Commentators highlight the brilliance of Joash's defense. By sarcastically asking if the people need to 'save' their god, he exposes the core weakness of idolatry. His challenge, 'If he be a god, let him contend for himself,' is a powerful argument that demonstrates any 'god' that needs human protection is no god at all. Scholars note this was a cunning way to silence the crowd and protect his son.