Gideon tears down the altar of his fathers’ religion and builds a new one. This represents Christ, who has fulfilled the old covenant and establishes a new covenant. Gideon does his work in secret, at night, because of the enmity of his people and “his father’s house.” This speaks of the hidden work that Christ is doing in the present time, because of Israel’s rejection and enmity.
Judges 6
27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had spoken to him. Because he feared his father’s house and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night.
From the Nations
The ten men accompanying Gideon represent those who have joined him in secret. Ten represents the words of God and the testimony. Ten times in Genesis 1 it says, “and God said.” But also consider the ten words (commandments), which are called the testimony (Ex. 16:34; 25:16). These ten men are witnesses who trust in God’s word and His promises and therefore joined Gideon.
These ten men represent the believers from the nations who join a Jewish man because God is with Him (Zech. 8:23). They share in Gideon’s hidden position and recognize him as the Redeemer of Israel, while Israel is still in unbelief and ignorance. A beautiful picture of the ecclesia, the body of Christ, in our days!