The Golden Fleece

The Golden Fleece in Stamford likely recalls the classical Grecian myth of Jason and the Argonauts or it may have a more practical, local explanation. When searching for gold dust in a stream, a sheep’s fleece may serve as an effective filter to trap the tiny, precious particles. Thus, the fleece becomes many times more valuable even though its appearance does not change.

In Judges 6, Gideon presents a fleece before the Lord to discern His will, to see whether it be dry or moist. That fleece, though bereft of any gold, was more valuable to that man of God than a trove full of treasure; to be in God’s will and to know it, is worth more than diamonds. To possess divine wisdom is the greatest wealth one can have this side of the grave:

For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,

And her gain than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies,

And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

Length of days is in her right hand,

In her left hand riches and honour. Proverbs 3:14-16, NKJV