What is the meaning of Judges 6:38? And that is what happened – The phrase echoes back to Gideon’s request in Judges 6:37, underscoring that God fulfilled exactly what Gideon had asked for, with no delay or hesitation (cf. Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29). – It highlights the reliability of the Lord’s word; when He promises a sign, He brings it to pass (cf. Exodus 4:1–9 where God gives signs to Moses; 2 Kings 20:8–11 with Hezekiah’s sign). – The text invites confidence: if God kept His word to Gideon in a field at night, He will keep His word to us in Christ (Hebrews 10:23). When Gideon arose the next morning – Gideon’s rising “the next morning” shows eager anticipation and obedience (cf. Judges 6:27 when he acted “that night”). – Morning symbolizes new mercies (Lamentations 3:22–23) and fresh revelation; Gideon steps into daylight to witness God’s faithfulness tangibly. – The detail grounds the narrative in real time and space, emphasizing historicity rather than myth (cf. Joshua 3:15 describing exact timing of the Jordan crossing). He squeezed the fleece – Gideon applies a simple, verifiable test—something anyone could replicate—underscoring the physical reality of the miracle (cf. 1 John 1:1, “what our hands have touched”). – The fleece belonged to Gideon; God meets him in his ordinary belongings, reminding us that He uses everyday objects for extraordinary confirmation (cf. 2 Kings 4:2 with the widow’s oil). – By handling the fleece himself, Gideon personally engages with God’s sign, strengthening his faith for the coming battle (Judges 7:9–15). and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water – “A bowlful” (some translations say “a full bowl”) stresses abundance; the sign wasn’t marginal moisture but undeniable overflow (cf. John 2:7–10 where water becomes wine in abundance). – Dew normally disperses evenly, so a drenched fleece on dry ground breaks natural expectations, pointing to divine intervention (Job 38:12–13, 28). – God’s patience shines: He accommodates Gideon’s need without rebuke, revealing His fatherly heart (Psalm 103:13–14; James 1:5). – The overflowing water foreshadows the complete victory and provision God will give Israel through Gideon (Judges 7:22). summary Judges 6:38 shows the Lord answering Gideon’s request with precise, abundant proof. Overnight God saturates the fleece while keeping the ground dry, confirming His call on Gideon’s life and demonstrating that He rules over creation itself. The verse reassures believers that God gladly strengthens faltering faith, responds faithfully to sincere requests, and provides unmistakable evidence of His presence when His people step forward in obedience. |
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