Judges 6:37 - behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then shall I know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken.”
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What does "Judges 6:37" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Gideon in the Book of Judges. Gideon is being called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. However, Gideon is insecure and wants proof that God is truly with him. He devises a test using a fleece of wool.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor...": Gideon places a fleece of wool on the area where grain is threshed (separated from the stalk). Threshing floors were often open, flat areas exposed to the elements.
"...if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground...": Gideon proposes a condition. He asks that God cause dew to appear only on the fleece, while the surrounding ground remains dry.
"...then shall I know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken.": Gideon declares that if this unlikely event occurs, he will take it as a sign that God will indeed use him to deliver Israel, just as God had promised.
In essence, Gideon is asking for a miraculous sign. He's not just asking for dew, but for dew to appear only on the fleece and nowhere else. This is a highly unusual and improbable request, demonstrating a desire for undeniable proof of God's power and intention.
Why a Fleece? The fleece itself might have been chosen because wool is absorbent and often associated with dew. However, the key element is the contrast – the selective dew on the fleece only, while the surrounding ground is dry.
Significance and Interpretation:
Gideon's Insecurity: The fleece incident highlights Gideon's initial lack of faith and need for reassurance. He's hesitant and doubtful about God's call.
God's Patience: Despite Gideon's lack of confidence, God patiently provides the sign, demonstrating His willingness to work with Gideon even in his weakness.
The Nature of Proof: This story raises questions about the nature of faith and proof. While God grants Gideon's request, it's important to remember that faith ultimately requires trust beyond tangible signs.
Risk of Testing God: Some interpretations caution against "testing" God in this way. Gideon's action could be seen as bordering on presumption. However, in this specific context, God responds with grace and understanding.
Important Note: After the initial test is successful, Gideon asks for a reverse sign the following night: the fleece should be dry, and the ground around it covered in dew. This further emphasizes his desire for absolute certainty and his initial lack of trust.
Judges 6:37 - behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then shall I know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken.”
What does "Judges 6:37" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Gideon in the Book of Judges. Gideon is being called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. However, Gideon is insecure and wants proof that God is truly with him. He devises a test using a fleece of wool.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor...": Gideon places a fleece of wool on the area where grain is threshed (separated from the stalk). Threshing floors were often open, flat areas exposed to the elements.
"...if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground...": Gideon proposes a condition. He asks that God cause dew to appear only on the fleece, while the surrounding ground remains dry.
"...then shall I know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken.": Gideon declares that if this unlikely event occurs, he will take it as a sign that God will indeed use him to deliver Israel, just as God had promised.
In essence, Gideon is asking for a miraculous sign. He's not just asking for dew, but for dew to appear only on the fleece and nowhere else. This is a highly unusual and improbable request, demonstrating a desire for undeniable proof of God's power and intention.
Why a Fleece? The fleece itself might have been chosen because wool is absorbent and often associated with dew. However, the key element is the contrast – the selective dew on the fleece only, while the surrounding ground is dry.
Significance and Interpretation:
Gideon's Insecurity: The fleece incident highlights Gideon's initial lack of faith and need for reassurance. He's hesitant and doubtful about God's call.
God's Patience: Despite Gideon's lack of confidence, God patiently provides the sign, demonstrating His willingness to work with Gideon even in his weakness.
The Nature of Proof: This story raises questions about the nature of faith and proof. While God grants Gideon's request, it's important to remember that faith ultimately requires trust beyond tangible signs.
Risk of Testing God: Some interpretations caution against "testing" God in this way. Gideon's action could be seen as bordering on presumption. However, in this specific context, God responds with grace and understanding.
Important Note: After the initial test is successful, Gideon asks for a reverse sign the following night: the fleece should be dry, and the ground around it covered in dew. This further emphasizes his desire for absolute certainty and his initial lack of trust.