Judges 6:39

KJV

And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gideon {H1439} said {H559} unto God {H430}, Let not thine anger {H639} be hot {H2734} against me, and I will speak {H1696} but this once {H6471}: let me prove {H5254}, I pray thee, but this once {H6471} with the fleece {H1492}; let it now be dry {H2721} only upon the fleece {H1492}, and upon all the ground {H776} let there be dew {H2919}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Gid'on said to God, "Don't be angry with me because I am asking one more thing, let me make one more test, please: this time let it be dry only on the fleece, with dew all over the ground."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak one more time. Please allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let it be dry, and the ground covered with dew.”

American Standard Version

And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be kindled against me, and I will speak but this once: let me make trial, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:39 captures Gideon's second, highly specific request for a divine sign using a fleece, reversing the conditions of his previous test. This moment reveals Gideon's profound need for unwavering assurance before he could fully embrace the immense, God-given task of leading Israel against their formidable Midianite oppressors. It stands as a testament to God's extraordinary patience and grace, accommodating human weakness and doubt to build faith for His sovereign purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows God's granting of Gideon's first fleece test in [Judges 6:37-38](/judges/6-37 "Judges 6:37-38 - Gideon's First Fleece Test"). Having witnessed the miraculous sign of dew on the fleece but dry ground all around it, Gideon, instead of being fully convinced, asks for an even more audacious, reversed sign. This sequence highlights Gideon's persistent doubt and God's remarkable patience. The narrative arc of [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Early Tests") moves from Gideon's initial call and the destruction of Baal's altar to these fleece tests, all designed to prepare him for the monumental task of delivering Israel from Midianite oppression, detailed further in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory"). His repeated requests underscore the immense pressure and fear he felt, serving as a prelude to the dramatic reduction of his army and the subsequent victory, which would clearly demonstrate that the deliverance was God's work, not man's strength.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Israel was under severe oppression from the Midianites, Amalekites, and other "people of the East" for seven years, a consequence of their idolatry and disobedience to God, as described in [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian"). The Midianites were nomadic raiders who would sweep into Israel after harvest, destroying crops and livestock, leaving the Israelites impoverished and hiding in caves and strongholds. This constant threat created a climate of fear and desperation. In this context, a leader was needed who possessed not only courage but also undeniable divine backing. The use of a fleece as a sign was a practical, observable method in an agricultural society, easily understood and verifiable. Gideon's requests, though seemingly lacking in faith, were perhaps a reflection of the profound insecurity and desperation of the times, where tangible proof of God's active involvement was desperately sought.
* **Key Themes:** [Judges 6:39](/judges/6-39 "Judges 6:39 - Gideon's Second Fleece Test") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Patience and Accommodation**. God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, does not rebuke Gideon for his repeated requests but patiently grants them, demonstrating His willingness to meet His servants where they are in their weakness and doubt. This contrasts sharply with human impatience and highlights God's compassionate nature. Secondly, the passage explores **The Nature of Faith and Doubt**. While Gideon's actions might appear to be a lack of faith, they also represent a genuine, albeit hesitant, desire for certainty before undertaking a daunting task. The fleece tests are not an end in themselves but a means to build Gideon's nascent faith, preparing him to ultimately walk by faith, not by sight, as seen when he obeys God's command to reduce his army in [Judges 7:2-7](/judges/7-2 "Judges 7:2-7 - God Reduces Gideon's Army"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Use of Imperfect Instruments**. Despite Gideon's evident fear and doubt, God remains steadfast in His purpose to deliver Israel through him, showcasing that God's plan does not depend on human perfection but on His own unwavering will and power. This theme is central to the book of Judges, where flawed leaders are repeatedly used by God to accomplish His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prove (Hebrew, _nāsāh'_):** The Hebrew verb נָסָה (_nāsāh_) means "to test," "to try," "to put to the proof," or "to tempt." In this context, it refers to Gideon's desire to "test" God, not out of malicious intent or to challenge God's power, but to gain personal assurance and confirmation of God's presence and commitment to him. It's a plea for a tangible sign to bolster his own wavering faith and courage for the immense task ahead. This is distinct from a forbidden "testing of God" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:16](/deuteronomy/6-16 "Deuteronomy 6:16 - Do Not Test the Lord")), which implies a lack of trust or a demand for God to prove Himself. Here, it is a humble, albeit persistent, request for a sign to confirm God's specific call.
* **Fleece (Hebrew, _gizzāh'_):** The Hebrew word גִּזָּה (_gizzāh_) specifically refers to "a fleece" or "a shearing." It denotes the wool shorn from a sheep, making it a common, tangible object available to a shepherd or farmer like Gideon. Its absorbent nature makes it an ideal medium for a dew-based test, allowing for a clear and observable distinction between wet and dry conditions. The choice of the fleece underscores the practical, agricultural setting of the narrative and the very real, physical nature of the signs God provided.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once:"** This opening phrase reveals Gideon's awareness of the audacity of his request. He acknowledges that he might be pushing the boundaries of God's patience, almost apologizing preemptively. The phrase "Let not thine anger be hot against me" is a humble plea for grace, indicating a recognition of God's holiness and his own human frailty and persistent doubt. His promise to "speak but this once" suggests a final, desperate attempt to gain absolute clarity before committing to the divine mission.
* **"let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece;"** Gideon reiterates his desire for a test, emphasizing its singular, final nature ("but this once"). The phrase "I pray thee" further underscores his humility and earnestness, framing his request as a supplication rather than a demand. He is not trying to manipulate God but genuinely seeking a clear, unmistakable sign to overcome his fear and uncertainty.
* **"let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew."** This is the precise, reversed condition of the second test. Having witnessed the fleece absorb dew while the ground remained dry, Gideon now asks for the opposite: the fleece to be dry, while the surrounding ground is wet with dew. This reversal makes the sign even more miraculous and undeniable, eliminating any possibility of natural explanation or coincidence. It demonstrates Gideon's desire for an absolute, unambiguous confirmation of God's presence and power.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant **Literary Devices**. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly the phrase "but this once," which emphasizes Gideon's persistent yet humble plea for a final confirmation. This repetition highlights his deep-seated need for reassurance. The use of **Contrast** is central to the fleece tests, specifically the reversal of conditions from the first test (wet fleece/dry ground) to the second (dry fleece/wet ground). This stark contrast serves to eliminate any natural explanation for the phenomenon, underscoring the miraculous nature of God's intervention. The fleece itself functions as a **Symbol** of Gideon's human weakness and doubt, but also of God's patient accommodation and grace. It represents a tangible point of contact between divine power and human need. The entire narrative of Gideon's fleece tests can also be seen as a form of **Divine Pedagogy**, where God teaches and strengthens Gideon's faith through a series of increasingly undeniable signs, preparing him for the overwhelming task ahead.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:39 profoundly illustrates God's compassionate patience with human frailty and doubt, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. While God desires unwavering faith, He often condescends to meet His people in their weakness, providing tangible assurances to strengthen their resolve for His purposes. This account underscores that God's commitment to His plan is not contingent upon the perfection of His human instruments, but rather upon His own steadfast character and sovereign will. It teaches us that authentic faith, though ultimately walking by trust, can sometimes be nurtured through divine confirmation, especially when facing daunting, God-ordained tasks.

* [Psalm 103:8](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious")
* [Isaiah 42:3](/isaiah/42-3 "Isaiah 42:3 - A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's story, particularly his persistent requests for signs, offers immense comfort and challenge to believers today. It reminds us that God is incredibly patient and understanding of our doubts and fears, especially when we face callings or challenges that seem overwhelming. His willingness to grant Gideon's second, reversed fleece test demonstrates a divine grace that meets us where we are, not where we "should" be in our faith. This should encourage us to bring our genuine struggles and uncertainties before God with humility, rather than hiding them. However, it also serves as a subtle caution: while God may graciously provide confirmation, the ultimate call is to walk by faith, not by sight. We are not to presumptuously "test" God, but to humbly seek His guidance and trust His character, even when the path is unclear. The goal of such divine accommodation is always to build our confidence in Him, empowering us to step out in obedience and fulfill the purposes He has for us, knowing that His faithfulness is our ultimate assurance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking greater assurance or clarity from God?**
* **How does Gideon's story encourage you to bring your doubts and fears honestly before God?**
* **What is the difference between humbly seeking confirmation from God and presumptuously "testing" Him?**
* **How can you move from relying on external signs to cultivating a deeper, unwavering trust in God's character and promises?**

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

Answer: Gideon's repeated requests for signs, particularly the second fleece test in [Judges 6:39](/judges/6-39 "Judges 6:39 - Gideon's Second Fleece Test"), can be seen as a complex interplay of both. On one hand, it indicates a nascent or struggling faith, as he had already received powerful divine confirmation through the angel's appearance and the first fleece test ([Judges 6:11-21](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-21 - The Angel of the Lord Appears to Gideon") and [Judges 6:37-38](/judges/6-37 "Judges 6:37-38 - Gideon's First Fleece Test")). A fully mature faith would ideally trust God's word without needing further signs. However, it also reflects a legitimate human need for assurance when facing an utterly overwhelming and life-threatening task. Gideon was being asked to lead a small, ill-equipped army against a vast, oppressive force ([Judges 6:5](/judges/6-5 "Judges 6:5 - Midianite Oppression")). His humble plea, "Let not thine anger be hot against me," suggests he was aware of his presumption but desperate for clarity. God, in His incredible patience and grace, accommodated Gideon's weakness, recognizing that these signs were necessary to build his confidence and prepare him for the immense challenge ahead. It was not a test of God's power, but a test for Gideon's personal assurance, demonstrating God's willingness to meet His servants where they are to equip them for His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's persistent need for a sign, and God's patient accommodation of it, ultimately points to the ultimate and definitive sign given in Jesus Christ. While Gideon sought tangible proof through a fleece, humanity's deepest need for assurance concerning God's presence and salvation is fully met in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Old Testament signs, like Gideon's fleece, were temporary and localized, designed to build faith for a specific task or moment. However, in Christ, God Himself became the ultimate, living sign, embodying divine truth and power. The Apostle Paul declares that while Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, "we preach Christ crucified" ([1 Corinthians 1:22-23](/1_corinthians/1-22 "1 Corinthians 1:22-23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block and Foolishness")). Jesus Himself refused to give a sign to those who merely sought to test Him, stating that "no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah" ([Matthew 12:39](/matthew/12-39 "Matthew 12:39 - The Sign of Jonah")), referring to His death and resurrection. Thus, the patience God showed Gideon foreshadows the greater patience and grace demonstrated in sending His Son, who is the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")), providing the ultimate, unassailable proof of God's love and redemptive plan for all humanity, requiring a faith that rests not on a fleece, but on the finished work of the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Genesis 18:32

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy [it] for ten's sake.

Isaiah 50:2

Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

Psalms 107:33

¶ He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;

Psalms 107:35

He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.

Matthew 21:43

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Isaiah 35:6

Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 35:7

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, [shall be] grass with reeds and rushes.