Definition: Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; [and] if the dew be on the fleece only, and [it be] dry upon all the earth [beside], then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 6:37. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel and how He will know if they’re truly saved. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is looking at Israel with a very specific, watchful eye. He wants to see if they’re really ready to be saved – not just temporarily, but permanently. He’s setting up a system where He will know when they’ve done the right thing. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor…” - This is poetic language. It means God is going to observe and watch over Israel with care. He’s creating a protective layer – like a blanket – to ensure they don't stray from the path. “[and] if the dew be on the fleece only, and [it be] dry upon all the earth [beside]…” - This is where it gets interesting. Dew (rain) falling on the fleece only means that the rain is consistent and reliable. It’s not a sporadic shower; it's a steady, plentiful supply. “All the earth beside” implies it's spreading across the whole land. “…then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.” - This is the key part! If the dew continues to fall and dry completely on the fleece – and it’s consistent – then God will know that they have truly been saved because they've demonstrated faithfulness. "By mine hand" means God will know this through His observation and judgment. In short, God is testing Israel’s faith and obedience. He wants to see if they are truly committed to following the path of righteousness and being ready for a future of blessing and protection. Why is this important? It's a powerful message about God’s presence and His watchful care over his people. It implies that even seemingly small acts of good can be significant when done with a genuine heart. Does this remind you of anything specific in your own life or understanding of faith? Do you have any questions about the meaning or context of this verse?