Since acquiring his second name, Jerubbaal, in Judges 6:32, he has continued to be called Gideon. So why recall his alternative name at this late date? It likely serves to heighten the irony of Israel’s return to Baal worship. Jerubbaal means, Let Baal contend. Baal has indeed contended, he has fought back, and through Jerubbaal he has won; he has brought idolatry back to Ophrah.¹