Judges 6:37

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will put {H3322} a fleece {H1492} of wool {H6785} in the floor {H1637}; and if the dew {H2919} be on the fleece {H1492} only, and it be dry {H2721} upon all the earth {H776} beside, then shall I know {H3045} that thou wilt save {H3467} Israel {H3478} by mine hand {H3027}, as thou hast said {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, here: I will lay a wool fleece on the threshing-floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, while all the ground stays dry, I will be convinced that you will save Isra'el through me, as you said you would."

Berean Standard Bible

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 are going to save Israel by my hand, as You have said.”

American Standard Version

behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing-floor; if there be dew on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the ground, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:37 details Gideon's second request for a divine sign—the specific "fleece test"—to unequivocally confirm God's promise to deliver Israel through his hand. Despite having previously received a direct divine commission and a miraculous sign of acceptance, Gideon, burdened by the immense and daunting task of liberating Israel from severe Midianite oppression, sought further, tangible proof of God's unwavering commitment. This verse precisely outlines his proposed test: that dew would fall exclusively on a wool fleece placed on the threshing floor, while the surrounding ground remained entirely dry, serving as an unmistakable and undeniable confirmation of God's spoken word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 6:37 is situated within the pivotal narrative of Gideon's call and preparation for leadership, detailed in [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Early Actions"). The chapter opens with Israel's seven-year subjugation by the Midianites, a direct consequence of their disobedience and apostasy ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian")). Following a prophetic rebuke of Israel's sin ([Judges 6:7-10](/judges/6-7-10 "Judges 6:7-10 - The Prophet's Message")), the Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, commissioning him to be Israel's deliverer ([Judges 6:11-16](/judges/6-11-16 "Judges 6:11-16 - Gideon's Divine Commission")). Gideon's initial skepticism and questioning of God's presence are evident ([Judges 6:13](/judges/6-13 "Judges 6:13 - Gideon's Initial Doubt")). God responds by consuming Gideon's offering with fire, a powerful sign of divine acceptance ([Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - Fire Consumes the Offering")), leading Gideon to build an altar to Yahweh Shalom ([Judges 6:24](/judges/6-24 "Judges 6:24 - Gideon Builds an Altar")). Gideon then demonstrates nascent obedience by tearing down his father's Baal altar and Asherah pole ([Judges 6:25-32](/judges/6-25-32 "Judges 6:25-32 - Gideon Destroys Idols")). The Spirit of the Lord subsequently empowers Gideon, enabling him to gather an army ([Judges 6:34-35](/judges/6-34-35 "Judges 6:34-35 - The Spirit of the Lord Comes Upon Gideon")). Despite these profound confirmations and the mobilization of troops, Gideon's human apprehension and uncertainty resurface, prompting him to seek further, highly specific, and undeniable signs from God, which are meticulously detailed in [Judges 6:36-40](/judges/6-36-40 "Judges 6:36-40 - The Fleece Tests").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of the Judges was marked by a recurring cycle of Israelite apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, their cries for deliverance, and God raising up a judge to save them. During this period, Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness often left them vulnerable to external aggressors. The Midianites, depicted as swift, destructive nomadic raiders, had severely impoverished Israel by systematically destroying their crops and livestock, forcing the Israelites to seek refuge in caves and mountain strongholds ([Judges 6:3-6](/judges/6-3-6 "Judges 6:3-6 - Midianite Oppression and Israel's Distress")). This dire context highlights the immense pressure, fear, and perceived impossibility of the task confronting Gideon. The "threshing floor" (Hebrew: _gôren_) was a common, open-air, elevated area, typically a flat, hard-packed surface, used for threshing and winnowing grain. Its exposed nature made it an ideal location for a dew test, as it would normally be subject to uniform atmospheric conditions. "Dew" (Hebrew: _ṭal_) was a critical source of moisture in ancient Israel, particularly during the dry summer months when rainfall was scarce. Its presence or absence was frequently interpreted as a direct sign of divine blessing or curse ([Deuteronomy 33:28](/deuteronomy/33-28 "Deuteronomy 33:28 - Israel's Security and Blessing"), [Haggai 1:10](/haggai/1-10 "Haggai 1:10 - God Withholds Blessing")). Gideon's request for a highly specific, localized, and counter-natural dew pattern was thus a profound appeal for an unmistakable supernatural intervention, designed to leave no room for natural explanation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several significant themes within the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Patience and Accommodation**, revealing God's extraordinary grace in engaging with human weakness and doubt. Rather than rebuking Gideon for his lack of immediate, unwavering faith, God condescends to provide the requested signs, thereby demonstrating His steadfast commitment to His promises and to His chosen, albeit fearful, servant. This theme resonates deeply with God's long-suffering character, exemplified throughout Scripture in His patient dealings with Israel's repeated rebellion, as seen in [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - The Lord is Slow to Anger"). Secondly, the narrative explores the complex tension between **Faith and Doubt**. Gideon, despite being divinely called and empowered by the Spirit, still grapples with the overwhelming magnitude of his mission. This reveals that faith is often a dynamic journey marked by wrestling, seeking assurance, and overcoming apprehension, rather than a static, unyielding state. His actions are not presented as a prescriptive model for habitually "testing God" in a demanding or manipulative manner, but rather as a sincere, albeit anxious, plea for clarity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Finally, the passage highlights **God's Sovereignty and His Choice of the Weak**. God deliberately selects a timid and seemingly insignificant man from the smallest clan of Manasseh ([Judges 6:15](/judges/6-15 "Judges 6:15 - Gideon's Humility and God's Choice")) to lead His people. This choice powerfully emphasizes that God's power and ability to save are not contingent upon human strength, confidence, or social standing. This principle aligns with the theological truth articulated in [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Weak"), where God intentionally chooses the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong, ensuring that no human can boast in their own strength before Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fleece (Hebrew, _gâzzah'_):** This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to shear," specifically denotes a shorn piece of wool. In this context, it represents a common, natural object that Gideon intentionally uses as the medium for a supernatural test. The choice of a fleece emphasizes the tangible, observable, and easily verifiable nature of the sign Gideon sought, making any miraculous intervention by God undeniably clear and leaving no room for alternative explanations.
* **Dew (Hebrew, _ṭal'_):** This term refers to the moisture that condenses on cool surfaces, typically at night, forming small water droplets. In the often-arid climate of ancient Israel, dew was a vital source of moisture for vegetation, particularly during the dry summer months when rain was scarce. Its presence was often seen as a sign of divine blessing and life, while its absence indicated drought and curse. The miraculous nature of Gideon's test lay not simply in the presence of dew itself, but in its *selective* and *contrary-to-nature* distribution—either exclusively on the fleece or exclusively on the ground—which defied natural meteorological patterns and pointed directly to a supernatural intervention.
* **Said (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root, meaning "to speak" or "to arrange," is used figuratively of words, implying a declaration, command, or promise. In this verse, it refers to God's prior declaration to Gideon that He would save Israel by Gideon's hand. Gideon's request for the fleece test is explicitly tied to this divine promise, indicating his desire for a tangible confirmation that God's spoken word (_dâbar_) would indeed come to pass through his actions. His need for a sign underscores the human struggle to fully grasp and trust the spoken word of God without additional physical evidence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor;":** Gideon initiates his direct proposal to God, clearly specifying both the object of the test—a fleece of wool, a common and easily obtainable item—and its precise location—the threshing floor, an open, exposed area. This opening demonstrates Gideon's proactive, though still fearful, engagement with God's call. He is not passively waiting for another sign but actively formulating a specific, verifiable scenario to seek definitive confirmation, indicating his earnest desire for clarity, even if born out of lingering doubt.
* **"and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside,":** This clause details the first, highly precise condition of Gideon's test. He requests a supernatural reversal of natural meteorological patterns: the fleece, which is highly absorbent, should be saturated with dew, while the surrounding ground, which would typically also be covered in dew, should remain completely dry. This extreme particularity is crucial to the sign's validity, as it eliminates any possibility of natural occurrence or coincidence, pointing directly and unmistakably to God's miraculous power and intervention.
* **"then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.":** This concluding clause articulates Gideon's ultimate purpose for conducting the test: to gain absolute, undeniable certainty that God will indeed fulfill His promise of salvation for Israel through Gideon's leadership. It highlights Gideon's desperate need for reassurance and his profound desire to align his actions perfectly with God's will. His longing to move from "I believe" to "I know" based on tangible, miraculous evidence reveals the depth of his human apprehension in the face of such a monumental divine commission.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and emotional impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the **fleece** representing Gideon's vulnerability, his human need for tangible assurance, and his limited faith in the face of an overwhelming task. The **dew**, conversely, symbolizes God's life-giving power, His miraculous intervention, and His ability to control creation down to the smallest detail. The selective presence of dew on the fleece, contrary to natural expectation, functions as a powerful **Miracle**, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over the natural world and His willingness to suspend its laws to confirm His word to His servant. The narrative also uses **Contrast** effectively by pitting the wet fleece against the dry ground (and vice-versa in [Judges 6:39-40](/judges/6-39-40 "Judges 6:39-40 - The Second Fleece Test")), creating a clear, unmistakable scenario that leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the divine intervention. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in God's patient accommodation of Gideon's persistent doubt, as the omnipotent God who commissions Gideon with such power and promise must repeatedly prove Himself to His chosen, timid servant, thereby highlighting the vast disparity between human weakness and divine omnipotence and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Gideon's fleece test offers a profound illustration of God's patience and condescension towards human weakness, yet it also serves as a subtle lesson regarding the nature of mature faith. While God graciously responds to Gideon's sincere desire for confirmation, the narrative implicitly contrasts this with a more developed faith that trusts God's revealed word without demanding repeated signs. The passage underscores that God is merciful and empathetic to our doubts, especially when they stem from a genuine, though fearful, desire to obey His will in overwhelming circumstances. However, it also reminds us that true, mature faith ultimately rests on the unchanging character and infallible promises of God, rather than on a continuous stream of supernatural proofs. God's willingness to engage with Gideon's apprehension demonstrates His intimate knowledge of His servants and His unwavering commitment to equipping them for His purposes, even when they falter in their initial trust.

* [Matthew 12:39](/matthew/12-39 "Matthew 12:39 - The Sign of Jonah"): Jesus rebukes those who demand signs, stating that no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah, indicating that a constant, demanding search for signs can signify an unbelieving heart.
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential"): This foundational verse emphasizes that "without faith it is impossible to please God," highlighting the paramount importance of trusting God even when tangible, physical evidence is lacking.
* [James 1:6](/james/1-6 "James 1:6 - Asking in Faith"): James instructs believers to ask for wisdom in faith, without doubting, implying that a wavering or double-minded approach can hinder the reception of God's blessings and guidance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's story, particularly the incident of the fleece, provides a deeply human and relatable portrayal of the journey of faith—a journey often fraught with doubt, fear, and uncertainty, yet ultimately met by God's unwavering faithfulness. For believers today, it serves as a powerful and comforting reminder that God is incredibly gracious, compassionate, and empathetic to our fears and anxieties, especially when we are called to tasks that seem utterly insurmountable or beyond our capacity. We are not condemned for moments of doubt or apprehension, but rather invited to bring our honest struggles, our deepest fears, and our need for clarity directly before God, seeking His assurance and guidance. However, the narrative also subtly guides us towards cultivating a more mature and resilient faith that gradually moves beyond a constant need for external, tangible signs. While God may, in His sovereign wisdom and unique circumstances, choose to provide specific confirmations, our primary reliance should be on His revealed Word, His unchanging character, and the consistent witness of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a trust so profound that we can step out in courageous obedience, even when the path ahead isn't perfectly illuminated, knowing with certainty that God's promises are true, His power is sufficient, and His faithfulness endures forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently wrestling with doubt, fear, or a desire for greater assurance from God?**
* **How does Gideon's experience with the fleece encourage you regarding God's patience and understanding with your own moments of fear or uncertainty?**
* **What is the critical difference between sincerely seeking God's will through prayer, wise counsel, and His Word, and "testing God" by demanding specific signs out of unbelief or a manipulative spirit?**
* **How can you actively cultivate a deeper, more resilient trust in God's promises and His character, even when circumstances seem overwhelming and tangible evidence for your desired outcome is scarce?**

### FAQ
**Is it wrong to "test" God like Gideon did with the fleece?**

Answer: Gideon's fleece test is a nuanced passage that often invites debate among believers. On one hand, the Bible generally discourages "testing the Lord your God" ([Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord")), which typically refers to demanding signs out of a spirit of unbelief, rebellion, or to manipulate God into proving Himself. Such testing implies a lack of trust in God's revealed character or His previous demonstrations of power. On the other hand, God graciously and patiently responded to Gideon's specific and repeated requests, suggesting that His patience extended to Gideon's sincere, albeit fearful, desire for confirmation in the face of an overwhelming and seemingly impossible task. Gideon had already received a direct divine call and a powerful miraculous sign (the consuming fire of the offering in [Judges 6:21](/judges/6-21 "Judges 6:21 - Fire Consumes the Offering")), but his human weakness and the enormity of the mission led him to seek further, undeniable proof. The key often lies in the heart's posture: Gideon was not demanding out of rebellion or a desire to trap God, but seeking clarity and courage out of genuine trepidation and a profound desire to obey God's specific, unique call for his life. While we should primarily walk by faith in God's revealed Word and His unchanging character, this passage illustrates God's incredible grace, compassion, and understanding of our human frailty. It is not presented as a model for habitually demanding signs, but rather as a unique example of God's condescending compassion for a struggling servant in a moment of profound need.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's fleece test, born out of human doubt and a profound need for tangible assurance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution not in another sign, but in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. While Gideon sought external, temporary signs to confirm God's word and presence, Christ is the ultimate and perfect sign, the very embodiment of God's promise, presence, and saving power among humanity. Unlike Gideon, who wrestled with fear and required repeated, specific proofs of God's faithfulness, Jesus perfectly trusted the Father, demonstrating a flawless faith that needed no external validation, even unto the agony of the cross. His entire life, His perfect obedience, His sacrificial death, and His glorious resurrection are the definitive, undeniable, and eternal proof of God's saving power and unwavering faithfulness, far surpassing any localized miracle of dew. Where Gideon's uncertainty highlighted the profound weakness and limitations of human faith, Christ's unwavering obedience, divine authority, and completed work reveal God's perfect and eternal plan of salvation. For those who, like Gideon, struggle with doubt and seek assurance, Jesus offers not a temporary sign, but Himself as the sympathetic High Priest who understands our weaknesses and temptations ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), and as the one who perfectly fulfilled all of God's promises. Through Christ, we are called to a higher form of faith—a faith that believes without seeing ([John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessed Are Those Who Have Not Seen and Yet Have Believed")), resting not on miraculous interventions for our personal assurance, but on the finished work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the ultimate "yes" and "amen" to all of God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), providing a certainty that transcends any physical sign and grounds our hope in an eternal reality.

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

Hosea 14:5

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

Matthew 10:5

¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Matthew 10:6

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 15:24

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Psalms 72:6

He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.

Deuteronomy 32:2

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Psalms 147:19

He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.