Judges 8:5

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.

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}.

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."

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

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

Judges 8:5 captures a critical moment in Gideon's pursuit of the remaining Midianite kings after a miraculous victory. This verse highlights the practical needs of weary soldiers and the request for essential provisions from a neighboring Israelite city.

Context of Judges 8:5

Following God's astonishing deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression through Gideon and his 300 men (Judges 7:22), the battle was not yet fully won. The two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, had escaped with a remnant of their forces. Gideon, driven by divine purpose, relentlessly pursued them across the Jordan. His men, having fought through the night and covered significant distance, were physically exhausted. As they passed through Succoth, an Israelite city, Gideon appealed to its leaders for sustenance for his fatigued troops, emphasizing the urgency of their mission to apprehend the enemy kings.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Leadership Responsibility: Gideon demonstrates compassionate leadership by prioritizing the physical needs of his men. Despite the ongoing pursuit, he recognizes their exhaustion and seeks to provide for them, illustrating a leader's care for those under his command.
  • The Toll of Spiritual and Physical Warfare: The phrase "they [be] faint" underscores the intense physical and mental demands of persistent warfare. Even after a divine victory, the human element of weariness is significant, reminding us that even in God's service, physical limitations exist. This can be likened to the need for God's strength for the weary.
  • Urgency of Mission: Gideon's statement, "I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian," conveys the critical nature of their task. The pursuit was not just about revenge but about completely breaking Midianite power and securing Israel's peace, fulfilling God's deliverance.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV word "faint" translates the Hebrew term 'ayef (ืขึธื™ึตืฃ), which signifies a deep, profound weariness or exhaustion, often to the point of being unable to continue. It's not just mild tiredness but a state of being utterly spent. Gideon's request for "loaves of bread" (lechem) was for basic, essential sustenance to combat this severe fatigue, allowing his men to continue their vital pursuit.

Practical Application

Judges 8:5 offers several contemporary lessons:

  • Support for Those in Service: Just as Gideon's men needed nourishment, those engaged in difficult or prolonged spiritual battles, ministry, or demanding service often require practical and spiritual support from the community. We are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).
  • Persistence in God's Call: Gideon's unwavering pursuit of the enemy, even when his men were exhausted, models persistence in fulfilling God's will. There are times when we must press on, relying on God's strength, even when weary.
  • The Importance of Community: While Succoth later failed to provide the needed support (Judges 8:6), this verse highlights the expectation of solidarity within God's people. True community involves mutual aid and encouragement, especially for those on the front lines.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 33:17 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 25:18 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 23:4 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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