Topical Bible: Gideon: His Prayer Tests

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Gideon, a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, is renowned for his role as a judge and military leader of Israel. His account is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as well as the importance of faith and obedience. One of the most notable aspects of Gideon's narrative is his use of prayer tests to seek confirmation of God's will.

Context and Background

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was called by God during a time when the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites. The angel of the LORD appeared to him while he was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. Despite his initial hesitance and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was chosen to deliver Israel from their enemies (Judges 6:11-16).

The First Prayer Test: The Offering Consumed

Gideon's first prayer test occurs shortly after his divine calling. Seeking assurance that it was indeed God who spoke to him, Gideon requested a sign. He prepared an offering of a young goat and unleavened bread, placing them on a rock as instructed by the angel of the LORD. The angel touched the offering with the tip of his staff, and fire sprang up from the rock, consuming the offering (Judges 6:17-21). This miraculous sign confirmed God's presence and promise to Gideon.

The Second Prayer Test: The Fleece

Despite the initial confirmation, Gideon sought further assurance before leading Israel into battle against the Midianites. He devised a test involving a fleece of wool. Gideon prayed, "If You will deliver Israel by my hand, as You have said, then behold, I will place a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You will deliver Israel by my hand, as You have said" (Judges 6:36-37). God graciously granted this request, and the next morning, the fleece was wet with dew while the ground remained dry (Judges 6:38).

Still seeking confirmation, Gideon asked for the opposite sign: "Please do not be angry with me, but let me speak once more. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time, make the fleece dry, and let the ground be covered with dew" (Judges 6:39). God again complied, and the fleece remained dry while the ground was wet with dew (Judges 6:40).

Significance of the Prayer Tests

Gideon's prayer tests highlight his desire for certainty and his reliance on God's guidance. These tests are not portrayed as acts of doubt but rather as earnest requests for divine confirmation. They underscore the importance of seeking God's will and the assurance that He provides to those He calls. Gideon's account demonstrates that God is patient and understanding of human frailty, providing the necessary signs to bolster faith and courage.

Conclusion

Gideon's prayer tests serve as a powerful example of seeking God's direction and the assurance of His promises. Through these tests, Gideon was equipped with the confidence to lead Israel to victory, fulfilling God's plan for deliverance. His account remains a testament to the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His guidance.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 6:36-40
And Gideon said to God, If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

His Legacy.
... before He uttered that marvelous high priestly prayer, contains also ... in their midst
was the same whom Gideon had seen ... of the rest of faith, of His own blessed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/his legacy.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... be also continually at me in time of prayer, to have ... This man made it much his business
to deliver the ... of God from all those false and unsound tests, that by ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Faith
... the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of ... his master in the plantation, while
in earnest prayer, praying for ... and gave him his master's soul for his hire ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/faith.htm