The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and called him a mighty warrior, though Gideon protested that God had abandoned them to the Midianites. God instructed Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and build a new altar to God. That night, Gideon did so in secret, fearing retaliation from his townspeople who still worshipped Baal. God reassured Gideon that he would save Israel from the Midianites with Gideon's help.