“And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.”
Context:The book of Judges is set during the time of Israel’s history when they were governed by a series of judges who led the people after their settlement in the Promised Land. In this particular chapter, the Israelites were under oppression by the Midianites because of their disobedience to God. Gideon, a reluctant judge, was chosen by God to deliver them from the Midianites.
Gideon’s Doubt:In Judges 6:36-40, Gideon seeks confirmation from God regarding His plan to deliver Israel. Gideon asks God for a sign using a fleece, a woolen mat, as a test. His request was for the fleece to be wet with dew while the ground remained dry. Gideon’s motive was to be reassured of God’s presence and guidance.
Gideon’s First Sign:Initially, Gideon asks God for the fleece to be wet while the ground remained dry. In response to his request, God grants him this sign (Judges 6:37-38). The next morning, Gideon wrings a bowl full of water from the fleece, confirming that God had indeed answered his request.
Gideon’s Second Sign:However, Gideon still has doubts and asks God for another sign, reversing the conditions. He asks that the fleece be dry while the ground is covered in dew (Judges 6:39). This time, Gideon specifically asks for a different outcome than the previous sign to further strengthen his faith.
God’s Patience and Assurance:Despite Gideon’s repeated requests, God patiently accommodates his doubts and grants him the second sign. The following morning, God fulfils Gideon’s request, and the fleece is dry while the ground is covered with dew (Judges 6:40).
Lessons from Gideon’s Sign:Gideon’s request for signs can teach us several lessons:
- God’s patience:God understands our doubts and is patient with us as we seek His guidance and confirmation.
- Seeking God’s will:Gideon’s sign-seeking demonstrates the importance of seeking God’s will and desiring to be certain before moving forward.
- Faith and dependence:Gideon’s reliance on God’s signs, though initially hesitant, displays a growing faith and dependence on God’s power.
- Confirmation of God’s presence:The signs provided reassurance to Gideon of God’s presence and involvement in his life.
Application:While seeking signs should not be our primary means of discerning God’s will today (as we have the completed Word of God), we can learn from Gideon’s example to seek confirmation through prayer, studying Scripture, seeking godly counsel, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In summary, Judges 6:39 reveals Gideon’s request for a second sign using the fleece as a test of God’s presence and guidance. Gideon’s repeated signs demonstrate God’s patience and Gideon’s growing faith. We can learn from this passage to seek confirmation through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit while remembering that God is patient with our doubts and seeks to guide us in His perfect will.
