Judges 6:36

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gideon {H1439} said {H559} unto God {H430}, If thou wilt {H3426} save {H3467} Israel {H3478} by mine hand {H3027}, as thou hast said {H1696},

Complete Jewish Bible

Gid'on said to God, "If you are going to save Isra'el through me, as you said you would,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Gideon said to God, “If You are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Gideon, despite God's call and empowerment, expresses a deep-seated need for tangible confirmation of the divine promise to deliver Israel through him. This verse encapsulates his direct appeal to God, articulating his cautious faith and setting the stage for the subsequent "fleece tests" as he seeks concrete assurance that God will indeed use him to bring salvation to his people, as previously declared.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:36 immediately follows the initial divine encounter where God commissions Gideon ([Judges 6:11-16](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-16 - God Calls Gideon")) and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, empowering him to rally Israel against the Midianites ([Judges 6:34](/judges/6-34 "Judges 6:34 - The Spirit of the Lord Comes Upon Gideon")). Gideon has already demonstrated a degree of faith by tearing down his father's Baal altar ([Judges 6:25-27](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-27 - Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar")) and assembling an army. However, this verse marks a pivotal moment where his human doubt resurfaces, prompting him to seek a personal, undeniable sign from God, which then leads directly into the well-known "fleece tests" in [Judges 6:37-40](/judges/6-37 "Judges 6:37-40 - Gideon's Fleece Tests"). This request reveals a tension between divine promise and human apprehension, a recurring theme in the book of Judges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel was under severe oppression from the Midianites, Amalekites, and "people of the East" for seven years, leading to widespread desolation and famine ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian")). This period of oppression followed Israel's disobedience, a cyclical pattern described throughout [the book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Disobedience and Deliverance"). Gideon, from the tribe of Manasseh, was initially a man of humble standing, threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites ([Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - Gideon's Humble Beginnings")). His request for a sign was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, where divine oracles and signs were often sought to confirm a deity's will or presence, especially before embarking on a significant and dangerous undertaking like war.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the themes of **Divine Call and Empowerment**, as God has already chosen Gideon and equipped him with His Spirit ([Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - The Angel of the Lord Appears to Gideon") and [Judges 6:34](/judges/6-34 "Judges 6:34 - The Spirit of the Lord Comes Upon Gideon")). It also highlights **Human Hesitancy and the Need for Assurance**, as Gideon, despite the clear call, still grapples with the enormity of the task and his own inadequacy, seeking tangible proof of God's commitment. Furthermore, it foreshadows **God's Patience and Condescension**, demonstrating His willingness to accommodate human weakness and provide reassurance, even when faith wavers, a divine characteristic seen throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in God's dealings with His chosen leaders.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Save (Hebrew, _yasha'_):** This verb signifies more than mere rescue; it denotes active deliverance, liberation, and the securing of victory. It implies bringing someone to a state of safety, wholeness, and triumph. In the context of Judges, _yasha'_ is frequently used to describe God's intervention to free Israel from their oppressors, establishing Him as the ultimate Deliverer and Savior. Gideon's use of this word acknowledges God's power to bring about a complete and decisive victory over the Midianites.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yad_):** While literally referring to a physical hand, _yad_ is often used metaphorically in Hebrew to represent power, agency, authority, or instrumentality. When Gideon says "by mine hand," he is acknowledging that he is to be the instrument or agent through whom God will accomplish the salvation of Israel. It emphasizes the human role in divine plans, even as the ultimate power resides with God.
* **Said (Hebrew, _dabar_):** This verb means to speak, declare, or command. It refers to God's direct verbal communication or promise. Gideon's phrase "as thou hast said" is a direct reference to God's earlier assurances, particularly in [Judges 6:14](/judges/6-14 "Judges 6:14 - The Lord Turns to Gideon") ("Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?") and [Judges 6:16](/judges/6-16 "Judges 6:16 - God's Promise to Gideon") ("Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man"). This indicates that Gideon remembers and acknowledges God's word, even as he seeks further confirmation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gideon said unto God,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct, personal nature of Gideon's address. It is not a soliloquy or a general prayer, but a specific appeal to the Divine, indicating a moment of intense seeking and vulnerability. It highlights the ongoing dialogue between God and His chosen servant.
* **"If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand,"**: This is the core of Gideon's request, framed as a conditional statement ("If..."). It expresses his desire for God to confirm His promise of deliverance, specifically through Gideon's instrumentality. Despite God's explicit call and the empowerment of the Spirit, Gideon's human frailty and the daunting nature of the task lead him to seek tangible assurance that he is indeed the chosen vessel for this mighty act of salvation.
* **"as thou hast said,"**: This final phrase demonstrates that Gideon is not questioning God's *ability* or *word* in general, but rather seeking confirmation of the *application* of that word to his specific situation and role. He recalls God's previous declarations of using him to deliver Israel ([Judges 6:14](/judges/6-14 "Judges 6:14 - The Lord Turns to Gideon") and [Judges 6:16](/judges/6-16 "Judges 6:16 - God's Promise to Gideon")), indicating that his doubt is not outright unbelief but a desire for clarity and tangible proof to bolster his faith for the immense task ahead.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Dialogue** as the primary literary device, presenting a direct address from Gideon to God, which immediately sets up a personal and intimate interaction. This dialogue underscores Gideon's human vulnerability and his need for reassurance, making his character relatable. The use of a **Conditional Clause** ("If thou wilt save...") highlights Gideon's hesitant faith and his desire for a definitive sign, rather than an unqualified declaration of trust. This rhetorical framing builds narrative tension, leading directly into the dramatic **Fleece Tests** that follow, which serve as a form of **Symbolism** for God's willingness to meet His people where they are, even in their doubt. The repetition of the idea of God's promise ("as thou hast said") also functions as a form of **Anaphora** (though not strictly word-for-word repetition, it refers back to the repeated divine promise), emphasizing Gideon's awareness of God's prior commitment and his plea for its confirmation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:36 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's condescension and patience with human weakness, even in the face of divine commissioning. While God's word is sufficient, He often meets His people in their need for tangible assurance, not because He is obligated, but out of His compassionate nature. Gideon's request, though bordering on doubt, is met with grace, demonstrating that God's plan is not thwarted by human frailty but often unfolds through it. This interaction underscores the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God calls, empowers, and uses individuals, yet respects their process of faith development. It also highlights the recurring biblical theme of God raising up deliverers for His people in times of oppression.

* [Exodus 4:1-9](/exodus/4-1 "Moses's Signs from God")
* [Luke 1:18-20](/luke/1-18 "Zechariah's Doubt and Sign")
* [Hebrews 11:32](/hebrews/11-32 "Gideon in the Hall of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's honest wrestling with God's call in Judges 6:36 offers a deeply relatable portrait of faith in the real world. Many believers, when confronted with a daunting task or a seemingly impossible divine directive, experience moments of profound uncertainty, questioning their own capacity or even the clarity of God's voice. Gideon's plea for a sign is not necessarily a sign of outright unbelief, but rather a human cry for confirmation, a desire for God to bridge the gap between His grand promise and Gideon's humble reality. This verse encourages us to bring our authentic doubts, fears, and needs for assurance directly to God, trusting in His patient understanding rather than pretending to have perfect, unwavering faith. It reminds us that God often works through our weaknesses, and His grace is sufficient to meet us where we are, sometimes providing tangible confirmations to strengthen our resolve and enable us to step out in obedience, just as He did for Gideon.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking greater assurance or confirmation from God?**
* **How does Gideon's vulnerability encourage you to be more honest with God about your doubts or fears?**
* **What is the balance between trusting God's word implicitly and seeking tangible signs or confirmations?**
* **How does God's patience with Gideon's request inform your understanding of His character?**

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

Answer: Gideon's request, while indicating a degree of hesitancy, is generally understood as a legitimate human need for confirmation rather than outright unbelief. He had already witnessed God's power and received a direct call ([Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - The Angel of the Lord Appears to Gideon")), and the Spirit of the Lord had come upon him ([Judges 6:34](/judges/6-34 "Judges 6:34 - The Spirit of the Lord Comes Upon Gideon")). His request was not to test God's ability, but to confirm God's specific will for *him* in such a monumental task. God, in His patience and understanding of human frailty, graciously accommodated Gideon's request with the fleece tests ([Judges 6:37-40](/judges/6-37 "Judges 6:37-40 - Gideon's Fleece Tests")), demonstrating His willingness to meet His servants where they are to strengthen their faith for the task ahead. Ultimately, Gideon is listed among the heroes of faith in [Hebrews 11:32](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32 - Gideon in the Hall of Faith"), suggesting his faith, though imperfect, was genuine and ultimately obedient.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Gideon sought a sign to confirm his role as a deliverer, the ultimate fulfillment of God's saving hand is found in Jesus Christ. Gideon, an imperfect and hesitant human instrument, foreshadows the perfect and willing Lamb of God. Unlike Gideon, who needed repeated assurances, Jesus perfectly embodied faith and obedience, declaring, "[I always do what pleases him](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")" and "[Not my will, but yours be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")". The salvation Gideon was to bring was temporal and physical, freeing Israel from Midianite oppression. However, Christ's salvation is eternal and spiritual, delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death. He is the true "hand" of God, the very power and agency through whom God "saved" the world, not by a temporary sign, but by the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). In Christ, the need for signs gives way to the certainty of His accomplished work and the indwelling Spirit who provides assurance to believers ([Romans 8:16](/romans/8-16 "Romans 8:16 - The Spirit Testifies with Our Spirit")), transforming hesitant faith into confident trust in the Savior who has already said, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross")).

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

Judges 6:14

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

Matthew 16:1

¶ The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 Kings 20:9

And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

Judges 6:17

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

Judges 6:20

And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay [them] upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.

Psalms 103:13

Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Psalms 103:14

For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.