Judges 8:16

KJV

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took {H3947} the elders {H2205} of the city {H5892}, and thorns {H6975} of the wilderness {H4057} and briers {H1303}, and with them he taught {H3045} the men {H582} of Succoth {H5523}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And he took the leaders of the city and desert thorns and thistles, and used them to teach the people of Sukkot a lesson!

Berean Standard Bible

Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth.

American Standard Version

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:16 records Gideon's severe retribution against the elders of Succoth, who had refused to provide provisions for his weary army during his pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. Upon his victorious return, Gideon fulfilled his earlier vow, taking the city's leaders and, using thorns and briers from the wilderness, "taught" them a painful and unforgettable lesson, demonstrating the harsh consequences of their disloyalty and lack of support for God's appointed deliverer and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:16 is the culmination of Gideon's vow of retribution against the Israelite towns of Succoth and Penuel. Following his miraculous victory over the Midianites with only 300 men, Gideon was in hot pursuit of the remaining Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. His men were exhausted and hungry, prompting Gideon to request provisions from Succoth. The elders of Succoth, however, arrogantly refused, questioning Gideon's authority and the certainty of his victory, stating, "Are Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?" [Judges 8:5](/judges/8-5 "Judges 8:5 - Succoth's Refusal to Aid Gideon"). Gideon immediately vowed to return and punish them severely after capturing the kings [Judges 8:7](/judges/8-7 "Judges 8:7 - Gideon's Vow of Retribution"). Having successfully captured Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon made good on his promise, first with Succoth (Judges 8:16) and then Penuel [Judges 8:17](/judges/8-17 "Judges 8:17 - Gideon's Punishment of Penuel"). This act highlights Gideon's stern resolve and the serious nature of disloyalty within the covenant community, even after God had granted a decisive victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a decentralized Israel, often marked by tribal disunity and a lack of central authority, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes"). In this volatile environment, tribal solidarity and mutual aid were crucial for survival, especially during warfare. The refusal of Succoth and Penuel to assist Gideon's army was not merely a breach of hospitality but a profound act of disloyalty, bordering on treason, against their fellow Israelites and, implicitly, against Yahweh, who had orchestrated the victory. Such acts were often met with severe, often public, punishment in the ancient Near East, intended to serve as a deterrent and to re-establish order and authority. The "teaching" with thorns and briers, while shocking to modern sensibilities, reflects the harsh punitive measures of the time, designed to inflict pain, humiliation, and a lasting lesson.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and beyond. Firstly, it illustrates the **consequences of disloyalty and indifference** within the covenant community. Succoth's refusal to aid Gideon's divinely appointed mission was a rejection of their responsibility to their brethren and an implicit questioning of God's work, incurring severe divine and human judgment. Secondly, it highlights **Gideon's stern justice** as an instrument of divine retribution. While Gideon's methods were brutal, they reflect the harsh realities of justice in that era and God's intolerance for unfaithfulness among His people. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **cost of neutrality or self-preservation** in times of spiritual or national crisis. Succoth prioritized its own safety and resources over solidarity with God's people engaged in a righteous cause, demonstrating that inaction can be as culpable as direct opposition. Finally, it speaks to the broader theme of **accountability**, where individuals and communities are held responsible for their choices, particularly regarding their support or neglect of God's purposes and His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taught (Hebrew, _yada'_):** The KJV translation "taught" for the Hebrew verb _yada'_ (ידע) might initially suggest instruction or education. However, in this context, _yada'_ carries a much stronger connotation of "to make known through experience," specifically a painful, punitive, or chastising experience. It implies imparting knowledge not through verbal teaching but through direct, often harsh, consequence. Other translations render it as "punished," "chastised," or "disciplined," which more accurately conveys the severity and nature of Gideon's action. The elders of Succoth were not given a lecture; they were made to *know* the consequences of their actions through physical suffering, a lesson they would not forget. This usage of _yada'_ is found elsewhere in the Old Testament, where it can refer to experiencing judgment or calamity (e.g., [Isaiah 9:9](/isaiah/9-9 "Isaiah 9:9 - They Shall Know My Judgment")).
* **thorns of the wilderness and briers (Hebrew, _qōts_ and _barkaniym_):** These terms refer to thorny, prickly plants common in arid regions. _Qōts_ (קוֹץ) generally means "thorn" or "thistle," often associated with the curse on the ground in [Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "Genesis 3:18 - Thorns and Thistles"). _Barkaniym_ (בַּרְקָנִים) is a rarer word, likely referring to brambles or thorny bushes, possibly with a stinging quality. Their use as instruments of "teaching" signifies a form of painful, humiliating, and perhaps even torturous discipline. They are symbols of difficulty, judgment, and the harshness of the wilderness, now brought into the city to inflict a "wilderness" experience upon its unfaithful leaders.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the elders of the city":** Gideon's target was not the general populace but specifically the leaders, the "elders," who represented the city's authority and were responsible for its decision to refuse aid. This highlights the principle of accountability for those in leadership positions. Their public humiliation and punishment served as a stark warning to the entire community.
* **"and thorns of the wilderness and briers":** These were the instruments of Gideon's "teaching." The specific mention of "thorns of the wilderness and briers" emphasizes the painful, crude, and perhaps humiliating nature of the punishment. It was a harsh, physical discipline, possibly involving beating, scratching, or dragging the elders through these thorny plants, designed to inflict suffering and leave lasting marks.
* **"and with them he taught the men of Succoth":** This is the core of the verse, revealing the purpose and nature of Gideon's action. As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, "taught" here means to impart a lesson through severe, experiential punishment. The "men of Succoth" refers collectively to the inhabitants, who would witness or hear of the punishment meted out to their leaders, thereby learning the consequences of disloyalty and indifference to God's work and His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Gideon "teaches" with instruments of pain rather than words, subverting the typical understanding of instruction. This highlights the severity of the lesson being imparted. **Symbolism** is also at play, with the "thorns of the wilderness and briers" representing not just instruments of punishment, but also the painful, difficult consequences that arise from disobedience and a lack of covenant loyalty. They symbolize the "hard way" of transgressors. Furthermore, the action serves as a form of **poetic justice**, where the self-serving indifference of Succoth's elders is met with a harsh, memorable, and public display of authority and judgment, ensuring that their refusal to provide aid would not go unpunished.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:16 offers a stark portrayal of the consequences of covenant disloyalty and the severity of divine justice, even when administered through human agents. Succoth's refusal to support Gideon's weary army was more than a lack of hospitality; it was a profound failure of solidarity within the covenant community, an implicit rejection of God's deliverance, and a prioritization of self-preservation over the needs of God's people engaged in His work. This act underscored a dangerous indifference to the divine mission and the suffering of their brethren. The "teaching" with thorns serves as a grim reminder that God takes unfaithfulness, apathy, and the withholding of aid from His cause very seriously, and that accountability is a foundational principle of His kingdom. While Gideon's method is rooted in the harsh realities of ancient justice, the underlying principle remains: there are severe consequences for those who neglect their duty to God and His people, particularly in times of need or spiritual conflict.

* [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion from the Assembly"): This passage details the exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites from the assembly of the Lord because "they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt." This illustrates the severity with which God views the refusal of aid to His people.
* [Matthew 25:41-45](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41-45 - The Judgment of the Nations"): Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats reveals that neglecting "the least of these" (His brethren) is tantamount to neglecting Christ Himself, leading to severe judgment.
* [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard"): This proverb states, "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard." Succoth's "hard lesson" with thorns illustrates the painful reality of this principle for those who choose a path of rebellion or unfaithfulness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the graphic nature of Gideon's punishment in Judges 8:16 can be unsettling, its underlying message about accountability, loyalty, and the consequences of indifference remains profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to be active participants in God's kingdom work, not passive spectators. The story challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we quick to offer support to those God is using, especially when they are weary or in need, or do we prioritize our own comfort, safety, or resources? Indifference to the struggles of God's people or the progress of His mission can have spiritual repercussions. This passage reminds us that God, in His justice, will "teach" us lessons, sometimes through difficult circumstances, to correct our paths and deepen our understanding of what it means to truly follow Him. Our response to His call for solidarity and support, even when costly, is a measure of our faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like the people of Succoth, withhold support from God's work or people today, perhaps out of self-preservation or indifference?**
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of "neutrality" in spiritual matters, particularly when God's people are engaged in a difficult mission?**
* **What "lessons" might God be trying to "teach" us through difficult circumstances in our lives or communities, and how should we respond with humility and repentance?**
* **How can we cultivate a spirit of active support and solidarity with those whom God is using, even when it requires personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Was Gideon's punishment justified?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective within the historical and cultural context of the Judges period, Gideon's punishment of Succoth was presented as a justified act of retribution for their profound disloyalty and defiance. Succoth's refusal to provide aid to Gideon's exhausted army was not merely a lack of hospitality but an act of implicit rebellion against God's appointed deliverer and a betrayal of their covenant responsibilities to their fellow Israelites during a critical military campaign. In a time when divine judgment was often meted out through human instruments, and public, severe punishment served as a deterrent and a means of re-establishing order, Gideon's action was seen as a fulfillment of his vow and a necessary act to underscore the seriousness of their offense. While the method is undeniably harsh by modern standards, it reflects the legal and social norms of that ancient society, where the consequences of such defiance were severe, ensuring that the people would "know" the cost of their actions.

**What does "taught" truly mean here?**

Answer: The KJV translation "taught" for the Hebrew word _yada'_ (ידע) in Judges 8:16 does not imply a gentle, verbal instruction or academic lesson. Instead, it signifies a forceful, experiential imparting of knowledge, specifically through painful and punitive means. Gideon made the elders of Succoth "know" or "experience" the consequences of their actions through physical suffering inflicted by "thorns of the wilderness and briers." This usage emphasizes that the lesson was learned not through intellectual understanding but through a direct and unforgettable encounter with the painful repercussions of their disloyalty. It's a "teaching" that leaves a lasting impression, demonstrating the severe accountability for refusing to support God's work and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The harsh "teaching" of Judges 8:16, delivered through thorns and briers, stands in stark contrast to, yet ultimately points towards, the ultimate "teaching" of God's justice and love revealed in Jesus Christ. While Gideon's justice was severe and temporal, Christ's justice is perfect and eternal. The consequences of rejecting God's anointed leader in the Old Testament foreshadow the infinitely greater consequences of rejecting the true Anointed One, Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Yet, unlike Succoth, who withheld aid, Christ actively provides for His weary followers, offering [rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). The "thorns and briers" of judgment, which Gideon used to punish, find their ultimate, redemptive fulfillment in the [crown of thorns](/john/19-2 "John 19:2 - Crown of Thorns") placed on Jesus' head. He, the innocent one, bore the pain and curse of humanity's sin and rebellion, experiencing the ultimate "teaching" of suffering on the cross so that we might be spared the just consequences of our own disloyalty. His sacrifice demonstrates that while "the way of transgressors is hard" [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard"), God's discipline, like that described in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline"), ultimately aims for our good. Through Christ, God "teaches" us not through punitive thorns, but through the transformative power of His grace and the [perfect love that casts out fear](/1_john/4-18 "1 John 4:18 - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear").

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.

Cross-References

Judges 8:7

And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.

Ezra 2:6

The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua [and] Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.

Micah 7:4

The best of them [is] as a brier: the most upright [is sharper] than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen [and] thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.

Proverbs 19:29

¶ Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Proverbs 10:13

¶ In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod [is] for the back of him that is void of understanding.