Judges 6:40
Gideon, a judge of Israel around 1100 BC, had already witnessed God’s power when he requested a sign involving dew on a fleece of wool. Even after seeing the first sign, Gideon asked God to provide one more assurance. So Scripture says: *“God did so that night; for it was dry only on the fleece, and dew was on all the ground”* (v.40, NASB-95). Geographically, these events occurred in the vicinity of Ophrah in the territory of Manasseh, an area located west of the Jordan River in the central highlands of ancient Israel and characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys. Gideon’s role in Israel’s narrative falls within the period of the judges, a turbulent time between Israel’s settlement in Canaan (around 1400 BC) and the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul (around 1050 BC).
When Gideon woke in the morning, he discovered that his sign from the Lord was exactly as requested, demonstrating God’s willingness to reassure His hesitant servant. The fleece, though it seems ordinary, became a powerful symbol of divine confirmation. By miraculously controlling the dew, God showed His authority over nature and His grace toward Gideon’s uncertainty. This reassurance pointed to a deeper truth: the Lord patiently meets His people’s needs to boost their faith for larger tasks, such as leading Israel against the Midianites (Judges 7).
Such confirmations also foreshadow God’s ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ, who invites us to trust Him with our questions and doubts (Luke 24:38, NASB-95). While believers today might not receive the exact sign of a dew-covered or dew-free fleece, the principle remains: God accommodates our sincere requests for guidance. He is both patient and powerful, willing to draw near to those whose faith is fragile yet earnest (James 1:5, NASB-95). Gideon’s moment here exemplifies a gracious pattern where God provides for human weakness and calls us to believe wholeheartedly in His promises.
God reassures His people by miraculously meeting Gideon’s request, proving He remains faithful and patient for those seeking His presence.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Deuteronomy 6:10-15 meaning. Moses commands the Israelites to be diligent to continue an attitude of gratitude to the LORD for what He has done for them and for who He is to them. To not forget God’s commands when circumstances become comfortable. To not forget God when the need to depend on Him is not as apparent.
- Hosea 6:4-6 meaning. The LORD accuses and condemns both Israel and Judah for their covenant infidelity and false devotion to Him. He tells the people that He desires loyalty more than sacrifices performed as religious formalism (vv. 4-6).
- Acts 15:1-6 meaning. False teachers from Judea arrive in Antioch. They claim that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved. Paul and Barnabas dispute this claim. The church of Antioch sends Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders. On the journey, the pair visit churches in Phoenicia and Samaria, telling the believers about their missionary journey. In Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas give report on the Gentiles in Galatia who believed in Jesus. In response, some Pharisees demand that these Gentiles be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law.