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Judges 6:36

ESV Then Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,
NIV Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—
NASB Then Gideon said to God, 'If You are going to save Israel through me, as You have spoken,
CSB Then Gideon said to God, "If you will deliver Israel by my hand, as you said,
NLT Then Gideon said to God, 'If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised,
KJV And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,
NKJV So Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said—

What does Judges 6:36 mean?

As the battle with the Midianites nears (Judges 6:33), Gideon seems to have a crisis of faith. Despite what he's already seen and done, he appears to doubt whether this is really God's plan, or if God is really giving him these commands. He has already seen the Angel of the Lord consume a meal with fire and vanish it in an instant (Judges 6:19–21). He has already obeyed a hard command from the Lord and seen himself protected from harm (Judges 6:25–32). The Spirit of the Lord has come on him, and the people of Israel have responded to his call to battle (Judges 6:34–35), despite having no reputation to earn such loyalty (Judges 6:15).

Still, the task of defeating the Midianites in battle must have seemed monumental (Judges 6:6). Gideon's inexperience as a warrior likely made the impending fight more intimidating. It's not surprising he wanted to be reassured, yet again, of God's intent. All the same, his request is almost insolent (Judges 6:37). That God not only responds—twice—but does so without harshly rebuking Gideon is a testament to His gracious nature.
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