God affirmed Gideon’s call by soaking the fleece with dew, confirming His power and graciously strengthening Gideon’s faith for the battles ahead.
“And it was so. When he arose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, he drained the dew from the fleece, a bowl full of water.” (v.38)
In this verse, Gideon, who served as a judge over Israel around the 12th or 11th century BC, has placed a wool fleece on the threshing floor and asked God for a dramatic sign to confirm that he is truly called to lead Israel against the Midianites. When he arose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, the water filled an entire bowl. Geographically, this event likely took place near Ophrah in the tribal region of Manasseh, on the western side of the Jordan River. Gideon is remembered for facing a large Midianite force with only 300 men, an example cited in Hebrews for his faith (Hebrews 11:32).
The miracle of the dew soaking the fleece but leaving the surrounding ground dry highlights God’s gracious response to Gideon’s cautious heart. Israel was in a cycle of disobedience and repentance, repeatedly rescued by judges whom God raised up (Judges 2). Gideon’s sign-seeking reflects the uncertain conditions of that time, as he needed reassurance that God had truly chosen him to deliver the nation. God’s patient willingness to grant Gideon’s request here anticipates the even greater triumph that would come when Gideon finally led the Israelite forces against their enemies.
Gideon’s test with the fleece may also demonstrate that God does not despise seeking confirmation of His will, especially in times of turmoil. In this ancient era of Israel’s history, such signs strengthened the people’s trust in their covenant God. Gideon’s faith, though initially hesitant, ultimately led Israel to victory, placing him among the faithful heroes praised in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:32).
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Judges 6:38 meaning
“And it was so. When he arose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, he drained the dew from the fleece, a bowl full of water.” (v.38)
In this verse, Gideon, who served as a judge over Israel around the 12th or 11th century BC, has placed a wool fleece on the threshing floor and asked God for a dramatic sign to confirm that he is truly called to lead Israel against the Midianites. When he arose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, the water filled an entire bowl. Geographically, this event likely took place near Ophrah in the tribal region of Manasseh, on the western side of the Jordan River. Gideon is remembered for facing a large Midianite force with only 300 men, an example cited in Hebrews for his faith (Hebrews 11:32).
The miracle of the dew soaking the fleece but leaving the surrounding ground dry highlights God’s gracious response to Gideon’s cautious heart. Israel was in a cycle of disobedience and repentance, repeatedly rescued by judges whom God raised up (Judges 2). Gideon’s sign-seeking reflects the uncertain conditions of that time, as he needed reassurance that God had truly chosen him to deliver the nation. God’s patient willingness to grant Gideon’s request here anticipates the even greater triumph that would come when Gideon finally led the Israelite forces against their enemies.
Gideon’s test with the fleece may also demonstrate that God does not despise seeking confirmation of His will, especially in times of turmoil. In this ancient era of Israel’s history, such signs strengthened the people’s trust in their covenant God. Gideon’s faith, though initially hesitant, ultimately led Israel to victory, placing him among the faithful heroes praised in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:32).