Charles Ellicott Commentary Judges 6:36

"And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou hast spoken," — Judges 6:36 (ASV)

If thou wilt save Israel. —This diffidence and hesitation show the seriousness of the crisis. Gideon saw that by human strength alone he would be utterly helpless to repel the countless hosts of the marauders. He had already shown his faith, but now he needed fresh encouragement in his dangerous task.