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 6:24KJV
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Judges 6:24 (KJV)

What does Judges 6:24 mean?

Judges 6:24 describes how Gideon built an altar to the LORD and named it "Jehovahshalom," which means "The LORD is peace." The verse notes that this altar remained in Ophrah, the hometown of Gideon and the Abiezrites, for a long time.

In this scene, Gideon responds to a personal encounter with God by creating a physical reminder of God's presence and peace. The name "Jehovahshalom" reflects Gideon's experience of God's reassurance after his fear and uncertainty. The mention of Ophrah and the Abiezrites grounds the story in a real place and family, showing that this act had lasting significance for Gideon's community.

The Hebrew behind Judges 6:24

  • יְהוָ֥ה שָׁל֑וֹם (YHWH-shalom, transliterated "Jehovahshalom"): This compound name means "The LORD is peace." Gideon uses this name to express the sense of safety and assurance he received from God in a time of fear.
  • מִזְבֵּ֖חַ (mizbeach, "altar"): The word for "altar" here refers to a place of sacrifice or remembrance. Gideon's altar marks a turning point in his relationship with God, symbolizing gratitude and trust.
  • עֹפְרָ֖ה (Ophrah): This is the name of Gideon's hometown. The verse highlights the local and historical reality of the event, not just a symbolic act.

Why Judges 6:24 matters

  • The verse shows that Gideon's encounter with God brought him peace in a time of national and personal crisis, which is why he named the altar "The LORD is peace."
  • By mentioning that the altar remained in Ophrah, the verse emphasizes the lasting impact of Gideon's faith and God's reassurance on his community.
  • The verse connects to the wider story of Judges by showing how God meets individuals in their fear and uncertainty, offering peace even before the larger deliverance unfolds.

Where else these words appear

“Abiezrites” Hebrew H33 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • Judges 8:32 And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

“Ophrah” Hebrew H6084 · used in 8 verses

  • Joshua 18:23 And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,
  • Judges 8:27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
  • Judges 9:5 And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

“Gideon” Hebrew H1439 · used in 37 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • Judges 7:5 So he brought down the people unto the water: and the LORD said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink.
  • Judges 8:11 And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.