Gideon was also called Jerubbaal because he pulled down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it. According to the book of Judges in the Old Testament, Gideon was a judge and military leader who was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. When Gideon was called upon to lead the Israelites, he destroyed the altar of Baal that his father had built and cut down the Asherah pole beside it, which were objects of idol worship. As a result of his action, the people of the town called him Jerubbaal, which means "Let Baal contend against him." This name change signified Gideon's rejection of Baal worship and his commitment to following the one true God.