It was a time when Gideon, a brave young man, lived in Israel. God had chosen him to save his people. There was another people, the Midianites, who plagued Israel greatly. They came to the country, stole the harvest and made life difficult for the people.
Gideon knew that the task God had given him was very great. He didn’t feel strong enough and was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to do it. But he wanted to be sure that God was really with him and would help him.
One evening, Gideon had an idea. He prayed to God and said, “Lord, if You really chose me to save Israel, show me a sign.” Gideon took a skin from a sheep and laid it on the ground outside.
Gideon said to God, “When the fur is wet with dew in the morning, but the ground around is dry, then I know You’re with me.” The next morning he woke up and went to the fur. It was exactly as he had asked! The fur was wet, and the ground was dry. Gideon was surprised!
But Gideon wanted to be sure and asked God again for a sign. “Lord,” he said, “please don’t be angry if I ask again. This time, let the fur stay dry and the ground around it be wet.” God was patient with Gideon.
The next morning, Gideon found the fur quite dry, and the ground was wet with dew. Then Gideon knew: God is really with him and will help him to defeat the Midianites.
Through these signs, Gideon learned that God would be a faithful helper to him. He was given the courage he needed to fulfill the great task that God had given him.
Message of history
God understands our fears and doubts and helps us to be courageous. We can trust Him to be with us, even when we are uncertain.
Bible passage
The story of Gideon and the skin is found in Judges 6:36-40:
“And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast said, behold, I will lay a fleece of wool on the threshing floor: When dew is alone on the fleece, and the ground is dry everywhere, I will know that thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast said. And it happened so; and when he got up early the next morning and wrung out the fleece, he was able to wring the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. And Gideon said to God, “Do not let your anger be kindled against me, that I may speak again.” I just want to try it again with the fleece: Just let it stay dry on the fleece and there will be dew all over the floor! And God did it this way that night: only the fleece remained dry, and dew was all over the ground.”
