Judges 6:39

*Then Gideon said to God, “Do not let Your anger burn against me that I may speak once more; please let me make a test once more with the fleece, let it now be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground.”* (v.39)

Here, Gideon, who served as one of Israel’s judges during the tumultuous period between Moses’s leadership (circa 1500 BC) and the era of Israel’s kings, pleads with God for assurance. This passage follows Israel’s forgetfulness and failure to keep covenant with God (Judges 6:1) citeturn0file1, setting the stage for the Midianite oppression. Gideon has already witnessed the LORD’s promise, yet he yearns for one more sign to confirm God’s presence and power. By saying, *“Do not let Your anger burn against me” (v.39),* Gideon acknowledges his own frailty and the boldness of his request: he hopes the Lord will not be offended by his desire for absolute certainty.

When Gideon asks, *“please let me make a test once more,”* he is focusing on a second miracle involving dew and a fleece. Previously, God had responded graciously by making the fleece wet while the ground stayed dry. Now, Gideon asks for the opposite sign: that the fleece remain dry while the ground is drenched with dew. This emphasizes Gideon’s eagerness to align himself with God’s will. Despite the potential risk that his request might appear faithless, Gideon’s story illustrates how the Lord mercifully meets His people in their weaknesses.

Gideon’s plea underlines God’s patience and willingness to reveal Himself clearly in the midst of human doubt. While his method here should not be mistaken for a norm of constantly “testing” God, it nonetheless shows that the Lord can graciously guide sincere seekers who humbly turn to Him for direction. As the unfolding story confirms, Gideon was used mightily by God, confirming that humble dependence, even amid uncertainty, can be a vital step toward courageous faith.

Gideon humbly requests confirmation from God and is shown divine patience and mercy in response.