Bible Commentary on Judges 6:26

Verse Text: "And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down."

Introduction

This verse occurs in the context of God's commanding Gideon to establish a proper place for worship and sacrifice. The implications inherent in the directive extend far beyond mere physical location; they offer profound insights into worship, sacrifice, and the relationship between God and His people.

Analysis of Key Components

Building an Altar

Matthew Henry observes that the construction of an altar signifies the establishment of a personal and communal relationship between man and God. An altar is not merely a structure; it is a sacred space set apart for divine interaction and offerings. This act of building denotes a return to recognized worship amidst idolatry.

Upon the Top of This Rock

Adam Clarke emphasizes the significance of location in relation to divine encounters. The 'rock' symbolizes stability and permanence—attributes associated with God Himself. By choosing this elevated position, Gideon affirms that true worship rises above the lower standards set by the culture surrounding him.

The Ordered Place

Clarke further notes that the phrase 'ordered place' implies a design that God approves. It recommends that worship should not be haphazard but rather systematic and organized according to divine standards. This aspect speaks volumes to the need for structure in worship, contrasting with the chaotic altars of Baal that fostered disarray.

Offering a Burnt Sacrifice

Albert Barnes sheds light on the act of offering a burnt sacrifice—a ritual that symbolizes total devotion and surrender to God. He explains that the burnt offering signifies the worshipper's longing for reconciliation with God, showcasing a complete offering where nothing is retained for oneself. This act embodies the essence of worship in acknowledging God's sovereignty and grace.

Using the Wood of the Grove

Moreover, the mention of 'the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down' is significant. Henry points out that this action not only identifies the materials for the altar but also represents the eradication of idolatry. The grove—a reference to Asherah worship—marks a direct confrontation with pagan practices. By utilizing the very source of idolatry for God's purposes, Gideon's actions signify a decisive break from the past.

Theological Implications

Returning to True Worship

The command to build an altar and offer sacrifices speaks to the necessity of returning to true worship. In a culture that often endorses pluralistic spirituality, Gideon's actions encourage believers to identify and reject that which misrepresents God.

Confrontation with Idolatry

The act of cutting down the grove serves as a powerful reminder of the need to confront sin and idolatry in our lives. As Clarke remarks, the physical removal of altars to false gods serves as an illustrative act for today's believers. It implies that worship must be untainted by the influences of worldly idols.

Worship as a Community Task

The instruction given to Gideon encompasses not just personal worship but serves to remind the community of the need for collective authenticity in worship. It invokes a call for communal purity, where altars are not only built in individual hearts but in the community's collective memory and practice.

Application for Today’s Believer

For pastors, students, and theologians, this verse highlights the importance of establishing authentic worship spaces that promote zeal for God. The altar represents a tangible locus for personal sacrifice and community engagement in faith.

• Evaluate Personal Worship: Reflect on personal altars and the influences that shape them. Are they firmly rooted in God's truth?
• Challenge Idolatry: Identify and confront those 'groves' in one's life that detract from the glory of God.
• Encourage Community Worship: Foster environments in which congregations can gather to worship, free from the influences of secular society.

Conclusion

Judges 6:26 serves as an engaging reminder of the need for dedicated worship and the elimination of idolatry. As Gideon was called to build an altar, so modern believers are called to create spaces for worship that elevate the name of God while dismantling the idols that vie for attention in contemporary life.