What other biblical figures sought signs from God for confirmation? Gideon’s Fleece—Setting the Stage Judges 6:40 shows the Lord answering Gideon’s second request for confirmation: “Only the fleece was dry, and dew covered the ground”. Scripture treats this as a literal, historical event that displays God’s patient willingness to reassure His servant. Others Who Asked for a Sign Scripture records several men who likewise sought a tangible indicator that they were walking in God’s will. • Abraham’s servant – Genesis 24:12-14 “By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.” The test at the well confirmed Rebekah as Isaac’s wife. • Moses – Exodus 4:1-5 “‘What if they do not believe me?’… ‘This is so that they may believe that the LORD…has appeared to you.’” God turned Moses’ staff into a serpent and back again, giving him confidence before Pharaoh and Israel. • Jonathan – 1 Samuel 14:8-10 “If they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has delivered them into our hands. That will be our sign.” Jonathan trusted the sign and won a key victory over the Philistines. • King Hezekiah – 2 Kings 20:8-11 “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me?” God made the shadow retreat ten steps, affirming that He would extend the king’s life. • Zechariah – Luke 1:18-20 “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man…” The angel’s answer—temporary muteness—served as the confirming sign that John the Baptist would indeed be born. • Thomas – John 20:25-28 “Unless I see the nail marks… I will never believe.” Jesus graciously invited Thomas to touch His wounds, leading to the confession, “My Lord and my God!” Threads That Tie These Accounts Together • Each situation involved a critical turning point—marriage covenant, national deliverance, prophetic birth, resurrection faith. • God never rebuked a sincere heart that sought confirmation in order to obey; He did correct disbelief masquerading as piety (cf. Isaiah 7:10-13 and Matthew 12:38-39). • Signs were never ends in themselves but pointers to God’s character—His faithfulness, power, and intimate involvement in His people’s lives. Walking Forward in Faith The literal accounts above encourage believers today: when obedience requires clarity, Scripture shows a God who is willing to confirm His word. Yet, like Gideon and the others, once the sign is granted, the proper response is courageous action grounded in confident trust. |
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