Judges 6:17

KJV

And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, If now I have found {H4672} grace {H2580} in thy sight {H5869}, then shew {H6213} me a sign {H226} that thou talkest {H1696} with me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Gid'on replied, "If indeed you favor me, would you mind giving me a sign that it is really you talking with me?

Berean Standard Bible

Gideon answered, “If I have found favor in Your sight, give me a sign that it is You speaking with me.

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, If now I have found favor in thy sight, then show me a sign that it is thou that talkest with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Gideon's plea in Judges 6:17 marks a critical juncture in his encounter with the Angel of the LORD. Having been commissioned to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, Gideon, still grappling with the enormity of the divine call and the identity of his divine visitor, humbly requests a tangible sign. This request, prefaced by an appeal for favor, underscores his human need for concrete assurance and validation that he is indeed conversing with a divine messenger, setting the stage for the miraculous confirmation that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:17 is embedded within the initial dialogue between Gideon and the Angel of the LORD, immediately following Gideon's expressions of doubt and questioning of God's presence and power. The preceding verses detail Israel's severe oppression by the Midianites, leading to their cries for help to the LORD. The Angel's appearance to Gideon, a seemingly insignificant figure threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the enemy, is a dramatic divine initiative. The Angel's declaration, "The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour" ([Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - Angel's greeting to Gideon")), is met with Gideon's lament about Israel's plight and a challenge to God's apparent abandonment ([Judges 6:13](/judges/6-13 "Judges 6:13 - Gideon's lament and questions")). His subsequent question about how he, from the weakest clan, could save Israel ([Judges 6:15](/judges/6-15 "Judges 6:15 - Gideon's humility and doubt")) further highlights his skepticism. Verse 17, therefore, is not a demand but a cautious, humble request for verification, a natural progression from his earlier doubts, and it directly precedes the first miraculous sign given to him ([Judges 6:19-21](/judges/6-19 "Judges 6:19-21 - Gideon's Offering and the Consuming Fire")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel, having failed to fully dispossess the Canaanites, often succumbed to idolatry and faced divine judgment through foreign invaders. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and "people of the East," were nomadic raiders who annually devastated Israel's crops and livestock, driving the Israelites to desperate measures like hiding in caves and building secret threshing floors ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression of Israel")). In this context of national humiliation and economic ruin, a divine commissioning for deliverance would have seemed incredible, especially to someone like Gideon who perceived himself as the least among his people. The concept of "signs" was a recognized mode of divine communication in the ancient Near East, often used to authenticate a prophet or a divine message, providing tangible proof in a world where divine encounters were understood as real but often required validation.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 6:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Initiative and Human Reluctance**, as God chooses an unlikely, doubtful individual to accomplish His purposes. Gideon's request for a sign underscores the theme of **Doubt and Faith**, portraying a journey where initial skepticism is met with divine patience and confirmation, gradually building faith. It also highlights the **Role of Signs in Divine Revelation**, demonstrating God's willingness to accommodate human weakness and provide tangible proof to validate His messengers and messages, especially during crucial periods of salvation history. Furthermore, Gideon's humble appeal to "find grace" subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Favor and Grace**, emphasizing that any divine intervention or confirmation is a gift, not something earned or demanded.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Hebrew, חֵן, _chen'_):** This word, often translated "favor" or "grace," signifies a benevolent disposition or unmerited kindness shown by a superior to an inferior, or by one person to another. When used in the context of divine interaction, as here, it implies a request for God's unearned favor or acceptance. Gideon's use of "If now I have found grace in thy sight" is a common polite and humble formula in Hebrew, akin to "If you would be so kind" or "If I may presume upon your favor." It acknowledges the speaker's subordinate position and the recipient's authority, indicating that any granting of the request would be a gracious act.
* **Sign (Hebrew, אוֹת, _'owth'_):** This term refers to a distinguishing mark, token, wonder, or miraculous proof. In biblical usage, an *'owth* is often a visible, tangible, and sometimes miraculous demonstration that confirms a divine message, authenticates a prophet, or validates a covenant. It serves to remove doubt, provide assurance, and establish the credibility of a divine encounter. Gideon is not asking for a random miracle, but for a specific, identifiable token that will confirm the identity of his interlocutor as truly divine and the message as truly from the LORD. This request for a sign is a direct appeal for validation of the extraordinary claim being made upon him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto him,"**: This phrase serves as a narrative transition, clearly identifying Gideon as the speaker and the Angel of the LORD as the recipient, continuing the dialogue that began in earlier verses. It sets the stage for Gideon's direct address and request.
* **"If now I have found grace in thy sight,"**: This is a polite and humble introductory clause, a common idiom in Hebrew culture for making a request. Gideon is not demanding but appealing to the Angel's goodwill and favor. It expresses a sense of unworthiness or humility, acknowledging that the granting of his request would be an act of condescension or kindness on the part of the divine messenger.
* **"then shew me a sign"**: This is the core of Gideon's request. He is asking for tangible, verifiable proof. The "sign" (Hebrew: *'owth*) is not merely a wonder but a specific, identifiable token that would confirm the divine identity and authority of the one speaking to him. It reveals Gideon's need for empirical evidence to overcome his profound skepticism and the overwhelming nature of the divine commission.
* **"that thou talkest with me."**: This final clause clarifies the purpose of the requested sign. Gideon is seeking confirmation of the *identity* of his interlocutor. He wants to be certain that he is indeed conversing with a divine being, specifically the Angel of the LORD, and that the extraordinary message of deliverance is truly from God. This is a desire for authentication, not just of the message, but of the messenger himself, which is crucial for Gideon to proceed with such a monumental task.

#### Literary Devices
The dialogue in Judges 6:17 employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Dialogue**, which directly presents Gideon's cautious and humble request, allowing the reader to experience his internal struggle and the unfolding interaction with the divine messenger. There is a subtle **Irony** in the scene: Gideon, who has just been addressed as a "mighty man of valour," reveals a profound lack of confidence and a need for external validation, contrasting sharply with the divine assessment of him. This highlights the human element of doubt in the face of overwhelming divine calling. Furthermore, the request for a sign serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting up the subsequent miraculous confirmation through the consuming fire of the offering ([Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "The Consuming Fire Sign")), and indeed, the series of signs Gideon will later request and receive (the fleece tests in [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "The Fleece Tests")). This recurring motif of signs underscores God's patience and condescension to human weakness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Gideon's request for a sign in Judges 6:17 offers profound theological insights into God's interaction with humanity. It reveals God's remarkable patience and condescension towards human doubt and weakness. Even when commissioning individuals for monumental tasks, God often meets them where they are, providing tangible assurances to strengthen their nascent faith rather than demanding blind obedience. This demonstrates that God is not intimidated by our questions or skepticism; instead, He graciously provides confirmation when it serves His redemptive purposes and helps His servants overcome their limitations. The need for a sign also highlights the extraordinary nature of divine revelation and the human struggle to comprehend and accept it, particularly when it calls for radical obedience.

* [Exodus 4:1-9](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' Signs from God")
* [Matthew 12:38-39](/matthew/12-38 "Jesus and the Sign of Jonah")
* [1 Corinthians 1:22](/1_corinthians/1-22 "Jews demand signs, Greeks seek wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's honest request for a sign resonates deeply with the human condition. In moments of uncertainty, when faced with daunting challenges or discerning what we believe to be God's call, we often long for tangible proof, a clear indication that we are on the right path or that God is truly with us. While the New Testament encourages a walk of faith that does not constantly demand external signs, Gideon's experience reminds us that God is compassionate towards our doubts. He is willing to meet us in our weakness, sometimes providing unexpected confirmations or a quiet assurance that strengthens our resolve. This passage challenges us to examine the nature of our faith: Is it a fragile belief constantly seeking external validation, or is it a robust trust rooted in the unchanging character of God, His revealed Word, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit? We are called to cultivate a faith that, while open to divine leading, does not make demands but rests in God's faithfulness, even when the path ahead is unclear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt a similar need for a "sign" from God in your own life, and how did God respond?**
* **How can we distinguish between a legitimate desire for confirmation and a lack of faith that demands proof?**
* **What are the primary sources of assurance and guidance for believers today, apart from miraculous signs?**
* **How does God's patience with Gideon's doubt encourage you in your own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Was Gideon's request for a sign a sign of weak faith or a legitimate need?**

Answer: Gideon's request for a sign in Judges 6:17 can be understood as both a reflection of his human weakness and a legitimate need for confirmation in an extraordinary situation. Given the immense task of delivering Israel from the Midianites and the dramatic nature of his divine encounter, it was natural for Gideon to seek tangible proof of the messenger's identity and the message's authenticity. The text portrays Gideon as initially timid and doubtful, even though he is called a "mighty man of valour" ([Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Angel's greeting to Gideon")). God, in His grace, patiently accommodated Gideon's need for assurance, providing the requested sign and later two more with the fleece ([Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36 "The Fleece Tests")). This demonstrates God's condescension to human frailty and His willingness to build faith in His chosen instruments, rather than condemning their initial skepticism. It was a step in Gideon's journey toward trusting God's word and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Gideon sought a sign to confirm the identity of his divine messenger and the truth of his commission, the ultimate and most profound "sign" given by God to humanity is found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament signs, like the one granted to Gideon, pointed forward to God's active presence and His redemptive plan. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself is presented as the definitive sign, the very embodiment of God's presence and power among us. When asked for a sign, Jesus often pointed to Himself and His resurrection, famously stating that no sign would be given except the [sign of Jonah](/matthew/12-39 "The Sign of Jonah"), referring to His death and resurrection ([Matthew 12:39-40](/matthew/12-39 "The Sign of Jonah")). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"), and the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Christ, the Image of God"). For believers today, the ultimate confirmation of God's presence and truth is not an external miracle but the indwelling Holy Spirit, who bears witness to Christ and His finished work, serving as a [guarantee of our inheritance](/ephesians/1-13-14 "The Holy Spirit as a Guarantee") until the redemption of God's possession. Our faith, therefore, is not primarily built on demanding signs, but on the Person and work of Christ, attested by the Scriptures and confirmed by the Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 7:11

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

Exodus 33:13

Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation [is] thy people.

Psalms 86:17

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see [it], and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Judges 6:36

And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

Judges 6:40

And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

Genesis 15:8

And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?

Genesis 15:17

¶ And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.