Judges 6 38

Judges 6:38 kjv

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.

Judges 6:38 nkjv

And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water.

Judges 6:38 niv

And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew?a bowlful of water.

Judges 6:38 esv

And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.

Judges 6:38 nlt

And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water.

Judges 6 verses

Judges 6 38 Meaning

Judges 6:38 describes Gideon's action on the morning following the second part of his miraculous fleece test. Having previously asked God to make the fleece dry while the ground was wet, he now executes the counter-test: finding the fleece miraculously soaked with dew while the surrounding ground was dry. The verse specifically details Gideon rising early, squeezing a substantial amount of water (a bowl full) from the dew-laden fleece. This action served as divine confirmation to Gideon, affirming that God would indeed use him to deliver Israel, overcoming his doubts and fear. It demonstrates God's patient accommodation of human weakness and His unfailing faithfulness to His promises.

Judges 6 38 Context

Judges chapter 6 sets the scene with Israel oppressed by the Midianites due to their sin. An angel of the LORD appears to Gideon, a man of humble origin and timid disposition, commissioning him to deliver Israel. Gideon expresses significant doubt, repeatedly seeking confirmation of this divine call. After questioning his ability and seeking initial assurance (the consumed offering), he asks for the specific sign of the fleece, initially requesting that it be wet with dew while the ground around it remains dry (Judg 6:36-37). God graciously grants this first sign. Judges 6:38 details Gideon's verification of this second sign: reversing the conditions, he asked for the fleece to be dry while the ground was wet. However, this verse (Judges 6:38) describes the first sign being verified: Gideon finds the fleece soaked and wrings out a bowl of water, affirming God's power and willingness to act through him. His willingness to rise early underscores the anticipation and seriousness with which he sought this divine affirmation, preparing him for the monumental task ahead. The miracle defied natural patterns, highlighting God's sovereign control over creation.

Judges 6 38 Word analysis

• And Gideon rose up early: The Hebrew word for "rose up early" is שָׁכַם (shakam), meaning to rise early, or to do something diligently and eagerly at the beginning of the day. This indicates Gideon's earnestness and anticipation for the Lord's answer to his request. It shows he was ready to test God's promise first thing. This diligence is seen in other biblical figures acting upon divine instruction (e.g., Abraham in Gen 22:3, Joshua in Josh 3:1).
• on the morrow: The Hebrew בֹּקֶר (boker) refers to the morning. This denotes the precise timing for the verification, implying Gideon's eagerness immediately upon waking to see God's answer to his prayer for the second test (Judg 6:37), and upon seeing the fleece and its result for the first test.
• and pressed the fleece together: The Hebrew verb is וַיִּלְחַץ (vayyilḥatz), from the root לָחַץ (lachatz), meaning to press, squeeze, or oppress. Here, it conveys a firm, deliberate action to compact the wool, preparing it to yield its moisture. This detail emphasizes the physicality and thoroughness of Gideon's check, ensuring no ambiguity.
• and wringed the dew out of the fleece: The verb וַיִּסְחַט (vayyischaṭ), from סָחַט (sachaṭ), specifically means "to squeeze out" or "to wring." It confirms that the water was not simply absorbed, but was so copious that it could be forcefully extracted. "Dew" (טַל, ṭal) in the Bible often symbolizes divine blessing, refreshment, or the supernatural provision of God, making its abundance here particularly significant as a sign from God.
• a bowl full of water: The phrase "a bowl full" uses מְלוֹא־הַסֵּפֶל (m'lo ha-sephel), literally "the fullness of the bowl/basin." The Hebrew word סֵפֶל (sephel) refers to a large basin or bowl, indicating a substantial quantity of water, not just a few drops. This detail highlights the magnitude of the miracle. The quantity signifies indisputable evidence of divine intervention, removing any doubt of natural occurrence. It showed God’s overflowing provision and faithfulness.

• "And Gideon rose up early on the morrow": This phrase conveys Gideon's immediate and earnest attention to the divine sign. It underscores his urgency and the deep desire to confirm God's word, showcasing a sincere, though hesitant, seeker rather than a malicious tester. His active participation indicates genuine pursuit of God's will.
• "pressed the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece": This detailed description highlights Gideon's meticulousness in verifying the sign. He wasn't casually observing; he actively manipulated the fleece to confirm the presence and volume of the water. This reinforces the undeniable nature of the miracle God performed, leaving no room for natural explanation. The act of "wringing out" further confirms the supernatural saturation of the fleece with dew, emphasizing God's control over creation's elements.
• "a bowl full of water": This vivid image underscores the overwhelming success of the first fleece test and the undeniable nature of the miracle. It wasn't merely damp, but profusely saturated. The abundance signifies God's complete and generous confirmation of His call to Gideon, validating His word with superabundant proof.

Judges 6 38 Bonus section

The two fleece tests performed by Gideon are often misunderstood. They were not Gideons putting God to a presumptuous test, but rather Gideon, a man of fear and doubt, seeking repeated and clear confirmation of a divine commission that was far beyond his own perceived ability. God accommodated Gideon's requests out of patience and compassion for His chosen instrument. The choice of dew as the miraculous element is also significant. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, dew was essential for life and agriculture, particularly in dry regions, and its presence was a divine blessing. Manipulating its natural occurrence demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation, distinguishing Him sharply from pagan deities who were often associated with unpredictable natural forces. The "bowl full of water" highlights not just the miracle, but the overflowing and undeniable nature of God's confirmation, leaving no room for doubt about His intervention. This act foreshadows God's provision and assurance for the difficult path ahead for Gideon and Israel.

Judges 6 38 Commentary

Judges 6:38 details Gideon's actions after God granted his second (out of two total) fleece requests. Having found the fleece drenched with dew while the surrounding ground was dry—a clear supernatural event reversing nature's norm—Gideon physically verifies the miracle. His act of rising early and deliberately wringing a bowl full of water from the fleece testifies to his need for undeniable proof and God's gracious condescension in providing it. This was not a test born of outright rebellion or unbelief (as warned against in Deut 6:16) but a genuine, albeit hesitant, plea for reassurance from a leader called to an overwhelming task. God, in His patience, met Gideon at his point of weakness, confirming His faithfulness through a miraculous sign. This affirmation provided the necessary bolstering of faith for Gideon, preparing him to lead Israel in the formidable battle against the Midianites. The overwhelming quantity of water symbolizes the abundant confirmation God provides when He intends to equip His servants for His divine purposes.