Judges 8:5
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Judges 8:5
5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
Chapter Context
Judges 8 is a cyclical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, worship, salvation. Written during the pre-monarchic period (c. 1375-1050 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Without central leadership, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding peoples like the Philistines and Midianites.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Judges and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Judges 8:5
5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
Analysis
And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
Gideon's request to Succoth was reasonable and urgent. The phrase Give, I pray you, loaves of bread (tenu-na kikkrot-lechem, תְּנוּ־נָא כִּכְּרֹת־לֶחֶם) uses the particle na (נָא, "please, I pray") indicating courteous request, not demand. The term kikkrot (כִּכְּרֹת, "loaves, round cakes") refers to basic bread rations for soldiers. Gideon explicitly stated his men be faint (ayefim, עֲיֵפִים)—physically exhausted and requiring sustenance to continue. The pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian justified the urgency; capturing these kings would decisively end the Midianite threat.
Succoth's location east of the Jordan placed it in Israelite territory (given to Gad, Joshua 13:27), making its inhabitants covenant brothers obligated to support Gideon's divinely appointed mission. Deuteronomy 23:3-4 condemned Moab and Ammon for refusing Israel bread and water during the Exodus. Similarly, Succoth's refusal (verse 6) violated covenant solidarity. The city's name (meaning "booths" or "tabernacles") ironically evoked Israel's wilderness wandering when God provided manna—a provision Succoth now refused to emulate.
Theologically, Succoth's refusal illustrates the tragedy of God's people refusing to support His work. Jesus warned: "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me... And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matthew 10:40, 42). Conversely, refusing support for God's servants brings judgment.
Historical Context
Succoth (modern Tell Deir Alla) was located in the Jordan Valley north of the Jabbok River, approximately 20-25 miles east of the Jordan. The city controlled agricultural lowlands and trade routes, making it relatively prosperous. Its Gadite inhabitants should have recognized Gideon's authority and supported Israel's campaign against the oppressors who had ravaged their lands for seven years (Judges 6:1).
The request for bread was standard in ancient Near Eastern hospitality and military cooperation. Allies provided food, water, and supplies for armies passing through their territory. David later received such support from Barzillai during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 17:27-29). Refusing such requests indicated either hostility or fear—Succoth evidently doubted Gideon's ability to defeat the Midianite kings and feared reprisal if they supported him.
Reflection
- How does Succoth's refusal to support God's work despite being covenant people mirror modern believers who withhold resources from kingdom advance?
- What fears or doubts cause Christians to refuse supporting God's servants or ministries?
- How should the church balance wisdom in stewardship with generosity toward those serving in God's mission?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 33:17, Psalms 60:6