Tasting the wool on the threshing floor – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Judges 6:37-40 – “Behold, I will put a portion of wool on the threshing floor; if the dew is only on it, and the land around it is dry, then I will know that you will deliver Israel through me, as you have said. And it came to pass, that on the morrow he rose up early, and pressed the wool, and wrung out of the dew a bowl full of water.”
Note to the Preacher
This sermon uses metaphors and symbolism based on the biblical text of Judges 6 and 7 to present spiritual lessons applicable to Christian life. The interpretations of the elements (such as the wool, the dew, the pitcher and the barley bread) are allegorical and are intended to reinforce the teaching and connect the text with the listener’s reality. The preacher must be careful to present these metaphors as teaching tools, making it clear to the congregation that they are not literal interpretations, but symbolic applications that help us understand spiritual truths.
Introduction to Judges 6:37-38
The story of Gideon is a powerful demonstration of how God calls, empowers and uses his servants to fulfill his purposes. Israel was oppressed by the Midianites, and the Lord chose Gideon, an ordinary and insecure man, to lead the people in their deliverance.
Faced with great responsibility, Gideon asked God for a sign – the famous “wool test”. This passage not only shows God’s patience with Gideon, but also reveals spiritual principles that we can apply in our Christian walk. The “trial of the wool” teaches us about the work of Christ, the action of the Holy Spirit and divine empowerment to face challenges.
Development
The first test: wet wool and dry threshing floor
“Behold, I will put a portion of wool on the threshing floor; if the dew is only on it, and the land is dry all around, then I will know that you will deliver Israel through me, as you have said.” (Judges 6:37)
- Wool on the threshing floor: The wool from the sheep symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The threshing floor, a place of separation and purification, represents the world. Jesus came into the world as the perfect sacrifice, set apart to carry out the work of redemption.
- Dew on wool: Dew is often associated with God’s grace and presence (Deuteronomy 32:2). In Gideon’s trial, the dew falls only on the wool, pointing to Christ, who received the fullness of the Holy Spirit to fulfill his redemptive mission (John 3:34).
- A bowl full of water: When Gideon squeezed the wool, a bowl full of water came out of it. This points to the sacrifice of Jesus, who gave himself for us, guaranteeing the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20). The water represents the life that flows from Christ’s sacrifice and purifies us.
Application: Just as the wool was filled with dew, Christ, the Lamb of God, was filled with the Holy Spirit and poured out his life to bring us salvation. The Gospel message shows us that everything we need is in Christ.
The second test: dry wool and wet threshing floor
“I beseech thee, let me try the wool once more; let the wool alone be dry, and let there be dew on the ground round about.” (Judges 6:39)
- Dry wool and wet threshing floor: After Christ’s sacrifice, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all the earth, fulfilling the promise of Joel 2:28: “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.” Gideon asked for the dew to fall on the earth and not on the wool, symbolizing the Spirit being poured out on God’s people after the finished work of Christ.
Application: Today, the Holy Spirit is available to all who believe in Christ. He empowers, comforts and guides us in the midst of adversity. As Christians, we are called to live in communion with the Spirit, allowing Him to fill us daily.
The selection of soldiers: God chooses the prepared
Gideon started with 32,000 soldiers, but God reduced that number to just 300. This shows that God doesn’t work with crowds, but with willing and committed hearts.
- The fearful left: 22,000 men returned home because they were afraid. Just like today, many begin the Christian journey but give up in the face of difficulties.
- Test of the waters: God tested the soldiers to see who was prepared for battle. Only the 300 who drank water with vigilance were chosen
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Application: God is not looking for numbers, but for committed and vigilant people. He wants servants who trust him and are ready to fight spiritual battles with faith and dedication.
The Midianite’s dream: Victory through the word of God
“Behold, there was a loaf of barley bread rolling against the camp of the Midianites, and it struck the tent, and it fell.” (Judges 7:13)
- Barley bread: B read symbolizes the Word of God. Barley was a simple food, pointing to the simplicity and power of the Word. When passed through the fire (toasted), it represents the Word revealed and purified by the Holy Spirit.
- The tent fell: The tent symbolizes the human heart and its resistance to God’s will. Only the Word of God has the power to break down strongholds and transform hearts.
Application: The Word of God is living and effective, capable of breaking down all human resistance. It is through it that lives are transformed and hardened hearts are reached.
The weapons of victory: simplicity and spiritual power
“And the three groups had trumpets and empty pitchers with burning torches in them.” (Judges 7:16)
- Trumpets: These represent the proclamation of the Gospel. The Church is called to proclaim salvation with boldness and confidence.
- Empty vessels: symbolize our need to empty ourselves of ourselves, renouncing pride and the flesh, so that God can work through us.
- Lightedtorches: The fire of the Holy Spirit that illuminates our path and reveals God’s power to the world.
Application: To be instruments of victory in God’s hands, we need to empty ourselves of our wills and allow the light of Christ to shine in us.
Conclusion
Gideon’s victory was guaranteed because God was with him from the beginning. The Lord does not depend on strength or the number of people, but on the obedience and willingness of his servants.
Just as Gideon was called in a moment of crisis, we too are called to fight the battles of faith. With God, our limitations are not an obstacle, because He is the one who empowers us and guarantees us victory.
“The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:12)
Trust in God, empty yourself, and allow Him to work powerfully through your life. Victory is guaranteed, because it is the Lord who fights for us!
More Preaching Outlines
- And she went to the threshing floor – Ruth 3:6
- The open door – Isaiah 22:22
- Psalm 119:57-63 – The Lord is our daily portion
Preaching Outline on Judges 6:37-40 – “Behold, I will put a portion of wool on the threshing floor; if the dew is only on it, and the land around it is dry, then I will know that you will deliver Israel through me, as you have said. And it came to pass, that on the morrow he rose up early, and pressed the wool, and wrung out of the dew a bowl full of water.”
