
"When they inquired and asked...": This implies an investigation. They are actively trying to find out who was responsible for the act of desecration. It shows they didn't simply shrug it off; they took it seriously.
"...they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.”": Eventually, through the inquiry, they discover that Gideon, whose father Joash was a prominent member of the community (and even owned the Baal altar), was the one who had destroyed the altar and pole. This marks Gideon as a rebel and a potential threat to their religious order.
In essence, the verse is pivotal because:
It identifies Gideon as the one who defied the local idolatry. This act establishes him as someone who is willing to challenge the status quo.
It reveals the community's attachment to Baal worship. Their outrage and investigation shows how deeply ingrained the worship of Baal was in their lives.
It sets the stage for conflict. Gideon's act of defiance is likely to have consequences, creating tension between him and the Baal worshippers, setting the stage for the conflict to come.
This discovery is a crucial turning point in the story of Gideon. It reveals his allegiance to the Lord (Yahweh) and sets him on a path to becoming the judge who will deliver Israel from oppression.
This verse from Judges 6:29 describes the aftermath of Gideon tearing down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole in his village. Let's break down what it means:
"They said to one another, “Who has done this thing?”": This shows that the villagers were shocked and outraged to discover the destruction of their idols. It highlights the importance of Baal and Asherah in their religious practices. They are clearly concerned and want to find the culprit.
"When they inquired and asked...": This implies an investigation. They are actively trying to find out who was responsible for the act of desecration. It shows they didn't simply shrug it off; they took it seriously.
"...they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.”": Eventually, through the inquiry, they discover that Gideon, whose father Joash was a prominent member of the community (and even owned the Baal altar), was the one who had destroyed the altar and pole. This marks Gideon as a rebel and a potential threat to their religious order.
In essence, the verse is pivotal because:
It identifies Gideon as the one who defied the local idolatry. This act establishes him as someone who is willing to challenge the status quo.
It reveals the community's attachment to Baal worship. Their outrage and investigation shows how deeply ingrained the worship of Baal was in their lives.
It sets the stage for conflict. Gideon's act of defiance is likely to have consequences, creating tension between him and the Baal worshippers, setting the stage for the conflict to come.
This discovery is a crucial turning point in the story of Gideon. It reveals his allegiance to the Lord (Yahweh) and sets him on a path to becoming the judge who will deliver Israel from oppression.