Judges 8:15

KJV

And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, [Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men [that are] weary?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he came {H935} unto the men {H582} of Succoth {H5523}, and said {H559}, Behold Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759}, with whom ye did upbraid {H2778} me, saying {H559}, Are the hands {H3709} of Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759} now in thine hand {H3027}, that we should give {H5414} bread {H3899} unto thy men {H582} that are weary {H3287}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he came to the people of Sukkot and said: "You insulted me when you said, 'You haven't captured Zevach and Tzalmuna yet, so why should we give bread to your exhausted men?' Well, here are Zevach and Tzalmuna!"

Berean Standard Bible

And Gideon went to the men of Succoth and said, “Here are Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your weary men?’”

American Standard Version

And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, concerning whom ye did taunt me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Gideon returns to Succoth, presenting the captured Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, to the city elders. This confrontation serves as a stark and powerful vindication of Gideon's earlier pursuit, directly addressing the Succothites' mocking skepticism and refusal to provide aid to his weary men. The verse highlights the moment of reckoning, where Gideon fulfills his vow to punish those who withheld support from God's deliverer and his exhausted army, setting the stage for the subsequent judgment upon the city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:15 is the pivotal moment of Gideon's return to Succoth, fulfilling a vow made earlier in the narrative. Immediately preceding this, Gideon, with his vastly outnumbered but divinely empowered army, achieved a miraculous victory over the Midianites ([Judges 7:19-25](/judges/7-19 "Judges 7:19-25 - Gideon's Victory")). He then pursued the fleeing Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, across the Jordan. During this pursuit, his men were exhausted and hungry, and Gideon sought provisions from the Israelite cities of Succoth and Penuel ([Judges 8:4-5](/judges/8-4 "Judges 8:4-5 - Gideon's Pursuit and Request for Aid")). The elders of Succoth, however, mockingly refused, questioning if Gideon had already secured the kings ([Judges 8:6](/judges/8-6 "Judges 8:6 - Succoth's Refusal")). Gideon then vowed to return and punish them after capturing the kings ([Judges 8:7-9](/judges/8-7 "Judges 8:7-9 - Gideon's Vow to Punish Succoth and Penuel")). Having now captured Zebah and Zalmunna ([Judges 8:10-12](/judges/8-10 "Judges 8:10-12 - Capture of Zebah and Zalmunna")), Judges 8:15 marks the dramatic fulfillment of that vow, leading directly into the severe judgment enacted upon Succoth in the subsequent verses ([Judges 8:16](/judges/8-16 "Judges 8:16 - Gideon's Judgment on Succoth")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel lacked a centralized government, and tribal solidarity was often weak or fragmented. The Midianites had severely oppressed Israel for seven years, raiding their crops and livestock, leading to widespread famine and destitution ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression")). In such a volatile environment, fear of reprisal from powerful enemies like the Midianites was a significant factor. The refusal of Succoth and Penuel to aid Gideon, despite being fellow Israelites, stemmed from this fear and a lack of faith in Gideon's divinely-appointed mission. Their actions reflect a common challenge in ancient warfare: the necessity of logistical support from local populations, and the severe consequences for those who withheld it, especially from a victorious army. Geographically, Succoth was located in the Jordan Valley, east of the Jordan River, making it vulnerable to both Midianite raids and Gideon's return from his eastern pursuit.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights the **consequences of unbelief and lack of solidarity** within the covenant community, demonstrating that failure to support God's appointed deliverer, especially out of fear or self-interest, incurs divine judgment. The actions of Succoth contrast sharply with the faith and courage of Gideon and his small band, emphasizing the theme of **God's vindication of His chosen instruments** despite human skepticism. Furthermore, it illustrates the theme of **keeping promises**, even those of judgment, as Gideon meticulously fulfills his earlier vow to punish the cities that refused aid. This episode also speaks to the broader theme of **Israel's internal disunity and moral decline** during the Judges period, where self-preservation often trumped covenant loyalty and mutual support in the face of external threats, contributing to the chaotic state described throughout [the book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Apostasy and Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Upbraid (Hebrew, _ḥārap̱_):** This verb, often translated as "to taunt," "reproach," "scorn," or "defy," carries a strong connotation of insult and contempt. In Judges 8:6, the men of Succoth did not merely refuse Gideon's request; they did so with a sarcastic and demeaning question, effectively mocking his authority and the likelihood of his success. By using this word in Judges 8:15, Gideon directly recalls their scornful attitude, emphasizing the personal affront and the public humiliation they inflicted upon him and his weary men. It highlights the severity of their offense, not just a practical failure to provide aid, but a spiritual failure to acknowledge God's hand in Gideon's mission.
* **Weary (Hebrew, _ʿāyēp̱_):** This adjective describes a state of extreme exhaustion, faintness, or weariness, often due to physical exertion or hunger. Gideon's men had pursued the Midianite kings over a significant distance, fighting along the way. Their weariness was not a trivial matter but a critical need that threatened their ability to continue the pursuit and secure the victory. The Succothites' refusal to provide "bread" to these "weary" men was thus a profound lack of compassion and a practical hindrance to the divine mission, making their taunt even more callous in light of the soldiers' genuine suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna,"**: This opening clause marks the dramatic return of Gideon. "He came" signifies the fulfillment of his earlier vow. The phrase "Behold Zebah and Zalmunna" is a triumphant declaration, a visual presentation of the captured kings. It is Gideon's irrefutable proof, a stark reality check for the skeptical elders of Succoth. The very individuals they demanded to see captured before offering aid are now paraded before them, undeniable evidence of Gideon's success and God's faithfulness.
* **"with whom ye did upbraid me, saying,"**: Here, Gideon directly confronts the Succothites by reminding them of their previous scorn. The phrase "with whom" directly links the captured kings to their earlier taunt, creating a powerful moment of reversal. "Ye did upbraid me" emphasizes the disrespectful and mocking nature of their refusal, highlighting that their offense was not merely a practical oversight but a deliberate act of contempt and lack of faith in God's chosen deliverer. This sets the stage for the justice Gideon is about to enact.
* **"[Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men [that are] weary?"**: This is a direct quotation of the Succothites' sarcastic question from Judges 8:6. By repeating their exact words, Gideon forces them to confront their own skepticism and the profound irony of the situation. Their question, intended to dismiss Gideon's claim to authority and success, has now been answered with undeniable proof. The "hands...in thine hand" idiom signifies complete control and capture. Their original condition for providing aid has been met, yet their previous actions have sealed their fate. The reference to "thy men [that are] weary" further underscores their callous disregard for the suffering of their fellow Israelites, making their past refusal even more egregious.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Irony**, as Gideon directly confronts the men of Succoth with the very evidence they demanded before offering aid. Their sarcastic question, "[Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men [that are] weary?", is now answered with the physical presence of the captured kings, turning their taunt into a testament to Gideon's (and God's) triumph. This creates a powerful **Reversal of Fortune**, where the previously confident and mocking Succothites are now confronted by the undeniable reality of Gideon's success. The use of **Direct Quotation** of their earlier words serves as a potent rhetorical device, forcing the elders to hear their own skepticism echoed back to them, emphasizing their culpability. There is also a clear **Contrast** between the weariness and need of Gideon's men and the callous indifference of the Succothites, highlighting the moral failure of the latter. This moment also serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the immediate narrative trajectory towards the severe judgment that Gideon will inflict upon Succoth, making good on his earlier vow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:15 serves as a powerful theological statement about divine vindication and the consequences of rejecting God's appointed instruments. The Succothites' refusal to aid Gideon stemmed from a lack of faith and a prioritizing of self-preservation over covenant solidarity. Their mocking question was not just a practical denial of resources but a spiritual defiance against the one God had raised up to deliver Israel. Gideon's return with the captured kings is God's answer to their skepticism, demonstrating that His purposes will prevail regardless of human doubt or opposition. This episode underscores the principle that those who hinder God's work or despise His servants will face accountability, while those who faithfully persevere will be vindicated. It also highlights the importance of unity and mutual support within the community of faith, especially in times of spiritual warfare or national crisis.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much is Given")
* [Matthew 25:41-45](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41-45 - The Judgment of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The confrontation at Succoth in Judges 8:15 offers a sobering mirror for our own lives and communities. It challenges us to examine our posture when God's work is unfolding, especially when it seems improbable or requires personal sacrifice. Are we quick to offer aid and encouragement to those whom God is using, even when they are "weary" and the outcome is uncertain? Or do we, like the men of Succoth, allow fear, self-interest, or skepticism to lead us to withhold support, or worse, to "upbraid" God's servants with cynical questions? This passage reminds us that indifference to the needs of God's people, or active opposition to His purposes, carries significant spiritual consequences. True faith is demonstrated not just in belief, but in active solidarity and practical support for the kingdom's advance. We are called to be participants, not just observers, in God's redemptive work, trusting in His ultimate victory even when the path is arduous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be withholding support or expressing skepticism towards God's work, perhaps out of fear or self-interest?**
* **How can I better identify and practically support those who are "weary" in their service to God, reflecting compassion and solidarity?**
* **What "taunts" or doubts do I sometimes entertain that might hinder my own participation in God's mission, and how can I overcome them with faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did the men of Succoth refuse Gideon's request for bread, and what was their specific taunt?**

Answer: The men of Succoth refused Gideon's request primarily out of fear and a lack of faith in his mission. The Midianites had been a formidable oppressor for seven years ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression")), and the Succothites likely feared reprisal if they aided Gideon and he failed to definitively defeat the Midianite kings. Their specific taunt, recorded in [Judges 8:6](/judges/8-6 "Judges 8:6 - Succoth's Refusal"), was: "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?" This sarcastic question implied that Gideon had not yet secured the victory and therefore did not deserve their support, mocking his authority and the likelihood of his success.

**What is the significance of Gideon bringing Zebah and Zalmunna back to Succoth?**

Answer: Gideon's act of bringing Zebah and Zalmunna back to Succoth is highly significant. It serves as a powerful and undeniable demonstration that he had indeed captured the very kings the Succothites had demanded to see before offering aid. This direct fulfillment of their sarcastic condition turns their mockery back on them, exposing their lack of faith and their callous disregard for their fellow Israelites. It is a moment of divine vindication for Gideon and a public shaming for Succoth, setting the stage for the judgment he had vowed to enact upon them for their unfaithfulness and lack of solidarity ([Judges 8:7](/judges/8-7 "Judges 8:7 - Gideon's Vow to Punish Succoth")).

**How does this event relate to the broader theme of Israel's disunity during the period of the Judges?**

Answer: This event powerfully illustrates the pervasive theme of disunity and lack of solidarity within Israel during the period of the Judges. Unlike the unified efforts seen in earlier periods, the tribes often acted independently, or, as in this case, even against each other's interests. Succoth's refusal to aid Gideon's weary men highlights a breakdown in covenant responsibility and mutual support. Instead of acting as a cohesive people of God against a common enemy, they prioritized self-preservation and displayed a cynical distrust of God's chosen deliverer. This internal fragmentation contributed significantly to the instability and repeated cycles of oppression described throughout [the book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Apostasy and Deliverance"), underscoring the desperate need for a righteous king to unite and lead the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 8:15, while detailing Gideon's vindication over his detractors, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate vindication of Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon, the deliverer, was mocked and rejected by his own people when he was "weary" and in need of support, so too was Jesus, the true and greater Deliverer, scorned and rejected by many among His own during His earthly ministry. The religious leaders and crowds often questioned His authority and demanded signs, much like the Succothites demanded proof from Gideon. Yet, Jesus, like Gideon, ultimately triumphed over His enemies—not merely Midianite kings, but sin, death, and the devil. His resurrection is the ultimate "Behold Zebah and Zalmunna" moment, the undeniable proof of His victory, fulfilling the prophecies and vindicating His claims. Those who rejected Him, like the men of Succoth, will face a reckoning. But for those who embrace Him, He offers true "bread" to the "weary" souls, inviting them to find rest and sustenance in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His ultimate return will be a glorious display of His absolute authority, when "every knee will bow" to the One who was once "upbraided" and crucified, revealing Him as the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Philippians 2:9-11](/phil/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.