What is the meaning of Judges 6:39? Then Gideon said to God Gideon turns directly to the Lord—a reminder that conversation with God is the first resort, not the last. • Like Moses in Exodus 33:12-13 or Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:10-11, Gideon models candid prayer. • God had just answered his earlier fleece request (Judges 6:36-38), yet Gideon goes back, illustrating that the Lord’s ear “is open to the righteous” (Psalm 34:15). • Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” showing the continuity of this privilege. Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time Before asking, Gideon acknowledges God’s rightful authority. • Abraham used the same appeal when interceding for Sodom—“Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I will speak” (Genesis 18:30-32). • Such language reveals humility (James 4:6) and awareness that presumption can incur divine displeasure (Numbers 14:11). • Yet God’s response displays His patience, echoing Psalm 103:8, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger.” Please allow me one more test with the fleece Gideon seeks further confirmation of his mission against Midian. • Earlier, he asked for fleece wet, ground dry; now he reverses the conditions, guarding against coincidence (Deuteronomy 19:15, principle of two witnesses). • While Matthew 4:7 forbids presumptuous testing, Judges 6 shows God graciously meeting a hesitant servant where he is. • Similar reassurance was given to doubting servants: Moses received signs with the staff and leprous hand (Exodus 4:1-8); Zechariah received a sign concerning John’s birth (Luke 1:18-20). This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew The reverse miracle eliminates natural explanation—overnight condensation would ordinarily soak the fleece first. • God’s sovereign control over nature echoes Elijah’s water-soaked altar consumed by fire (1 Kings 18:36-38). • By granting the sign, the Lord underscores that “nothing is too difficult” for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). • Gideon’s strengthened faith will soon translate into bold obedience when he reduces his army to three hundred (Judges 7:2-7). summary Judges 6:39 shows a hesitant but honest servant asking God for unmistakable assurance. Gideon’s respectful tone, doubled request, and God’s accommodating response combine to teach that the Lord is patient with developing faith, willing to provide confirmation, and fully able to reverse natural order to guide His people into courageous obedience. |
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