Joash’s remarks reveal that he wants to compromise. He agrees with the men that his son deserves death, but his judgment is that Baal himself carry out the sentence, if he is god: “If you execute Gideon, this means you don’t believe in the Baal’s ability to punish those who sin against him. So don’t touch my son; leave it to Baal. If Baal is god, he does not need your help to punish my son.”
31 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.”