Judges 6 24

Judges 6:24 kjv

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Judges 6:24 nkjv

So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Judges 6:24 niv

So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Judges 6:24 esv

Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and called it, The LORD Is Peace. To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites.

Judges 6:24 nlt

And Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means "the LORD is peace"). The altar remains in Ophrah in the land of the clan of Abiezer to this day.

Judges 6 verses

Judges 6 24 Meaning

Judges 6:24 records Gideon's construction of an altar to the LORD, named "The LORD Is Peace" (YHWH Shalom). This act serves as a profound commemoration of God's immediate reassurance to Gideon, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die" (Jdg 6:23). Gideon's fear, arising from his realization of encountering the Angel of the LORD, was met by God's promise of safety and wholeness. The altar's name reflects God's nature as the ultimate source of complete well-being, protection, and inner tranquility, directly countering the terror Gideon felt and the pervasive oppression plaguing Israel. The enduring presence of this altar at Ophrah provided a lasting physical witness to this transformative divine encounter.

Judges 6 24 Context

Judges chapter 6 sets the scene with Israel suffering severely under seven years of Midianite oppression due to their disobedience and idolatry, forcing them to hide in caves and mountain strongholds. In response to their cry, God first sends a prophet to address their spiritual adultery. Immediately following, the Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, a humble man threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the Midianites. The Angel commissions Gideon to deliver Israel, prompting Gideon's profound disbelief and questions of God's abandonment. As proof, Gideon requests a sign, and the Angel of the LORD miraculously consumes Gideon's food offering with fire. Upon this astonishing demonstration, Gideon recognizes he had encountered the Angel of the LORD and, consumed by ancient dread, cries out that he would surely die (Jdg 6:22). It is in this moment of intense fear that the LORD directly reassures Gideon with the words "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die" (Jdg 6:23), directly prompting Gideon's grateful response to build and name the altar in verse 24.

Judges 6 24 Word analysis

• So Gideon built an altar there:

  • Gideon: Hebrew גִּדְעוֹן (Gidʿôn), meaning "hewer" or "feller," ironic given his fear, but prefiguring his destiny to cut down Midian. His immediate action after the divine encounter is an act of worship.
  • built: בָּנָה (banah), "to build, establish." This isn't a hasty act but a deliberate establishment of a significant and permanent landmark.
  • an altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeaḥ), "place of slaughter/sacrifice." It signifies a consecrated place for communion with God, involving offerings, and acknowledging divine presence.
  • there: Refers to Ophrah of the Abiezrites, Gideon's home, grounding the divine encounter in a specific, tangible location known to his community.

• to the LORD:

  • to the LORD: לַיהוָה (la-YHWH), signifying dedication to YHWH, the personal covenant name of Israel's God, the self-existent One. This act overtly distinguished YHWH from the local Canaanite deities and solidified Gideon's allegiance.

• and called it The LORD Is Peace:

  • called it: וַיִּקְרָא לוֹ (wayyiqrā lo), "and he called to it." Naming in the biblical context is deeply significant, often defining character or purpose. Gideon’s act of naming reflects his understanding and commitment to God's character revealed in that moment.
  • The LORD Is Peace: יְהוָה שָׁלוֹם (YHWH Shalom).
    • YHWH: The sacred, unpronounceable tetragrammaton, asserting God's identity as the one true, living God who inherently possesses and grants Shalom.
    • Shalom: שָׁלוֹם (shalom), encompasses more than just absence of war. It denotes completeness, wholeness, welfare, health, prosperity, safety, and well-being in all aspects of life—physical, spiritual, social, and national. For Gideon, it was specifically the assurance of life and safety despite seeing God; for Israel, it would become deliverance from oppression.

• To this day it still stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites:

  • To this day: עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה (ʿad hayyōm hazzèh), an editorial comment implying the altar's existence at the time of the narration, affirming the historicity and continued significance of Gideon's encounter for later generations of Israel.
  • it still stands: The physical monument served as an ongoing, visible testimony to God’s faithfulness and character as the giver of peace and life.
  • in Ophrah of the Abiezrites: Identifies the precise geographical location and tribal affiliation, confirming the setting of this significant spiritual event within Israel's historical landscape.

Judges 6 24 Bonus section

The epithet "YHWH Shalom" is a unique declaration of God's character in Judges, serving not only as a personal memorial for Gideon but as a theological statement for Israel. It explicitly articulates a specific aspect of God's nature directly relevant to their plight under Midianite oppression. While "peace" was Israel's greatest desire amidst warfare and disruption, this altar reminds them that it originated in God, not in human strength or negotiation. This divine title anticipates the messianic title "Prince of Peace" (Isa 9:6), pointing to the ultimate Giver of peace who overcomes all fear and separation through the eternal covenant (Eph 2:14). The phrase "to this day it still stands" gives the account historical verifiability for the original readers, lending authority and weight to the truth conveyed through the named altar and God’s promise of Shalom. This specific event signifies a moment of radical personal transformation and a profound theological insight into the Lord's redemptive purpose for His people.

Judges 6 24 Commentary

Judges 6:24 captures a pivotal moment for Gideon: his transition from fear and doubt to a tangible act of worship and profound understanding of God's character. After realizing he stood before the Angel of the LORD, Gideon, like others who encountered God's direct presence, feared for his life. God's response, "Peace! Do not be afraid," provided immediate tranquility and security. Gideon's building and naming of the altar "YHWH Shalom" became a public testimony that Israel's God is the source of true peace—a deep wholeness that counteracts all forms of fear, chaos, and oppression. This altar stood in stark contrast to the surrounding worship of Baal, whose devotees believed he controlled rain and fertility, often demanding chaotic rites. "YHWH Shalom" proclaimed God's order, provision, and safety. This encounter solidified Gideon's faith, providing the inner calm necessary to undertake the immense task of delivering Israel, beginning with the challenging act of tearing down his father's Baal altar (Jdg 6:25-27). It serves as a reminder that genuine peace originates solely from God's presence and assurance.

• Examples:
  • When faced with overwhelming fear or uncertainty, we can reflect on Gideon’s encounter and proclaim "The LORD is Peace," trusting God for our complete well-being.
  • Building a metaphorical "altar of peace" in our hearts involves intentionally setting aside anxieties and remembering that God's presence brings true inner tranquility.