The Lord will not allow his plan with his servant (in the story of Gideon: to defeat the Midianites) to be thwarted. He will protect his servant even against a deadly threat for his purpose with him. In the first place, this applies to Jesus Christ, who died but was resurrected; it applies to us who follow him. Let us be encouraged.
The Lord uses an idolater (in the story of Joash), even one expressing foolish ideas, to attain his goal. Such are his sovereign and wondrous ways.
31 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.”