Judges 6:32 - Therefore on that day he named him Jerub-Baal, saying, “Let Baal contend against him, because he has broken down his altar.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Judges 6:32" mean?
This verse, Judges 6:32, is about Gideon and the origin of his nickname, Jerub-Baal. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: The verse follows Gideon's act of dismantling the altar of Baal and cutting down the Asherah pole, which were used in pagan worship by his community. This was a direct challenge to the local deity, Baal.
"Therefore on that day he named him Jerub-Baal...": The people give Gideon the name Jerub-Baal because of his actions against Baal's altar. "On that day" emphasizes the immediate connection between the event and the new name.
"Let Baal contend against him..." (Hebrew: yariv bo hab-Ba'al): This is the meaning behind the name Jerub-Baal. It's a statement, almost a challenge or dare. The people are essentially saying:
"Let Baal defend himself!"
"Let Baal be his own avenger!"
"If Baal is truly a god, he should fight against Gideon for destroying his altar."
"...because he has broken down his altar.": This is the reason why they are challenging Baal to contend with Gideon. Gideon's act was a direct attack on Baal's perceived power and authority. The name serves as a constant reminder of this act of defiance.
In essence, the name Jerub-Baal is a taunt, a challenge to Baal, and a public declaration that Gideon defied Baal. It's a test of Baal's power. If Baal is a true god, he will punish Gideon. If Gideon suffers no consequences, it would suggest that Baal is powerless or non-existent.
Theological Significance:
Emphasis on Yahweh's Power: The narrative implicitly suggests that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the true God. The people's challenge to Baal implies that Baal is unlikely to do anything, which reinforces Yahweh's superiority.
Gideon as an Instrument of God: Gideon is presented as an instrument used by God to deliver Israel from oppression by the Midianites. This initial act of defiance against Baal prepares the way for Gideon's larger role as a judge and leader.
Rejection of Paganism: The entire episode highlights the dangers of idolatry and the need for Israel to remain faithful to Yahweh.
Judges 6:32 - Therefore on that day he named him Jerub-Baal, saying, “Let Baal contend against him, because he has broken down his altar.”
What does "Judges 6:32" mean?
This verse, Judges 6:32, is about Gideon and the origin of his nickname, Jerub-Baal. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: The verse follows Gideon's act of dismantling the altar of Baal and cutting down the Asherah pole, which were used in pagan worship by his community. This was a direct challenge to the local deity, Baal.
"Therefore on that day he named him Jerub-Baal...": The people give Gideon the name Jerub-Baal because of his actions against Baal's altar. "On that day" emphasizes the immediate connection between the event and the new name.
"Let Baal contend against him..." (Hebrew: yariv bo hab-Ba'al): This is the meaning behind the name Jerub-Baal. It's a statement, almost a challenge or dare. The people are essentially saying:
"Let Baal defend himself!"
"Let Baal be his own avenger!"
"If Baal is truly a god, he should fight against Gideon for destroying his altar."
"...because he has broken down his altar.": This is the reason why they are challenging Baal to contend with Gideon. Gideon's act was a direct attack on Baal's perceived power and authority. The name serves as a constant reminder of this act of defiance.
In essence, the name Jerub-Baal is a taunt, a challenge to Baal, and a public declaration that Gideon defied Baal. It's a test of Baal's power. If Baal is a true god, he will punish Gideon. If Gideon suffers no consequences, it would suggest that Baal is powerless or non-existent.
Theological Significance:
Emphasis on Yahweh's Power: The narrative implicitly suggests that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the true God. The people's challenge to Baal implies that Baal is unlikely to do anything, which reinforces Yahweh's superiority.
Gideon as an Instrument of God: Gideon is presented as an instrument used by God to deliver Israel from oppression by the Midianites. This initial act of defiance against Baal prepares the way for Gideon's larger role as a judge and leader.
Rejection of Paganism: The entire episode highlights the dangers of idolatry and the need for Israel to remain faithful to Yahweh.