And that night God did so. Only the fleece was dry, and dew covered the ground. That nightThe phrase "that night" indicates a specific time when God responded to Gideon's request. In the Hebrew context, the night often symbolizes a time of uncertainty or fear, yet it is also a time when God frequently reveals His will or provides assurance. This immediate response from God highlights His willingness to engage with Gideon’s doubts and fears, providing reassurance in a time of need. God did so
This phrase underscores the sovereignty and faithfulness of God. The Hebrew root for "did" (עָשָׂה, 'asah) implies action and fulfillment. It emphasizes that God is not only a listener but also an active participant in the lives of His people. His actions are deliberate and purposeful, reinforcing His commitment to His promises and His people. Only the fleece was dry
The fleece, a piece of wool, serves as a tangible sign for Gideon. The Hebrew word for fleece (גִּזָּה, gizzah) is significant as it represents something natural and ordinary, yet God uses it to perform a miraculous sign. The dryness of the fleece, contrary to natural expectations, signifies God's control over nature and His ability to transcend natural laws to communicate with His people. and dew covered the ground
Dew in the ancient Near East was a vital source of moisture, often seen as a blessing from God. The Hebrew word for dew (טַל, tal) is associated with life and sustenance. The fact that dew covered the ground while the fleece remained dry is a reversal of natural expectations, further emphasizing the miraculous nature of God's sign. This act demonstrates God's power and His ability to provide assurance and confirmation to Gideon, reinforcing the idea that God is in control of all creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his initial hesitance and need for reassurance from God. 2. GodThe sovereign deity of Israel, who communicates with Gideon and performs miracles to confirm His will. 3. FleeceA piece of wool used by Gideon as a test to seek confirmation from God regarding His promise to save Israel through Gideon. 4. DewA natural phenomenon used by God to demonstrate His power and confirm His message to Gideon. 5. MidianitesThe oppressive force against Israel during the time of Gideon, whom God intends to defeat through Gideon's leadership. Teaching Points Seeking Confirmation from GodGideon's request for a sign shows the human desire for assurance. While God graciously provides signs, believers are encouraged to trust in His word and promises. God's Patience and UnderstandingGod’s response to Gideon’s request demonstrates His patience and understanding of human frailty. This encourages believers to approach God with their doubts and seek His guidance. Faith in ActionDespite his initial hesitance, Gideon eventually acts on God's command. Believers are called to move from doubt to action, trusting in God's provision and power. The Role of MiraclesMiracles serve as a confirmation of God's presence and power. While they are not the foundation of faith, they can strengthen and encourage believers in their walk with God. God's SovereigntyThe event underscores God's control over nature and His ability to use it to fulfill His purposes. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Gideon's request for a sign reflect our own struggles with doubt and faith? What can we learn from his approach to seeking confirmation from God? 2. In what ways does God's response to Gideon demonstrate His character? How can this understanding of God’s patience and grace impact our relationship with Him? 3. Compare Gideon's fleece test with other biblical instances where individuals sought signs from God. What are the similarities and differences, and what do they teach us about faith? 4. How can we discern when it is appropriate to seek signs from God versus trusting in His revealed word and promises? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's confirmation in your life. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you use that experience to encourage others? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 4Similar to Gideon, Moses also sought signs from God to confirm his calling to lead Israel out of Egypt. 1 Kings 18Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal, where God demonstrates His power through fire, parallels the miraculous sign given to Gideon. Hebrews 11Gideon is mentioned in the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlighting his eventual trust in God despite his initial doubts. People Abiezer, Abiezrites, Amalek, Amalekites, Amorites, Asher, Egyptians, Ephah, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Jezreel, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Ophrah, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Gaza, Jezreel Valley, Jordan River, Midian, OphrahTopics Alone, Covered, Dew, Drought, Dry, Fleece, Ground, Round, WoolDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 6:36-40 1403 God, revelation
5877 hesitation Judges 6:39-40 8410 decision-making, examples
8724 doubt, dealing with Library Gideon's Altar
'Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah- shalom [God is peace].'--JUDGES vi. 24. I need not tell over again, less vividly, the picturesque story in this chapter, of the simple husbandman up in the hills, engaged furtively in threshing out a little wheat in some hollow in the rock where he might hide it from the keen eyes of the oppressors; and of how the angel of the Lord, unrecognised at first, appeared to him; and gradually there dawned upon his mind the suspicion …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureGideon's Fleece
'Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that Thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as Thou hast said.'-- JUDGES vi. 37. The decisive moment had come when Gideon, with his hastily gathered raw levies, was about to plunge down to the plain to face immensely superior forces trained to warfare. No wonder that the equally untrained leader's heart heat faster. Many a soldier, who will be steadfastly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Jehovam-Shalem, the Lord Send Peace. Judg 6:24
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Whether it is a Sin to Tempt God?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not a sin to tempt God. For God has not commanded sin. Yet He has commanded men to try, which is the same as to tempt, Him: for it is written (Malach. 3:10): "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house; and try Me in this, saith the Lord, if I open not unto you the flood-gates of heaven." Therefore it seems not to be a sin to tempt God. Objection 2: Further, a man is tempted not only in order to test his knowledge and his power, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved.
1. Connection of the previous with the four following chapters. In order to lay a proper foundation for the discussion of free will, two obstacles in the way to be removed--viz. sloth and pride. The basis and sum of the whole discussion. The solid structure of this basis, and a clear demonstration of it by the argument a majori ad minus. Also from the inconveniences and absurdities arising from the obstacle of pride. 2. The second part of the chapter containing the opinions of others. 1. The opinions …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in Scripture, from the Foundation of the World.
1. Scripture, in teaching that the essence of God is immense and spiritual, refutes not only idolaters and the foolish wisdom of the world, but also the Manichees and Anthropomorphites. These latter briefly refuted. 2. In this one essence are three persons, yet so that neither is there a triple God, nor is the simple essence of God divided. Meaning of the word Person in this discussion. Three hypostases in God, or the essence of God. 3. Objection of those who, in this discussion, reject the use of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of the Sacraments.
1. Of the sacraments in general. A sacrament defined. 2. Meaning of the word sacrament. 3. Definition explained. Why God seals his promises to us by sacraments. 4. The word which ought to accompany the element, that the sacrament may be complete. 5. Error of those who attempt to separate the word, or promise of God, from the element. 6. Why sacraments are called Signs of the Covenant. 7. They are such signs, though the wicked should receive them, but are signs of grace only to believers. 8. Objections …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 6:40 NIVJudges 6:40 NLTJudges 6:40 ESVJudges 6:40 NASBJudges 6:40 KJV
Judges 6:40 Commentaries
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