Who was Joash in the Bible?

Joash was the father of the judge Gideon, from the clan of Abiezer in the tribe of Manasseh. He is primarily known for his defense of Gideon after Gideon tore down the altar of Baal (Judges 6:11).

Why is Joash significant in Gideon's story?

Joash is significant because he publicly defended his son Gideon against the angry townspeople who wanted to kill Gideon for destroying Baal's altar. His clever argument, that Baal should defend himself if he is a god, saved Gideon's life (Judges 6:31).

What did Joash say to defend Gideon?

When the townspeople demanded Gideon's death, Joash retorted, 'Will you contend for Baal? ... If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because someone has torn down his altar.' This logical challenge defused the mob's anger (Judges 6:31).

Joash

Old TestamentMaleJudgeFather

Joash, the father of Gideon, supported his son's actions in tearing down the altar of Baal (Jdg.6.11,29-31; 8.13,29,32).

Joash

Biography

Joash of the clan of Abiezer in Manasseh was the father of Gideon, one of Israel's most celebrated judges. When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon at the winepress in Ophrah, it was on land belonging to Joash (Judges 6:11). Joash himself worshipped Baal and maintained a sacred Asherah pole, reflecting the widespread apostasy of the period. Yet when Gideon destroyed the Baal altar and the townspeople demanded Gideon's death, Joash mounted a remarkably bold defense: he challenged the crowd to let Baal contend for himself if he was truly a god (Judges 6:31). This argument effectively shielded Gideon and earned him the name Jerubbaal: 'let Baal contend against him.' Joash continued as a presence in the narrative through Gideon's subsequent exploits.

Significance

Joash presents a complex portrait of a man whose theological convictions appear to have been transformed by his son's encounter with the living God. His defense of Gideon before the angry crowd reveals a pragmatic but profound logic: a deity who cannot defend his own altar is no deity at all. This reasoning, whether born of fatherly protectiveness or genuine theological insight, ultimately served God's redemptive purposes by preserving Gideon's life at a critical moment. Joash's story illustrates how God sovereignly works through imperfect instruments and partial understanding, advancing his plan for Israel's deliverance even through those whose faith is incomplete or recently awakened.

Authority Records

Wikidata

ChildGideon

Verse Appearances (8)

Judg

Judg 6:11 Judg 6:29 Judg 6:30 Judg 6:31 Judg 7:14 Judg 8:13 Judg 8:29 Judg 8:32

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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