That same night, the LORD said to him, “Take your father’s bull, even the second bull seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is by it.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 25. And another, or “the second.” Only one seems to have been sacrificed; (verse 28. Cajetan) though others think that the second bullock was designed for a peace-offering. Bonfrere. Some infer that it had been fattened for Baal. Septuagint observe, that the first bullock or “calf was fattened:” but it does not appear for what purpose. Calmet.—Seven years, in memory of the duration of the slavery. Menochius.—Before that age, bulls were not deemed so fit for yoking. Hesiod would have them to be nine years old.—Altar. We may render the Hebrew “Cut down the idol which is upon the altar; or, Break in pieces the ashera,” and so forth This is the title of the idol of the grove, Astare or Asteroth. Syr. and Arab. The Septuagint is favourable to this explanation. Calmet.—But the groves themselves were to be cut down, where an altar of God was to be erected. It seems this altar and the grove belonged to Joas, who is hence supposed to have joined in the worship of Baal. If he did formerly, his eyes were now opened, and he boldly approved of the conduct of his son, (verse 31. Bible.) who had probably never been infected. Menochius.