Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Judges 6:28
And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that [was] by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar [that was] built.
Verse 28. The second bullock was offered] It appears that the second bullock was offered because it was just seven years old, Jdg 6:25, being calved about the time that the Midianitish oppression began; and it was now to be slain to indicate that their slavery should end with its life. The young bullock, Jdg 6:25, is supposed to have been offered for a peace-offering; the bullock of seven years old, for a burnt-offering.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Not upon Baals altar, for which it was designed; but upon an altar erected in contempt of Baal.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And when the men of the city arose early in the morning,…. And came to the place where the altar of Baal, his grove and image, were, to pay their morning devotions to him: behold,
the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built; upon the new altar that Gideon built, and which very probably was burning when they came: and it is very likely that the place, where the altar of Baal had stood, was not far from the rock where this new altar was erected.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(28) Arose early in the morning.The habits of Orientals are early, and Baal-worship may well have involved some adoration of the rising sun.
Cast down.They observed three things: viz., the demolished altar of Baal; the stump of the destroyed Asherah; and a new altar, with the remains of a burnt offering smoking upon it.
The second bullock.It has been supposed that Gideon offered both bullocks, the first as a burnt offering for his family, and the second for the nation. Nothing, however, is said of the fate of the young bullock; and, apart from express direction, Gideon may have hesitated to offer to the Lord a sacrifice which may have been devoted to Baal.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
28. Behold the second bullock was offered Its carcass was not yet consumed, but was smoking and burning still, when the men of the city arose; for it was probably near morning when Gideon and his ten men finished their work.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘ And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah-image was cut down which was by it, and the second bullock was offered on the altar that was built.’
When the townsfolk arose in the morning they found that the altar of Baal was broken down and that the Asherah-image had been cut down and had disappeared, and a new altar had been built on the rock under the oak in accordance with Israelite patterns, with the remains of a burnt offering on it.
But instead of this arousing their consciences as it should have done, they were filled with fury. The fact that they so quickly became aware of it and were so concerned, demonstrates that they were all using this particular sanctuary, even though strictly it belonged to Joash.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
To what an awful length of apostasy must Israel have been arrived, to condemn openly and without shame, one whose offence was zeal for Jehovah’ s honour, and a detestation of the worship of a dunghill deity.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Jdg 6:28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that [was] by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar [that was] built.
Ver. 28. Early in the morning. ] To do their devotions. So did Nestor in Homer, the Argonauts in Apollonius, the Persian Magi, the Roman Pinarii and Potitii, &c., for a shame to many Christians are late and lag in God’s service.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Beginning Reform at Home
Jdg 6:28-40
The good sense of Joash saved his son. Of what use is Baal to us, said he, if he cannot take care of himself? Gideon had stood the divine test; can you wonder that the Spirit of Jehovah, whom we know as the Holy Spirit, came upon Gideon and wrought mightily through his submitted life? Oh, to be pliant to the Spirit of Christ, as clothes to the body! With heroic courage he blew the trumpet of revolt, regardless of Midian, and at its notes the whole country aroused as from the spell of a bad enchantment.
But amid the excitement of the hour, the young leader craved one more assurance. He asked two questions. Was it possible that the Spirit had come on him in an especial manner? The answer was in the affirmative, for the fleece-which represented himself-contained a bowlful of water, while the floor was dry. Was it possible, also, that the same Spirit that had come on himself would descend on the people who should gather to his summons? Again the answer was in the affirmative, for the floor was wet. Gods promises are always Yea and Amen. He cannot fail you. See 2Co 1:18-22.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
Reciprocal: 1Sa 7:9 – a sucking 2Ki 18:4 – brake
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jdg 6:28-29. The bullock was offered Not upon Baals altar, for which it was designed, but upon an altar erected in contempt of Baal. When they inquired, they said Probably some of the persons employed in it.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
6:28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that [was] by it, and the {m} second bullock was offered upon the altar [that was] built.
(m) Meaning, the fat bull, which was kept to be offered to Baal.