And Gedeon built there an altar to the Lord, and called it the Lord's peace, until this present day. And when he was yet in Ephra, which is of the family of Ezri,
וַיִּבֶן֩ שָׁ֨ם גִּדְע֤וֹן מִזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ לַֽיהוָ֔ה וַיִּקְרָא־ל֥וֹ יְהוָ֖ה שָׁל֑וֹם עַ֚ד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה עוֹדֶ֕נּוּ בְּעָפְרָ֖ת אֲבִ֥י הָעֶזְרִֽי׃
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
In the same way that the altar does not possess peace in itself but signifies a prior peace bestowed upon us, the tree mentioned in Genesis 2:17 is referenced not for its own wisdom but because it serves as a reminder for each sinner to recognize their transgressions.
The altar erected at the site of the Epiphany was not constructed by Gideon for the purpose of sacrifices, as the law prohibited offerings outside the tabernacle. Instead, it was established as a commemorative marker of the Epiphany and the grace of God toward Gideon, which extended to all of Israel. A similarly significant altar was constructed by the tribes of Gilead after they participated in the conquest of the Promised Land (Num. 22:10, 28), and it also served as a reminder rather than a place for sacrifices. The altar was named the Peace of the Lord, signifying the reassurance given to Gideon to soothe his fears, as well as the peace granted to Israel through Gideon after the judgment upon the Midianites.
This was acknowledged until the times of Samuel, who documented the events in the Book of Judges. The narrative of the angel’s appearance to Gideon coincides with the feast honoring angels, likely influenced by views such as those of the blessed Theodoret, suggesting that it was a disembodied ministering spirit rather than the Lord Himself. Another interpretation posits that the timing was intended to elevate the understanding of those honoring the angels, as the one who appeared to Gideon, although not an angelic being, could be associated with the Son of God, sometimes referred to as the Lord of Angels.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS