Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said."
In the morning the fleece was wet, while the ground was dry. But
now a doubt came, since wool naturally absorbs moisture when
there is any in the air, the test might not be decisive. So he asked
that the sign be reversed, and his request was granted.
Encouraged, Gideon led his forces out to battle the invaders.
"All the Midianites and Amalekites, the people of the East, gathered
together; and they crossed over and encamped in the Valley of
Jezreel." The entire force under Gideon's command was only thirtytwo
thousand men. But with the vast army of the enemy spread out
before him, the word of the Lord came: "The people who are with
you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest
Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has
saved me.' Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people,
saying, 'Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at
once from Mount Gilead.'" Those unwilling to face danger and
hardship would not add any strength to the armies of Israel.
Gideon was astonished at the statement that his army was too
large, but the Lord saw the pride and unbelief in the hearts of His
people. Motivated by the appeals of Gideon, they had promptly
enlisted, but many were filled with fear when they saw the huge
army of Midian. Yet, if Israel had won, those very ones would have
taken glory to themselves instead of crediting the victory to God.
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