# Gideon’s father said, “Why are you trying to help your god? If he is a god, let him protect himself!”

This is direct quotation. It can also be stated as an indirect quotation: “Gideon’s father asked why they were trying to help their god. If he is a god, he should be able to protect himself!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

# Why are you trying to help your god?

This is not a real question that asks for information. Another way of saying this would be, “You should not be trying to help your god” or, “You should not need to help your god.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# If he is a god, let him protect himself

This is a strong statement that if the idol was truly a god, he would be able to protect himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

# Because he said this

The connecting word “Because” connects the reason—Gideon’s father’s defense, with the result—the people did not kill Gideon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])