Bible Verse Meaning and Interpretation of Judges 6:29

Verse: Judges 6:29 (KJV) - "And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing."

Overview

The verse narrates a crucial moment in the story of Gideon, a judge of Israel, highlighting both his growing stature and the response of the people to his actions. The context involves Gideon destroying the altar of Baal, which was a significant act of loyalty to God amid Israel's rampant idolatry. This act leads to questions from the townsmen, indicating their surprise and confrontation with their own evil practices.

Interpretative Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes Gideon's bravery in destroying the altar of Baal, asserting that it was a necessary step in reestablishing true worship in Israel. The people's inquiry questions not only the act itself but also the implications of challenging a prevailing norm, showcasing the conflict between faithfulness and societal expectations.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes the significance of Gideon's actions as a turning point for Israel. The people's reaction illustrates a collective acknowledgment of wrongdoing, hinting at the potential for repentance. He suggests that the interrogation of Gideon symbolizes a deeper internal struggle within the community regarding their faith and identity.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke provides additional layers by discussing the societal ramifications of Gideon’s actions. He points out that the inquiry reflects both fear and curiosity among the people, demonstrating their initial reaction to a challenge that directly affects their worship practices. Clarke stresses the importance of standing firm in faith, even when faced with opposition.

Cross-Referencing Biblical Texts

This verse can be cross-referenced with several other passages to enhance understanding and connection to broader biblical themes:

• 1 Kings 18:21 - Elijah confronts Israel's idolatry, asking, "How long halt ye between two opinions?"
• Jeremiah 2:13 - God's complaint against Israel for forsaking Him and worshipping idols.
• Hebrews 11:32-34 - Acknowledgment of Gideon’s faith as he leads Israel against oppression.
• Exodus 20:3-5 - The commandment against idolatry serves as the foundational reason for Gideon’s actions.
• Romans 12:2 - Calls for transformation by the renewal of the mind, paralleling the need for societal change.
• John 15:19 - Jesus’ message about being different from the world resonates with Gideon’s experience.
• 2 Corinthians 6:17 - The call to come out from among them, highlighting the necessity of distinguishing oneself from sinful practices.

Thematic Connections

Judges 6:29 ties into broader themes within Scripture, including:

• Call to Renounce Idolatry: This verse illustrates the continual biblical theme calling believers to forsake false gods.
• Faith Amidst Confrontation: Gideon’s act is an encouragement to believers facing societal pressures against their faith.
• Community Responsibility: The questioning by the people emphasizes the impact of individual actions on the community.

Conclusion

Judges 6:29 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's deliverance through Gideon, highlighting the tensions between God's commands and the prevailing culture of idolatry. Through the insights gained from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we can see the multifaceted impact of Gideon's actions. Cross-referenced passages enrich our understanding of the scriptural context, underscoring recurring themes such as the call to forsake false idols, the importance of faith, and the responsibility of the community to support true worship.