Judges 6 36

Judges 6:36 kjv

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

Judges 6:36 nkjv

So Gideon said to God, "If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said?

Judges 6:36 niv

Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised?

Judges 6:36 esv

Then Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,

Judges 6:36 nlt

Then Gideon said to God, "If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised,

Judges 6 verses

Judges 6 36 Meaning

Judges 6:36 conveys Gideon's prayerful request to God for a confirmatory sign regarding His earlier promise to deliver Israel through him. Despite having received a direct call, witnessed a miraculous sign with the altar fire, and being empowered by the Spirit to muster troops, Gideon's human anxiety and need for absolute certainty before facing a formidable enemy led him to seek further, tangible proof of God's declared intent.

Judges 6 36 Context

Judges chapter 6 sets the scene with Israel oppressed by Midian for seven years, driving them into caves and strongholds. God raises Gideon to be a deliverer. Initially, Gideon, feeling unqualified, questioned the Angel of the LORD and sought a sign, which was dramatically granted when fire consumed his offering. Despite this confirmation, and after courageously destroying the local Baal altar, the Midianites gather for war. Critically, "the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon," enabling him to call Israel to arms. It is after this divine empowerment and the assembling of an army that Gideon voices the request of Judges 6:36, demonstrating persistent human doubt amidst overwhelming divine assurance and commission. He is about to lead his people into battle against a massive, destructive force, and seeks one more absolute confirmation.

Judges 6 36 Word analysis

• And Gideon said: Indicates a continuation of the narrative, highlighting Gideon's initiative in speaking to God. It shows direct, personal communication with the Divine.
• unto God: Hebrew: אֶל הָאֱלֹהִים (ʾel hāʾĕlōhīm). The definite article "the" points to the specific, true God of Israel, Yahweh, in contrast to the Baal worship Gideon had just confronted. It signifies Gideon's understanding that he is addressing the ultimate authority.
• If thou wilt save: Hebrew: אִם יֶשְׁךָ מוֹשִׁיעַ (ʾim yešəḵā môšīaʿ). This phrase is not merely a conditional "if," but implies "if indeed it is You who will save" or "if You truly intend to save." Môšīaʿ (deliverer, savior) emphasizes God's redemptive power and role. This highlights Gideon's anxiety for concrete affirmation rather than disbelief of the general concept.
• Israel: The chosen covenant people of God, representing His inheritance and the nation He continually protects. Their deliverance is part of God's overarching plan for their existence.
• by my hand: Hebrew: בְּיָדִי (bəyāḏî), literally "in my hand" or "through my hand." This expresses Gideon's role as the instrument or agent God will use. It recognizes God as the ultimate actor but acknowledges the human participation, a tension that Gideon grapples with.
• as thou hast said: Hebrew: כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתָּ (kaʾăšer dibbartā), "just as you have spoken/declared." This directly refers to the earlier promise made by the Angel of the LORD in Jdg 6:14 and 16. It shows Gideon remembered the divine word but desired further tangible evidence to reassure himself and overcome fear of such a daunting task. This isn't defiance, but rather a seeking of further divine condescension.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel...": This sequence reveals a profound moment of personal supplication. It is Gideon's personal prayer for affirmation, seeking reassurance directly from the one true God concerning the daunting task ahead for his nation. It underlines Gideon's ongoing need for validation, despite previous encounters and manifestations of God's presence.
• "...by my hand, as thou hast said.": This phrase captures the core dilemma for Gideon: the incredible promise ("thou hast said") contrasted with his perception of his own weakness and the overwhelming odds ("by my hand"). It reflects the gap between divine promise and human apprehension, a common struggle for God's chosen instruments. It’s a plea for God to demonstrate His ability to fulfill His promise through an ordinary vessel.

Judges 6 36 Bonus section

The nature of "seeking a sign" is multifaceted in the Bible. While Jesus often rebuked those who sought signs out of a perverse desire to test God or to avoid genuine faith (e.g., Matt 12:39), Gideon's request appears to stem from sincere fear and a longing for greater certainty in fulfilling a monumental divine commission. God, in His graciousness, responded not because He needed to, but because He understood Gideon's deep human vulnerability. This incident is not meant to encourage a pattern of demanding signs, but to illustrate God's compassionate dealings with His imperfect servants who, despite their calling and anointing, struggle with doubt in the face of overwhelming tasks. It is a testament to God's patient perseverance in strengthening His chosen instruments to fulfill His purposes.

Judges 6 36 Commentary

Judges 6:36 represents a crucial pivot point, demonstrating the depths of human apprehension even after divine encounter. Gideon is not openly rebellious or faithless, but he is deeply anxious. The Spirit of the LORD had already "clothed" him (Jdg 6:34, implying empowerment), and he had rallied his troops. Yet, the enormity of confronting the Midianite horde led him to seek further assurance. This verse, followed by the fleece incidents, showcases God's profound patience and grace. He meets Gideon in his uncertainty, not immediately rebuking him but providing the signs asked for. This patience serves to solidify Gideon's confidence, which was essential for him to lead the army to an otherwise impossible victory, teaching that God condescends to human weakness to achieve His divine purposes. It underlines that ultimate victory rests not on the strength of the instrument, but on the faithfulness of the One who commissions.