Judges 8:6

KJV

And the princes of Succoth said, [Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the princes {H8269} of Succoth {H5523} said {H559}, Are the hands {H3709} of Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759} now in thine hand {H3027}, that we should give {H5414} bread {H3899} unto thine army {H6635}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But the chiefs of Sukkot said, "You haven't captured Zevach and Tzalmuna yet, so why should we give bread to your army?"

Berean Standard Bible

But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?”

American Standard Version

And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:6 vividly portrays the cynical and uncooperative stance of the leaders of Succoth towards Gideon's urgent plea for provisions for his weary army. Despite Gideon's recent, miraculous victory over the Midianites, these princes refuse to provide essential sustenance, demanding tangible proof of the complete capture of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, before they would offer any aid. Their skepticism reveals a profound lack of faith, prioritizing self-preservation and immediate security over national unity and the support of a divinely appointed deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Gideon's stunning, God-empowered victory over the Midianite forces with only 300 men, a triumph detailed in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory"). Despite the rout, the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, and a remnant of their army, have escaped across the Jordan River. Gideon, with his small but determined force, is described as "faint, yet pursuing" in [Judges 8:4](/judges/8-4 "Judges 8:4 - Gideon's Pursuit"), demonstrating unwavering resolve to complete the mission. His request for bread from Succoth, a presumably Israelite city, underscores the dire physical state of his men and the ongoing nature of the conflict, even after a decisive battle. The refusal by Succoth's leaders sets up Gideon's stern warning and subsequent judgment upon the city, as detailed in [Judges 8:7-9](/judges/8-7-9 "Judges 8:7-9 - Gideon's Vow Against Succoth and Penuel"), highlighting a tragic internal division within Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Succoth was a city located in the Jordan Valley, east of the Jordan River, within the tribal territory of Gad (though its exact tribal affiliation is sometimes debated, it was clearly an Israelite settlement). In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality, especially to fellow countrymen engaged in a national cause, was a deeply ingrained social expectation and a moral imperative. The princes of Succoth's refusal to provide food to Gideon's army was not merely a lack of generosity but a profound breach of communal solidarity and a direct affront to a divinely commissioned leader. Their fear of reprisal from the still-at-large Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, reveals a pragmatic, self-serving mindset that prioritized immediate safety over loyalty to their own people and trust in God's ongoing deliverance. This reflects a broader pattern of disunity and wavering faith that plagued Israel during the period of the Judges, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges. Firstly, it highlights the **lack of faith and short-sightedness** prevalent among many Israelites. The princes of Succoth demand tangible proof of victory ("Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand?") before they will offer support, demonstrating a reliance on sight rather than trust in God's ongoing work through Gideon, even after the miraculous victory detailed in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **self-preservation over national unity**. The leaders of Succoth prioritize their own safety and potential repercussions from the Midianites over supporting their own people and a divinely appointed deliverer. This refusal to aid fellow Israelites in a critical national effort points to a fractured unity and a failure to recognize the greater good, a recurring problem in the era of the Judges. Lastly, it foreshadows Gideon's **perseverance amidst internal opposition**, as he does not give up despite being rejected by his own countrymen, continuing his pursuit of the enemy, demonstrating unwavering resolve and faith in God's ultimate deliverance, as seen in his subsequent actions in [Judges 8:10-12](/judges/8-10-12 "Judges 8:10-12 - Gideon Captures the Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hands (Hebrew, _kaph'_):** This term (H3709) refers to the "hollow hand or palm," often implying the physical grasp or literal possession. In the princes' question, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna," it emphasizes their demand to see the Midianite kings themselves, physically subdued and under Gideon's immediate control, before they would offer any assistance.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** Distinct from _kaph_, this term (H3027) refers to the "open hand," often signifying power, authority, or dominion. The phrase "in thine hand" (using _yâd_) is an idiomatic expression for complete control, capture, or possession. The princes are questioning if Gideon truly has ultimate power and authority over these formidable enemies, implying a lack of trust in his current standing or God's ongoing work through him.
* **Bread (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** This term (H3899) broadly refers to "food," specifically "bread" or "grain," representing the most basic and essential provisions for sustenance. The refusal to provide "bread" highlights the severity of Succoth's inhospitality and their complete denial of fundamental support to Gideon's exhausted army, demonstrating a profound lack of compassion and solidarity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the princes of Succoth said":** This identifies the speakers as the authoritative leaders or elders of the city of Succoth. Their collective voice represents the city's official stance, indicating a unified decision to deny aid. Their position implies responsibility for the welfare of their people, yet they use it to deny support to their brethren engaged in a national cause.
* **"[Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand":** This is the core of their cynical and conditional response. It is a rhetorical question, expressing doubt and demanding undeniable proof of Gideon's complete victory. They are essentially saying, "Prove to us that you have entirely subdued these dangerous kings, so we know there's no risk to us if we help you." This reveals their fear, self-interest, and pragmatic mindset, prioritizing their own safety over the needs of their brethren and the completion of God's work.
* **"that we should give bread unto thine army?":** This clause completes their refusal, making explicit their condition for providing aid. By linking the provision of "bread" directly to the capture of Zebah and Zalmunna, they demonstrate their unwillingness to offer support based on faith, communal obligation, or the clear evidence of God's previous miraculous intervention. Their refusal is not merely passive but an active denial of essential provisions, highlighting their lack of trust in Gideon and, implicitly, in God's ongoing work through him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as fellow Israelites, who should be allies in the fight against their common oppressor, refuse aid to their divinely appointed deliverer. This internal opposition is a tragic counterpoint to the external victory Gideon has already achieved. The question posed by the princes is laden with **Sarcasm** and skepticism, challenging Gideon's authority and the completeness of his mission. It is not a genuine inquiry but a dismissive demand for absolute, risk-free certainty. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Gideon's subsequent, severe judgment upon Succoth (and Penuel) for their disloyalty and lack of support, as detailed in [Judges 8:16-17](/judges/8-16-17 "Judges 8:16-17 - Gideon's Punishment of Succoth and Penuel"). The imagery of "hands...in thine hand" is an **Idiom**, conveying complete control and capture, emphasizing the princes' demand for absolute and visible certainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The refusal of the princes of Succoth to aid Gideon's weary army is a profound theological statement on the nature of faith, trust, and communal responsibility. Their demand for tangible proof before offering support ("Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand?") mirrors a common human tendency to rely on sight rather than trust in God's ongoing process, even when His hand has been clearly evident. This episode serves as a stark reminder that God's work often requires perseverance and faithful support even when the outcome is not yet fully visible or secure. It challenges believers to consider whether their support for God's kingdom initiatives is conditional upon perceived success or rooted in a deeper commitment to His purposes and His people, regardless of immediate risk or comfort. The fear of man and the desire for self-preservation can often hinder our willingness to participate in God's redemptive work, echoing the broader struggle between faith and fear found throughout scripture.

* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:6 offers a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, challenging our readiness to support God's work and His people, especially when the victory is not yet fully realized or when there is personal risk involved. Like the princes of Succoth, we may be tempted to withhold our resources, time, or encouragement until we see undeniable proof of success, or until we are certain there will be no cost to ourselves. This verse calls us to move beyond a conditional faith, urging us to trust God's ongoing work even when it appears incomplete or when the path is arduous. It reminds us that true solidarity within the body of Christ means supporting one another in the trenches, not just celebrating on the mountaintops. Our fear of potential repercussions or our desire for comfort can cause us to neglect our calling to serve and to participate in the larger kingdom narrative. Gideon's perseverance, despite being rejected by his own countrymen, serves as an enduring example for us to press on in our God-given assignments, even when those who should be allies become obstacles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I find myself demanding "proof" before I commit my full support or resources?**
* **Am I more concerned with my personal comfort and safety than with actively participating in God's work, especially when it involves risk or inconvenience?**
* **How does my response to ongoing challenges or incomplete victories reflect my trust in God's ultimate plan, or my reliance on my own sight?**
* **How can I better embody the spirit of perseverance and unconditional support, even when faced with internal opposition or weariness?**

### FAQ
**Why were the princes of Succoth so uncooperative and fearful?**

Answer: The princes of Succoth were primarily motivated by self-preservation and a profound lack of faith in God's ongoing deliverance through Gideon. Despite Gideon's miraculous victory over the Midianites in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory"), the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, were still at large and posed a significant threat. The princes feared that if they aided Gideon's army and Gideon subsequently failed to capture the kings, Succoth would face severe retaliation from the Midianites. Their question, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand?" reveals their demand for absolute certainty and security before they would risk anything. This pragmatic, fear-driven mindset overshadowed their duty to support their fellow Israelites and a divinely appointed deliverer, highlighting a common spiritual failing in the period of the Judges where tribal loyalties and personal safety often superseded national unity and trust in God.

**What is the significance of the phrase "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand?"**

Answer: This idiomatic expression signifies complete control, capture, or possession. The princes were not asking if Gideon literally held the kings' hands, but if he had them completely defeated, captured, and under his power. It was a cynical and conditional demand for undeniable proof of Gideon's success. They were essentially saying, "Have you already achieved total victory over these dangerous kings, so that we can be sure there's no risk to us if we help you?" This highlights their skepticism and their unwillingness to offer aid based on faith or communal obligation. It underscores their desire for a risk-free commitment, which is antithetical to the nature of faith and the demands of warfare.

**What happened to Succoth after this refusal?**

Answer: Gideon, angered by their refusal and lack of support for their own people, vowed to return and punish them. After successfully capturing Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon indeed returned to Succoth. He took the elders of the city and "taught them a lesson" by punishing them with thorns and briers from the wilderness, as recorded in [Judges 8:16](/judges/8-16 "Judges 8:16 - Gideon's Punishment of Succoth"). This severe act served as a stark consequence for their disloyalty, fear, and failure to support God's deliverer and their own nation in a time of critical need. It underscores the biblical principle that those who refuse to aid God's work and His people may face divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gideon's pursuit and the rejection by Succoth finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and mission of Jesus. Just as Gideon, faint yet pursuing, sought sustenance for his weary men only to be rejected by his own countrymen, so too did Jesus, the ultimate deliverer, come to His own, and His own received Him not ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own")). Jesus, the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life"), offered spiritual nourishment and deliverance, yet He was met with skepticism, fear, and outright hostility from those who should have welcomed Him. The princes of Succoth demanded tangible proof of Gideon's victory before offering "bread," mirroring the world's demand for signs and wonders, or a visible, conquering king, before believing in Christ. Yet, Jesus' victory was not to be found in the immediate overthrow of earthly kings, but in His sacrificial death and resurrection, a victory that initially appeared as weakness and defeat to the world ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block")). The refusal of bread to Gideon's army foreshadows the world's rejection of Christ's life-giving sustenance. However, unlike Gideon who returned to punish Succoth, Christ's ultimate return will be in glory, not primarily to punish those who refused Him bread, but to judge the living and the dead, and to gather those who, by faith, received Him as the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His mission was to provide eternal sustenance and salvation, even when despised and rejected by men ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ Despised")). Thus, Judges 8:6 ultimately points to the greater rejection and the greater, ultimate victory of Christ, who persevered in His mission despite profound human opposition, securing salvation for all who believe.

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

1 Kings 20:11

And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell [him], Let not him that girdeth on [his harness] boast himself as he that putteth it off.

Genesis 37:25

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.

Genesis 25:13

And these [are] the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

Proverbs 18:23

¶ The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

1 Samuel 25:10

And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who [is] David? and who [is] the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

1 Samuel 25:11

Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give [it] unto men, whom I know not whence they [be]?

Judges 5:23

Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.