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 Joas répondit à tous ceux qui se présentèrent à lui: Est-ce à vous de prendre parti pour Baal? est-ce à vous de venir à son secours? Quiconque prendra parti pour Baal mourra avant que le matin vienne. Si Baal est un dieu, qu'il plaide lui-même sa cause, puisqu'on a renversé son autel.