This fleecing process is none other than an ancient Near East pagan practice of divination. Asking for a sign like this was one of many ways of seeking to find the will of the gods. Gideon is looking to get out of his assignment. His fleecings are manipulative attempts to be sure of the will of God, or maybe to change the will of God. It’s just not how you treat the God of Israel, whose word should have been enough.¹