“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative concerning Gideon, one of the judges appointed by God to deliver the Israelites from oppression.
To understand the significance of this particular verse, it’s essential to explore the context and events leading up to it.
In Judges 6, we find the Israelites suffering under the oppression of the Midianites.
The people had turned away from God, worshiping idols and forsaking the commandments.
As a result, God allowed the Midianites to overpower them as a means of disciplining and drawing them back to Himself.
In the midst of this dire situation, God raised up Gideon as a deliverer for Israel.
Gideon initially questioned God’s choice and sought confirmation through signs.
After receiving assurance from the Lord, Gideon obeyed and gathered an army to confront the Midianites.
Judges 6:26, we see God instructing Gideon to build an altar to the Lord on top of a rock.
This divine directive reveals several significant aspects:
- Altar and Worship:The construction of an altar was a crucial part of Israelite worship. It served as a designated place for sacrificial offerings and acts of devotion to God. By instructing Gideon to build an altar, God emphasized the need for proper worship and restored relationship with Him.
- The LORD thy God:God identified Himself as “the LORD thy God,” establishing a personal and covenantal relationship with Gideon. This acknowledgment highlighted God’s faithfulness to His people, even in times of hardship, and encouraged Gideon to trust in Him as his personal God.
- The Ordered Place:The phrase “in the ordered place” refers to the specific location where Gideon was to build the altar. It signifies that God desired structured and organized worship, highlighting the importance of reverence and obedience in approaching Him.
- The Second Bullock and Burnt Sacrifice:God instructed Gideon to offer a burnt sacrifice using the wood from the grove. The sacrifice of a bullock and the act of burning it on the altar represented complete surrender and dedication to God. The use of the wood from the grove was significant because it required Gideon to destroy the idolatrous elements that had influenced the Israelites’ worship.
This verse demonstrates God’s desire for sincere and proper worship, both in heart and action. It also emphasizes the need for obedience and the removal of idolatrous influences from the lives of His people. By following God’s instructions, Gideon would set an example for the Israelites and pave the way for their deliverance.
Overall, Judges 6:26 serves as a reminder that genuine worship and obedience to God are essential for experiencing His deliverance, restoration, and blessings in our lives. It encourages us to examine our hearts, remove any idols or distractions that hinder our relationship with God, and offer ourselves wholeheartedly to Him.
