Gideon recognized that by human strength alone the Israelites would be unable to repel the large host of marauders. He had already demonstrated his faith by calling the Israelites to battle, but now he needed fresh encouragement. One can hardly censure Gideon for desiring reassurance, and yet he had the word of the heavenly messenger, and that attested by a miracle. A mature faith would not have asked for another sign. The experience of the Roman centurion stands over against this experience of Gideon. This heathen soldier asked for no miracle on which to rest his faith. Concerning him, Jesus declared, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9). If Gideon had possessed such an experience, he would not have asked for an additional sign after having received convincing evidence in the fire that sprang from the rock. However, God makes use of the best instruments available, and when those who are weak in faith ask for a sign He often honors the request. However, as faith develops, God expects men to take Him at His word and depend less and less upon confirmatory signs. Many have spoiled their religious experience by persistently following chance methods of guidance (see on Joshua 7:14).