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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Gideon names this altar "The LORD Is Peace" not just as a personal comfort, but as a bold declaration where God's messenger just confirmed peace with him. It's a sacred landmark, marking the exact spot where divine reassurance replaced Gideon's fear of destruction, a powerful reminder that God's presence brings peace even in the midst of overwhelming hardship.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from an encounter with the Angel of the Lord, where his fears were addressed and a divine promise of peace was given, Gideon immediately honors God by building an altar on the very spot. He names it "The LORD Is Peace," commemorating the assurance he received from God that all would be well despite the overwhelming oppression of the Midianites. This act marks a pivotal moment of faith and worship before he embarks on the monumental task God has laid out for him.
Gideon, after a terrifying encounter with God, doesn't just walk away. He builds something lasting. What does it mean to mark a place with a new name and a specific meaning?
The Bible is full of places named to commemorate God's actions.
Remembering God's Presence
Building an altar and naming it was a practice dating back to the earliest days of faith. It was a way to physically mark a spot where God had revealed Himself, creating a tangible reminder for future generations. Think of Abraham naming places where he encountered God, like Bethel (Genesis 12:8) or Beersheba (Genesis 21:33).
A Name of Assurance
Gideon’s altar, named "The LORD Is Peace" (Jehovah-shalom), wasn't just a monument. It was a declaration. After experiencing the terror of the Midianite oppression and his own fear, Gideon heard God say, "Peace be with you" (Judges 6:23). This altar was Gideon's response, solidifying that divine assurance in a specific location. It was a testament that even in the midst of crushing fear and hardship, God’s peace could be found and declared.
Gideon's encounter with the Angel of the LORD was overwhelming. But amidst his fear, God offered a profound promise. How does God's word shift from a promise to a memorial?
The name "The LORD Is Peace" (Jehovah-shalom) signifies more than just a feeling; it's a declaration of God's nature and His actions.
From Promise to Prophecy
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The Angel of the LORD had just spoken peace directly to Gideon: "Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die" (Judges 6:23). This wasn't just a kind word; it was a divine promise of protection and a successful future, especially concerning the daunting task of confronting the Midianites. Naming the altar "The LORD Is Peace" turned that spoken word into a permanent memorial.
God's Initiative
This act highlights God's initiative to bring peace, not just in Gideon's personal life, but for his people. Even when Gideon felt insignificant and Israel was under brutal oppression, God declared peace and then provided the means for it. The altar stood as a constant reminder that God's peace is rooted in His presence and His power, not in our circumstances.
Understand the original words
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A physical object used for religious sacrifice, worship, and consecration. It serves as a place where God meets man and where atonement or dedication is offered.
Gideon's naming of the altar 'The LORD Is Peace' highlights the profound contrast between the terror Israel lived under and the divine reassurance he received. It marks a pivotal moment where fear gives way to faith and God's promised peace begins to dawn.
c. 1160 BC— this verse
Gideon's Call and Divine Encounter
While hiding from the Midianites, Gideon encounters a Messenger of the LORD who calls him to deliver Israel. The Messenger affirms God's presence and promises peace and victory.
c. 1160 BC
Gideon Builds an Altar
In response to God's reassurance and promise of peace, Gideon builds an altar and names it 'The LORD Is Peace' (Jehovah Shalom). This act commemorates the divine encounter and signifies his newfound trust.
c. 1160 BC
Gideon Tests God
Gideon, still seeking confirmation, asks for a sign involving a fleece of wool. God grants his request, first with dew on the fleece only, then with dew on the ground and wool dry, solidifying Gideon's faith.
c. 1160 BC
Gideon Gathers an Army
Following the confirmation, Gideon rallies the Israelites from various tribes to confront the Midianite oppression.
c. 1160 BC
Reduction of Gideon's Army
God instructs Gideon to reduce his army, first by sending home those who are afraid, then by a further test at the water's edge, leaving only 300 men.
c. 1160 BC
Victory Over Midian
With his small band of 300, Gideon defeats the vast Midianite army through a surprise attack using torches, trumpets, and clay jars, leading to Israel's liberation.
Abraham also built an altar and named it, 'The LORD Will Provide,' demonstrating the practice of commemorating God's provision and faithfulness with a named altar.
Genesis 35:1Jacob was instructed by God to build an altar at Bethel after God appeared to him, showing a pattern of responding to divine encounters with dedicated worship spaces.
Exodus 17:15After Israel's victory over Amalek, Moses built an altar and called it 'The LORD Is My Banner,' signifying God's victory and presence in their battles.
Isaiah 9:6This prophetic passage describes the coming Messiah as the 'Prince of Peace,' echoing the theme of God bringing peace that Gideon recognized in his encounter.
Romans 5:1The Apostle Paul directly links our justification by faith to having peace with God through Jesus Christ, expanding on the concept of 'The LORD Is Peace' for believers today.
jfbJudges 6:24: "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
24-32. it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him—The transaction in which Gideon is here described as engaged was not entered on till the night after the vision.
clarkeJudges 6:24: "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
Gideon built an altar - and called it Jehovah-shalom - The words יהוה שלום Yehovah shalom signify The Lord is my peace, or The peace of Jehovah; and this name he gave the altar, in reference to what God had said, Judges 6:23 , Peace be unto thee, שלום לך shalom lecha, "Peace to thee;" which implied, not only a wish, but a prediction of the prosperous…
Gideon names this altar "The LORD Is Peace" not just as a personal comfort, but as a bold declaration where God's messenger just confirmed peace with him. It's a sacred landmark, marking the exact spot where divine reassurance replaced Gideon's fear of destruction, a powerful reminder that God's presence brings peace even in the midst of overwhelming hardship.
Fresh from an encounter with the Angel of the Lord, where his fears were addressed and a divine promise of peace was given, Gideon immediately honors God by building an altar on the very spot. He names it "The LORD Is Peace," commemorating the assurance he received from God that all would be well despite the overwhelming oppression of the Midianites. This act marks a pivotal moment of faith and worship before he embarks on the monumental task God has laid out for him.
Fresh from an encounter with the Angel of the Lord, where his fears were addressed and a divine promise of peace was given, Gideon immediately honors God by building an altar on the very spot. He names it "The LORD Is Peace," commemorating the assurance he received from God that all would be well despite the overwhelming oppression of the Midianites. This act marks a pivotal moment of faith and worship before he embarks on the monumental task God has laid out for him.
"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." — Gideon names this altar "The LORD Is Peace" not just as a personal comfort, but as a bold declaration where God's messenger just confirmed peace with him. It's a sacred landmark, marking the exact…
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Last reviewed October 2026