Judges 6:38
And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִי
H1961
וַיְהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כֵ֕ן
H3651
כֵ֕ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וַיַּשְׁכֵּם֙
And it was so for he rose up early
H7925
וַיַּשְׁכֵּם֙
And it was so for he rose up early
Strong's:
H7925
Word #:
3 of 14
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּ֤מֶץ
and wringed
H4680
וַיִּ֤מֶץ
and wringed
Strong's:
H4680
Word #:
8 of 14
to suck out; by implication, to drain, to squeeze out
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Historical Context
Morning dew in Palestine was substantial during certain seasons, providing crucial moisture for crops and flocks. A fleece naturally absorbed moisture, but having dew exclusively on the fleece while the surrounding ground (which would normally be equally dew-covered) remained dry was meteorologically impossible through natural processes. The bowl measurement (probably a drinking vessel holding roughly 1-2 liters) quantified the substantial amount of water extracted.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's gracious response to Gideon's request encourage believers struggling with doubt?
- What does Gideon's careful verification (wringing, measuring) teach about properly examining divine confirmations?
- How should Christians balance thanksgiving for God's patience with doubts against pursuit of mature faith that trusts God's Word alone?
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Analysis & Commentary
God performs the requested sign: dew on the fleece only, while all the earth remained dry. Gideon rises early to check, wring out the fleece, and measure—'a bowl full of water.' The specific detail—wringing out enough water to fill a bowl—emphasizes the miracle's undeniability. This wasn't light morning dampness but substantial moisture saturation. The contrast between saturated fleece and dry ground defied natural explanation. God's gracious response to this request demonstrates His kindness toward weak faith while simultaneously calling Gideon to move from uncertainty toward confident obedience.