Gideon had told his father, Joash, of the Angel's visit, and the promise that Israel should be delivered. He also related to him the divine command to destroy the altar of Baal. the Spirit of God moved upon the heart of Joash. He saw that the gods whom he had worshiped had no power even to save themselves from utter destruction and hence they could not protect their worshipers. When the idolatrous multitude clamored for the death of Gideon, Joash fearlessly stood in his defense, and endeavored to show the people how powerless and unworthy of trust or adoration were their gods: "Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning; if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar."

Gideon havde fortalt sin fader, Joasj, om englens besøg, og om løftet om at Israel skulle befries. Han fortalte ham også om den guddommelige befaling at udslette Baals alter. Guds Ånd bevægede Joasjs hjerte, Han se at de guder som han havde dyrket ikke havde magt til at endog redde dem selv fra fuldstændige udslettelse, og kunne derfor ikke beskytte deres tilbedere. Når den afgudsdyrkende forsamling afkrævede Gideons død, stod Joasj frygtløst fast på sit forsvar, og dristede sig til at vise folk hvor magtesløs og uværdige deres guder var til at stole på og tilbede: »Vil I virkelig stride for ba'al eller hjælpe ham? Den, der strider for ham, skal dø inden i morgen! Er han Gud, så lad ham stride for sig selv, siden hans alter er nedbrudt!«