Matthew Poole and continuators on Judges 6:31

31 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal ? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death , whilest it is yet morning : if he be a god, let him plead for himself , because one hath cast down his altar.

Why are you so zealous in pleading for that Baal, for the Worship whereof you suffer such grievous Calamities at this day, and from whom you have no help? It is plain, that Ioash had been a Worshipper of Baal: either therefore he was now convinced by Gideon's information and action, or he makes use of this pretence to preserve his Son, being indeed indifferent in matters of Religion; and therefore as he did worship Baal to comply with his Neighbours, so now he deserts him, to rescue his Son.

He that shall further plead for such a god as this, deserves to die for his folly and impiety. It is not probable, that this was all which he said for his Son's defence; or that he would neglect to mention the Call his Son had from God to it, the Apparition of an Angel, the Promise of Deliverance: but it is usual in Scripture to give onely some short hints of those things which were more largely discoursed.

i. e. Instantly, without delay; for it was now Morning-time, as appears from v. 28, &c.

As the God of Israel hath often done when any indignity or injury hath been done to him. But Baal hath now shewed, that he is neither able to help you, nor himself; and therefore is not worthy to be served any longer. This couragious and resolute Answer was necessary to stop the torrent of the Peoples fury; and it was drawn from it, partly by the sence of his Sons extreme danger; and partly by the confidence he had, that God would Plead his Sons Cause, and use him for the Rescue of his People.