What It Was
Before fighting Midian, Gideon laid a fleece of wool on the threshing floor and asked God to make it wet with dew while the ground stayed dry — then, to confirm it, the reverse (Judges 6:36–40). God granted both signs.
Biblical Significance & Symbolism
“Putting out a fleece” has become shorthand for seeking a sign. The account shows God’s patience with a weak but sincere faith; yet it is described, not commanded, and the New Testament calls believers to walk by faith in God’s revealed Word.
Timeline
Gideon asks God for the double sign of the fleece
Scripture References
4 versesJudges4 verses
Judges 6:37
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.
Judges 6:38
And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
Judges 6:39
And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
Judges 6:40
And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
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Frequently asked about Gideon’s Fleece
What was Gideon’s Fleece in the Bible?
The wool fleece Gideon used to ask God for a double sign before facing Midian.
What does Gideon’s Fleece symbolize?
A timid believer seeking assurance — and God’s patient confirmation.
What does the name Gideon’s Fleece mean?
The name Gideon’s Fleece means “Fleece of wool”.
What was Gideon’s Fleece made of?
Gideon’s Fleece was made of wool.
Where was Gideon’s Fleece kept?
Gideon’s Fleece was kept at Ophrah.
Where is Gideon’s Fleece first mentioned in the Bible?
Gideon’s Fleece is first mentioned in Judges 6:37.
How often is Gideon’s Fleece mentioned in the Bible?
Gideon’s Fleece is mentioned in 4 verses across 1 book: Judges.
What was Gideon’s fleece?
A wool fleece Gideon used to ask God for two confirming signs — dew on the fleece but not the ground, then the reverse — before going to war (Judges 6:36–40).
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