“Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.”
Context:The book of Judges records the period of Israel’s history when they were governed by a series of judges, chosen by God to deliver them from oppression and lead them to spiritual renewal. In this particular chapter, the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites because of their disobedience to God’s commands. Gideon was chosen by God as the next judge to deliver Israel.
Gideon’s encounter with God:In the preceding verses, Gideon received a visit from an angel of the Lord, who called him a “mighty man of valor” and revealed God’s plan to use him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon was hesitant and doubted his own abilities, but God assured him of His presence and power.
Building an altar:After Gideon’s encounter with the angel, he was filled with reverence and awe for God. In response to this encounter, Gideon built an altar to the Lord. Altars were places of worship and sacrifice, where people offered prayers and made offerings to God.
The name Jehovahshalom:Gideon named the altar he built “Jehovahshalom,” which means “The Lord is peace.” This name reflects Gideon’s realization that God’s presence and power bring peace and security. Gideon had been living in fear and turmoil due to the Midianite oppression, but through this encounter, he found peace in knowing that God was with him.
Significance of the name:The name Jehovahshalom emphasizes that true peace comes from a relationship with God. Gideon’s act of building the altar and giving it this name was an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and a declaration of his trust in God’s ability to bring peace and deliverance to Israel.
Ongoing significance:The verse concludes by stating that the altar built by Gideon, called Jehovahshalom, remained in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. This serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the peace He brings to His people. The presence of the altar testified to the miraculous deliverance God had brought about through Gideon and served as a focal point for future generations to remember God’s faithfulness.
Key Takeaway:Judges 6:24 highlights Gideon’s response to encountering God and the significance of building an altar called Jehovahshalom. It reminds us that God is the source of true peace, and when we acknowledge His presence and trust in His power, He brings peace into our lives. The verse also encourages us to remember and testify to God’s faithfulness so that future generations may be reminded of His power and deliverance.
