Gideon was as prudent as he was energetic. He chose to do this deed by night, not because he was cowardly, but because he feared he would not be able to complete the task if he essayed to do it by day. During the daylight hours an outcry and a contest would have been inevitable. This would terrify the undecided. An accomplished fact makes an impression and gives courage. His task was not only to tear down Baal’s altar, which may have been massive, but to erect on the rock where the sacrifice had been consumed an ordered, dignified altar to the Lord. This task may have taken most of the night.

Although Gideon was cautious, he did not allow prudence to deter him from doing the will of God even though he knew the consequences might be disastrous to himself. In this respect Gideon put to shame many in our day who allow the fear of man to deter them from doing bold exploits for God.