Judges 6:24
*So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and named it The LORD is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.* (Judges 6:24). This verse depicts the moment Gideon chooses to honor the God of Israel following the divine promise of deliverance from Midianite oppression. The altar, built in Ophrah, marks a place set apart for worship and commemorates the peace and protection that Gideon and the Israelites would receive through God’s providential care. The Hebrew expression for “The LORD is Peace” can also be rendered “Yahweh Shalom,” signifying that He is the ultimate source of safety and well-being in times of turmoil.
The city of Ophrah belonged to the Abiezrites, a clan within the tribe of Manasseh, located in the northern region of Israel. Gideon lived in this period of the Judges, traditionally dated between approximately 1380 and 1050 BC, before Israel had a king. Even though Gideon was initially hesitant (Judges 6:15), he responded to God’s call and worshiped Him by building this altar, signifying both Gideon’s faith in God’s promise and God’s commitment to preserve Israel.
By naming the altar for the LORD’s peace, Gideon proclaimed God’s sustaining presence for all who would come after. Even as challenges and wars continued in the land, the testimony of Gideon’s altar told of God’s readiness to impart peace and assurance to His people when they trusted Him.
Gideon’s construction of this altar confirms that God’s peace meets us in our moments of uncertainty.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 5:6-8 meaning. The second segment of the song to the Lord in Judges 5 reflects the turmoil and oppression that Israel faced before the victory led by Deborah and Barak. The people had been living in fear and desolation. Yet, through Deborah’s faithfulness, God began to restore Israel, leading to the defeat of their enemies.
- Judges 2:6-10 meaning. This passage from Judges provides a snapshot of the transition from Joshua’s leadership to the period of the judges, highlighting both continuity and change in Israel’s spiritual and societal landscape.
- Judges 4:23-24 meaning. These final verses mark the conclusion of the battle against Jabin, king of Canaan. After Sisera’s defeat and death, God continues to subdue Jabin’s forces, leading to Israel’s increasing dominance over him. Over time, the Israelites press harder against Jabin until they fully destroy his rule, securing their freedom from Canaanite oppression.