The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Putting Out a Fleece: Gideon’s Example

Christians today sometimes imitate Gideon’s example by “putting out a fleece—asking God for a particular sign to discern his will in a particular situation. This may mean asking God to do something miraculous, as in Gideon’s case. Or it may mean simply asking for positive circumstances to open up a course of action.

In either case, is this a legitimate way to discern God’s will? One thing is clear. Gideon’s request showed a lack of faith. God had given him a clear command and he should have obeyed instead of asking for signs. In the New Testament, the request for signs is treated as a lack of faith (Mt 12:38–39; 16:1, 4; Mk 8:11–12; Lk 11:16, 29–30).

Jesus said, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!” (Mt 12:39). Furthermore, God’s people are commanded not to put the Lord their God to a test (Dt 6:16; Mt 4:7; Lk 4:12). Some have suggested that the fleece was meant to be confirmation that the messages Gideon was receiving were truly from God. But there is no indication in the narrative that Gideon doubted this.

While God, because of his grace, love and patience, was willing to answer Gideon’s request for this sign, Gideon’s actions should not be viewed as a model for us. We discern God’s will best by nurturing our relationship with him, knowing his Word, praying consistently, seeking godly counsel, and living a life of obedience and faith.

Taken from the NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition.