Why did Gideon request a sign with the fleece if he had already seen the angel and fire?+
Gideon struggled with doubt and fear about his calling to lead Israel against the Midianites. The fleece sign was his personal assurance from God that he was being called to deliver Israel, demonstrating God's patience with human weakness and the importance of confirmation when facing seemingly impossible tasks.
What was the significance of Gideon destroying the Baal altar before fighting the Midianites?+
Destroying the Baal altar was essential because Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness contributed to their oppression. By removing idolatry from his own household, Gideon demonstrated obedience to God and prepared Israel spiritually for deliverance, showing that military victory must be preceded by spiritual reformation.
Why was Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress instead of in the open?+
Gideon was hiding in the winepress to protect himself from the Midianites, who regularly raided Israelite crops and settlements. This detail illustrates both the severity of Midianite oppression and Gideon's initial fearfulness, contrasting with his later confidence when empowered by God's Spirit.