Gideon’s First Test of Obedience

 

“Called to Tear Down Before Building Up” – Judges 6:25-end

Dear Friends, after the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and declared him a “mighty man of valour” (v.12), one might expect God to immediately send him into battle against the oppressive Midianites. Instead, the Lord gave Gideon a very different and personal first assignment.

That same night God commanded him:

“Take your father’s bull, and the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it. And build an altar to the Lord your God…” (Judges 6:25-26 ESV)

This was a costly and dangerous command. The altar of Baal and the Asherah pole represented the idolatry that had taken root even in Gideon’s own family and community. Gideon obeyed — but he did so at night, taking ten servants with him because he was afraid of his family and the men of the town.

When the people discovered the destroyed altar the next morning, they were furious and demanded Gideon’s death. Yet his father Joash surprised everyone by defending his son, essentially saying, “If Baal is a real god, let him defend his own altar” (v.31).

This powerful moment marked a turning point. Immediately afterwards, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon (v.34), and he blew the trumpet to gather the men of his clan and the surrounding tribes. Yet even with the Spirit upon him, Gideon still struggled with fear and doubt. He asked the Lord for two confirming signs with the fleece:

• First: the fleece wet with dew while the ground remained dry.

• Second: the fleece dry while the ground was wet with dew.

In His patience and grace, God answered both requests clearly.

This passage is rich with lessons for us today. God often calls us to deal with sin and idolatry in our own lives and homes before He uses us in larger battles. Gideon could not fight the Midianites while Baal’s altar stood in his father’s house. Obedience had to begin at home. The story also shows us that God is wonderfully patient with our fears and weaknesses. He does not reject Gideon for acting at night or for asking for signs — He meets him where he is and strengthens his faith.

Pause & Pray: Take a quiet moment right now. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and show you any “altars of Baal” — anything that has taken God’s rightful place in your life, family, or priorities. Pray for courage to tear it down, even if it feels costly or private. Thank the Lord for His patience with your fears and for the way He confirms His will when we genuinely seek Him. Ask Him to fill you afresh with His Spirit for whatever task lies ahead.

Verse to Remember: “But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.’” (Judges 6:23 ESV)

Question to Consider: What is one area of compromise or hidden idolatry in your own life (or household) that the Lord may be calling you to confront? Are you willing to take that difficult first step of obedience this week, trusting that the Lord will be with you and strengthen you?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church