Judges 6:36

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Judges 6:33-40

Here we have, I. The descent which the enemies of Israel made upon them, Jdg. 6:33. A vast number of Midianites, Amalekites, and Arabians, got together, and came over Jordan, none either caring or daring to guard that important and advantageous pass against them, and they made their headquarters in the valley of Jezreel, in the heart of Manasseh's tribe, not far from Gideon's city. Some think that the notice they had of Gideon's destroying Baal's altar brought them over, and that they came to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 6:36

And Gideon said unto God ,.... Not to a prophet of God who was there, of whom he asked the following signs to be done, as Ben Gersom, but to God in prayer, as Abarbinel: if thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said ; not that he doubted of it, but was willing to have a confirmation of his faith; and perhaps his view was more for the encouragement of those that were with him than himself, that he desired the following signs; and though he had had one before, that was to show... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 6:36

If thou wilt save Israel - Gideon was very bold, and God was very condescending. But probably the request itself was suggested by the Divine Spirit. On the miracle of the fleece, dew, and dry ground, Origen, in his eighth homily on the book of Judges, has many curious and interesting thoughts, I shall insert the substance of the whole: - The fleece is the Jewish nation. The fleece covered with dew, while all around is dry, the Jewish nation favored with the law and the prophets. The... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Judges 6:36

The caution of Gideon, desirous of being assured that he really had a promise from God, does not imply doubts as to God’s faithfulness or power to fulfill His promise. Of such doubts there is not a trace in Gideon’s character. He is a worthy example of faith Hebrews 11:32. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Judges 6:1-40

Click image for full-size versionClick image for full-size versionGod prepares Gideon (6:1-40)Israel’s return to sinful and idolatrous ways met its punishment in the raids of the Midianites. As usual the Amalekites were pleased to join in the attack. Year by year, for seven years, the invaders rode their army of camels from the deserts of Arabia, crossed the Jordan, and raided the fields and herds of the helpless Israelites. Their attacks reached as far north as Naphtali and as far west as... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Judges 6:36

God. See note on Judges 6:12 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Judges 6:36

THE SIGN OF THE FLEECE"And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken, behold I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing-floor; if there be dew on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the ground, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken. And it was so; for he rose up early on the morrow, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Judges 6:36

Judges 6:36, &c. And Gideon said unto God, &c.— This request, no doubt, was made to God in prayer, and was rather for the confirmation of their faith who joined Gideon, than from any incredulity or doubt in himself. The first miracle was certainly striking; but, in order to obviate any objection drawn from the quality inherent in wool to imbibe moisture, Gideon humbly requests that the miracle may be reversed; and the wool being dry, notwithstanding the ground round about it was wetted... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 6:36-40

Gideon’s desire for encouragement 6:36-40The Lord graciously answered Gideon’s request for additional signs that God was with him. Gideon did not need to request these signs; God had already promised to help him (Judges 6:14; Judges 6:16) and had given him a sign (Judges 6:21). Notwithstanding, Gideon’s faith needed some added support, and God provided this without reproof (cf. James 1:5)."The remarkable thing is that God responds to his tests. He is more anxious to deliver Israel than to... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 6:1-40

Gideon and the MidianitesThe story of Gideon, which runs from Judges 6:1 to Judges 8:33, is more detailed than that of Deborah and Barak; and, from the details, it would appear that different traditions have been used. Gideon, at the bidding of an angel, calls his clan together, and after reducing them to 300 men, and receiving the encouragement of a dream, surrounds the camp of the Midianites and throws them into a panic. The Ephraimites complete the defeat. The two kings of Midian are then... read more

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