The first thing that is necessary for Israel to have a restored relationship with God is for them to stop following other gods. God has been calling on the Israelites to do this but it has not made them repent. The Midianites have been oppressing the Israelites so it is natural that they think that Baal, the god of the Midianites, is stronger than God. God calls on Gideon to make things right by tearing down the area of worship to Baal and substituting an altar to God.