Judges 8:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto the men {H582} of Succoth {H5523}, Give {H5414}, I pray you, loaves {H3603} of bread {H3899} unto the people {H5971} that follow {H7272} me; for they be faint {H5889}, and I am pursuing {H7291} after {H310} Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759}, kings {H4428} of Midian {H4080}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In Sukkot he asked the people there, "Please give some loaves of bread to the men following me, because they are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zevach and Tzalmuna the kings of Midyan."

Berean Standard Bible

So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:5 captures a pivotal moment in Gideon's relentless pursuit of the remaining Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, after the miraculous victory orchestrated by God. This verse reveals the profound physical exhaustion of Gideon's 300 men, who had fought through the night and covered significant distance. It records Gideon's urgent and humble request to the leaders of Succoth, an Israelite city, for essential provisions—loaves of bread—to sustain his weary troops and enable them to complete their crucial mission of eliminating the Midianite threat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:5 immediately follows God's astonishing and miraculous deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression, achieved through Gideon and his mere 300 men, who routed a vast Midianite army (see [Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - The Rout of Midian")). Despite this overwhelming initial victory, the two primary Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, managed to escape with a remnant of their forces. Gideon, demonstrating unwavering commitment to God's complete victory, did not cease his pursuit. The narrative here shifts from the miraculous battle to the arduous, human effort required to finish the task. Gideon's journey takes him across the Jordan River, indicating a long and demanding chase, setting the stage for the dramatic interaction with the uncooperative Israelite cities of Succoth and Penuel, which underscores the theme of internal disunity within Israel even in the face of a common enemy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite warfare, prolonged pursuits were common, and armies relied heavily on provisions from allied or conquered territories. The exhaustion described in the verse, "they [be] faint," was a natural consequence of such intense, continuous military operations, especially for a small, elite force that had been active all night. Succoth was an Israelite city, located east of the Jordan River, within the territory of Gad. Culturally, there was an expectation of solidarity and mutual support among the Israelite tribes, particularly when facing a common enemy like the Midianites, who had severely oppressed Israel for seven years (see [Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")). Gideon's request was not merely for charity but for essential aid from fellow Israelites engaged in a divinely sanctioned war of liberation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Leadership Responsibility**, as Gideon, despite his own weariness, prioritizes the physical needs of his men, demonstrating compassionate and practical leadership. The phrase "they [be] faint" underscores the **Human Cost of Warfare** and the reality of physical limitations, even when engaged in God's work, reminding us that even divinely empowered individuals experience exhaustion, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Power to the Faint"). Furthermore, Gideon's declaration, "I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna," emphasizes the **Urgency and Persistence of Mission**. It was crucial to completely dismantle the Midianite power structure to secure Israel's lasting peace and fully realize God's deliverance, a resolve that parallels the call to persevere in the Christian life, as seen in [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running the Race with Endurance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faint (Hebrew, _'ayef'_):** This term (עָיֵף) denotes a profound and extreme weariness, exhaustion to the point of being utterly spent and unable to continue without replenishment. It's not mere tiredness but a state of physical depletion that threatens the ability to perform necessary tasks. Gideon's men were not just tired; they were on the verge of collapse, highlighting the immense physical toll of their pursuit.
* **Loaves of bread (Hebrew, _lekhem'_):** The word (לֶחֶם) refers to basic, staple food, often in the form of flatbreads. Gideon's request was not for luxuries or elaborate meals but for fundamental sustenance necessary to restore strength and enable his men to continue their arduous journey and fight. It underscores the immediate, practical need for survival and energy.
* **Pursuing (Hebrew, _radaf'_):** The verb (רָדַף) signifies an active, relentless chase or pursuit. In this context, it conveys Gideon's unwavering determination and commitment to completing the mission God had given him. Despite the exhaustion of his men, Gideon's focus remained fixed on apprehending the enemy kings, demonstrating a tenacious resolve to see the divine judgment fully executed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto the men of Succoth,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct communication between Gideon, the leader of God's army, and the elders or prominent men of Succoth. It implies an expectation of cooperation and support from a fellow Israelite city, highlighting the communal aspect of their national struggle.
* **"Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me;"**: Gideon's request is presented humbly ("I pray you") yet urgently. He identifies his men as "the people that follow me," emphasizing his responsibility for their welfare and their role as his loyal companions in this critical mission. The specific request for "loaves of bread" points to a basic, immediate need for sustenance.
* **"for they [be] faint,"**: This clause provides the crucial justification for Gideon's request. It reveals the dire physical condition of his troops, who were utterly exhausted from the continuous battle and pursuit. This highlights the human vulnerability and physical limitations even in the context of divine empowerment, underscoring the necessity of practical provision.
* **"and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian."**: This final clause states the strategic imperative and the ultimate goal of their arduous journey. Gideon clarifies that their weariness is not due to idleness but to their relentless commitment to completing the divine mission of eradicating the Midianite leadership. It serves as a powerful reminder of the high stakes involved and the urgency of their task.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 8:5 employs several literary devices to convey its message and set the stage for subsequent events. The immediate **Pathos** is evident in Gideon's description of his men as "faint," evoking sympathy for their arduous journey and highlighting the physical demands of their divine mission. This stark reality of human exhaustion stands in **Juxtaposition** to the miraculous victory that preceded it, reminding the reader that even God's work requires human endurance and practical support. Furthermore, the verse subtly employs **Foreshadowing** by setting up Gideon's reasonable request to Succoth. The reader's expectation of solidarity among Israelites, especially in such a crucial moment, creates dramatic tension that will be resolved (or rather, subverted) in the very next verse by Succoth's shocking refusal, leading to a powerful **Irony** that exposes the internal divisions and lack of faith within Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:5 illustrates the profound interplay between divine power and human endurance in God's redemptive plan. While God provides the miraculous victory, He calls His servants to persistent, often exhausting, follow-through. Gideon's compassionate leadership in seeking sustenance for his weary men underscores the biblical principle that even in spiritual warfare, practical needs must be met, and leaders bear a responsibility for the well-being of those under their charge. The verse implicitly raises the theological question of community responsibility within God's people, setting up the subsequent narrative of Succoth's failure to provide aid. It reminds us that even when empowered by God, we are still physical beings who require rest, nourishment, and the support of the community to fulfill our callings.

* [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Power to the Faint")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")
* [2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Hard Pressed but Not Crushed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:5 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Gideon's recognition of his men's "faintness" reminds us that even in the most Spirit-led endeavors, physical and mental exhaustion are real. True leadership, whether in ministry, family, or the workplace, involves discerning and addressing the practical needs of those we lead or serve. We are called to be attentive to the weariness of others and to offer tangible support, just as Gideon sought bread for his troops. Furthermore, Gideon's unwavering pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, despite his men's fatigue, models the persistence required in our own spiritual battles. There will be times when we feel utterly spent, yet the mission God has given us—whether it's overcoming a personal sin, serving in a difficult ministry, or persevering through trials—requires us to press on, trusting in God to provide the necessary strength and resources through His body, the Church. This verse challenges us to consider how we can be "bread-givers" to those who are faint in the pursuit of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we identify and address the "faintness" in our own spiritual journeys or in those around us?**
* **In what ways can we better support those who are "pursuing" God's mission, even when they are weary?**
* **What does Gideon's persistence teach us about completing the work God has called us to, despite exhaustion?**

### FAQ

**Why did Gideon need to ask for bread if God had just given them a great victory?**

Answer: Gideon's request for bread, despite the miraculous victory in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory"), highlights the practical realities of warfare and human physical limitations. While God provided the supernatural means for victory, He still works through human agents who have physical needs. Gideon's men had been fighting through the night, had covered significant distance in pursuit, and were utterly exhausted ("faint"). The victory was a divine act, but the follow-through—the pursuit and elimination of the enemy kings—required sustained human effort and physical sustenance. God empowers, but He also expects His people to act responsibly and meet basic needs, often through the community. This situation underscores that even in God's service, we are not exempt from the need for rest and provision.

**What is the significance of Gideon's pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna?**

Answer: Gideon's relentless pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, the Midianite kings, was crucial for several reasons beyond mere revenge. First, it was about completing the deliverance God had initiated. Leaving the kings alive would have allowed Midian to potentially regroup and continue their oppression of Israel. Second, it was an act of divine judgment. These kings represented the oppressive power that had afflicted Israel for seven years, and their capture and execution symbolized the complete breaking of Midianite dominance. Third, it demonstrated Gideon's unwavering commitment to God's call. Despite the exhaustion of his men and the lack of support from fellow Israelites like Succoth (as seen in [Judges 8:6](/judges/8-6 "Judges 8:6 - Succoth's Refusal")), Gideon pressed on to ensure the full and final victory, securing lasting peace for Israel. This pursuit signifies the importance of finishing the work God has given us, not stopping halfway.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, and the weariness of his men, beautifully foreshadows the greater spiritual battle waged by Jesus Christ and the call for His followers to persevere. Just as Gideon led his faint men in a relentless chase, Jesus, our ultimate Commander, tirelessly pursued the will of God, even to the point of exhaustion and death on the cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He knew the weariness of human existence, inviting all who are "weary and burdened" to find rest in Him (as promised in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). While Gideon sought physical bread for his men, Jesus declared Himself to be the "bread of life," the true sustenance that satisfies spiritual hunger and provides eternal strength to those who believe in Him (as proclaimed in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Our Lord did not merely achieve a partial victory; through His death and resurrection, He utterly triumphed over the spiritual kings of darkness—Satan, sin, and death—disarming principalities and powers (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). We, as His followers, are called to run the race with endurance, looking to Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (as exhorted in [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Run with Endurance")). In Christ, our weariness is met with divine strength, and our mission is assured of ultimate victory.

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

Genesis 33:17

And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

Psalms 60:6

¶ God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

1 Samuel 25:18

¶ Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched [corn], and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid [them] on asses.

3 John 1:6

Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

3 John 1:8

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

Deuteronomy 23:4

Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

2 Samuel 17:28

Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched [corn], and beans, and lentiles, and parched [pulse],