His petition for a sign was not the voice of unbelief or of doubt or of
presumption, but in it spoke real, though struggling faith, seeking to
be confirmed. Therefore it was not regarded by God as a sin. When a
'wicked and adulterous generation asked for a sign,' no sign was given
it, but when faith asks for one to help it to grasp God's hand, and to
go on His warfare in His strength and as His instrument, it does not
ask in vain.
Gideon's prayer was wrapped, as it were, in an enfolding promise, for
it is preceded and followed by the quotation of words of the Angel of
the Lord who had 'looked on him,' and said, 'Go in this thy might and
save Israel from the hand of Midian: have not I sent thee?' Prayers
that begin and end with 'as Thou hast spoken' are not likely to be
repulsed.