To ‘prove’ Yahweh’s capacity to pre-determine the outcome of the
battle, Gideon first asks that a fleece be wet in the morning although the
ground be dry. Apparently the divine spirit is sufficient to counteract fear
(Gideon assembles the men of several tribes, preparatory to doing battle), but
not skepticism: Gideon tests Yahweh—not once, but twice, requesting opposite
effects in the two tests. In each instance, Yahweh responds not with words but
with the proof requested. When Gideon realizes that the ‘wonder’ he first requested
proves nothing—it is perfectly natural that the fleece hold the night moisture
and the earth absorb it—he cautiously (with three appeals) tests again,
requesting proof against nature; and
once more Yahweh silently acquiesces. Indeed, Yahweh shows neither impatience
with nor hostility to reason. At the same time, Yahweh’s silent actions of
proof in response to Gideon’s effusive words calls attention to the gulf
between the relative knowledge/power of god and humanity. (Lillian
R. Klein, The Triumph of Irony in the
Book of Judges [Bible and Literature Series 14; Sheffield: Sheffield
Academic Press, 1989], 55)
