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Commentary on Judges 8 verses 4–17
In these verses we have,
I. Gideon, as a valiant general, pursuing the remaining Midianites, and bravely following his blow. A very great slaughter was made of the enemy at first: 120,000 men that drew the sword, Jdg 8:10. Such a terrible execution did they make among themselves, and so easy a prey were they to Israel. But, it seems, the two kings of Midian, being better provided than the rest for an escape, with 15,000 men got over Jordan before the passes could be secured by the Ephraimites, and made towards their own country. Gideon thinks he does not fully execute his commission to save Israel if he let them escape. He is not content to chase them out of the country, but he will chase them out of the world, Job 18:18. This resolution is here pushed on with great firmness, and crowned with great success.
1.His firmness was very exemplary. He effected his purpose under the greatest disadvantages and discouragements that could be. (1.) He took none with him but his 300 men, who now laid aside their trumpets and torches, and betook themselves to their swords and spears. God had said, By these 300 men will I save you (Jdg 7:7); and, confiding in that promise, Gideon kept to them only, Jdg 8:4. He expected more from 300 men, supported by a particular promise, than from so many thousands supported only by their own valour. (2.) They were faint, and yet pursuing, much fatigued with what they had done, and yet eager to do more against the enemies of their country. Our spiritual warfare must thus be prosecuted with what strength we have, though we have but little; it is many a time the true Christina's case, fainting and yet pursuing. (3.) Though he met with discouragement from those of his own people, was jeered for what he was doing, as going about what he could never accomplish, yet he went on with it. If those that should be our helpers in the way of our duty prove hindrances to us, let not this drive us off from it. Those know not how to value God's acceptance that know not how to despise the reproaches and contempts of men. (4.) He made a very long march by the way of those that dwelt in tents (Jdg 8:11), either because he hoped to find them kinder to him than the men of Succoth and Penuel, that dwelt in walled towns (sometimes there is more generosity and charity found in country tents than in city palaces), or because that was a road in which he would be least expected, and therefore that way it would be the greater surprise to them. It is evident he spared no pains to complete his victory. Now he found it an advantage to have his 300 men such as could bear hunger, and thirst, and toil. It should seem, he set upon the enemy by night, as he had done before, for the host was secure. The security of sinners often proves their ruin, and dangers are most fatal when least feared.
2.His success was very encouraging to resolution and industry in a good cause. He routed the army (Jdg 8:11), and took the two kings prisoners, Jdg 8:12. Note, The fear of the wicked shall come upon him. Those that think to run from the sword of the Lord and of Gideon do but run upon it. If he flee from the iron weapon, yet the bow of steel shall strike him through; for evil pursueth sinners.
II. Here is Gideon, as a righteous judge, chastising the insolence of the disaffected Israelites, the men of Succoth and the men of Penuel, both in the tribe of Gad, on the other side Jordan.
1.Their crime was great. Gideon, with a handful of feeble folk was pursuing the common enemy, to complete the deliverance of Israel. His way led him through the city of Succoth first and afterwards of Penuel. He expected not that the magistrates should meet him in their formalities, congratulate him upon his victory, present him with the keys of their city, and give him a treat, much less that they should send forces in to his assistance, though he was entitled to all this; but he only begs some necessary food for his soldiers that were ready to faint for want, and he does it very humbly and importunately: Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me, Jdg 8:5. The request would have been reasonable if they had been but poor travellers in distress; but considering that they were soldiers, called, and chose, and faithful (Rev 17:14), men whom God had greatly honoured and to whom Israel was highly obliged, who had done great service to their country and were now doing more, - that they were conquerors, and had power to put them under contribution, - and that they were fighting God's battles and Israel's, - nothing could be more just than that their brethren should furnish them with the best provisions their city afforded. But the princes of Succoth neither feared God nor regarded man. For, (1.) In contempt of God, they refused to answer the just demands of him whom God had raised up to save them, affronted him, bantered him, despised the success he had already been honoured with, despaired of the success of his present undertaking, did what they could to discourage him in prosecuting the war, and were very willing to believe that the remaining forces of Midian, which they had now seen march through their country, would be too hard for him: Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand? "No, nor ever will be," so they conclude, judging by the disproportion of numbers. (2.) The bowels of their compassion were shut up against their brethren; they were as destitute of love as they were of faith, would not give morsels of bread (so some read it) to those that were ready to perish. Were these princes? were these Israelites? unworthy either title, base and degenerate men! Surely they were worshippers of Baal, or in the interests of Midian. The men of Penuel gave the same answer to the same request, defying the sword of the Lord and of Gideon, Jdg 8:8.
2.The warning he gave them of the punishment of their crime was very fair. (1.) He did not punish it immediately, because he would not lose so much time from the pursuit of the enemy that were flying from him, because he would not seem to do it in a neat of passion, and because he would do it more to their shame and confusion when he had completed his undertaking, which they thought impracticable. But, (2.) He told them how he would punish it (Jdg 8:7, Jdg 8:9), to show the confidence he had of success in the strength of God, and that, if they had the least grain of grace and consideration left, they might upon second thoughts repent of their folly, humble themselves, and contrive how to atone for it, by sending after him succours and supplies, which if they had done, no doubt, Gideon would have pardoned them. God gives notice of danger, and space to repent, that sinners may flee from the wrath to come.
3.The warning being slighted, the punishment, though very severe, was really very just.
(1.)The princes of Succoth were first made examples. Gideon got intelligence of their number, seventy-seven men, their names, and places of abode, which were described in writing to him, Jdg 8:14. And, to their great surprise, when they thought he had scarcely overtaken the Midianites, he returned a conqueror. His 300 men were now the ministers of his justice; they secured all these princes, and brought them before Gideon, who showed them his royal captives in chains. "These are the men you thought me an unequal match for, and would give me no assistance in the pursuit of," Jdg 8:15. And he punished them with thorns and briers, but, it should seem, not unto death. With these, [1.] He tormented their bodies, either by scourging or by rolling them in the thorns and briers; some way or other he tore their flesh, Jdg 8:7. Those shall have judgment without mercy that have shown no mercy. Perhaps he observed them to be soft and delicate men, who despised him and his company for their roughness and hardiness, and therefore Gideon thus mortified them for their effeminacy. [2.] He instructed their minds: With these he taught the men of Succoth, Jdg 8:16. The correction he gave them was intended, not for destruction, but wholesome discipline, to make them wiser and better for the future. He made them know (so the word is), made them know themselves and their folly, God and their duty, made them know who Gideon was, since they would not know by the success wherewith God had crowned him. Note, Many are taught with the briers and thorns of affliction that would not learn otherwise. God gives wisdom by the rod and reproof, chastens and teaches, and by correction opens the ear to discipline. Our blessed Saviour, though he was a Son, yet learnt obedience by the things which he suffered, Heb 5:8. Let every pricking brier, and grieving thorn, especially when it becomes a thorn in the flesh, be thus interpreted, thus improved. "By this God designs to teach me; what good lesson shall I learn?"
(2.)The doom of the men of Penuel comes next, and it should seem he used them more severely than the other, for good reason, no doubt, Jdg 8:17. [1.] He beat down their tower, of which they gloried, in which they trusted, perhaps scornfully advising Gideon and his men rather to secure themselves in that than to pursue the Midianites. What men make their pride is justly by its ruin made their shame. [2.] He slew the men of the city, not all, perhaps not the elders or princes, but those that had affronted him, and those only. He slew some of the men of the city that were most insolent and abusive, for terror to the rest, and so he taught the men of Penuel.
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SUMMARY
Judges 8:7 powerfully encapsulates Gideon's unwavering resolve and stern warning to the uncooperative leaders of Succoth. Following his miraculous victory over the Midianites, Gideon was in relentless pursuit of their remaining kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. When the men of Succoth scoffed at his request for vital provisions for his exhausted army, refusing to support his divinely appointed mission, Gideon declared that upon his successful return, when the Lord had delivered the kings into his hand, he would inflict a brutal and humiliating punishment upon them, using thorns and briers from the wilderness to "thresh" or "tear" their flesh. This severe vow underscores the profound consequences of disloyalty and lack of faith within the covenant community, especially when God's deliverance is actively unfolding.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs vivid Imagery to convey the brutality of Gideon's promised punishment, painting a visceral picture of flesh being torn by sharp thorns and briers. This sensory detail evokes a strong emotional response, emphasizing the severity of the retribution and the physical pain involved. Gideon's statement also functions as a powerful Vow or Oath, underscoring his unwavering resolve and the certainty of the impending judgment. This is not a casual remark but a solemn declaration of future action. Furthermore, there is a clear element of Foreshadowing, as Gideon's words explicitly predict the future action he will take against the men of Succoth, which is subsequently fulfilled in Judges 8:16. The stark contrast between Gideon's faith-fueled pursuit and Succoth's cynical refusal also highlights a thematic Juxtaposition between loyalty to God's mission and self-preservation, showcasing the moral and spiritual divide within Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:7 serves as a stark reminder that while God's deliverance is miraculous and sovereign, human responsibility and loyalty remain paramount within the covenant. The refusal of Succoth to support Gideon's divinely appointed mission is not merely a logistical failure but a profound act of faithlessness and disloyalty to the Lord's ongoing work of salvation for Israel. This incident highlights the principle that those who hinder God's purposes or fail to support His chosen instruments will face severe consequences, even from within the community of faith. It underscores that God's work often requires the active participation and support of His people, and indifference, cynicism, or active opposition can be met with divine displeasure, sometimes administered through human agents in ways that reflect the severity of the offense against God's plan.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:7 challenges contemporary believers to examine their own posture towards God's ongoing work in the world. Just as the men of Succoth prioritized their immediate comfort and perceived safety over supporting Gideon's divinely ordained mission, we can be tempted to withhold our resources, time, or encouragement from ministries and individuals God is using, especially when the path seems difficult, inconvenient, or the outcome uncertain. This verse is a powerful call to active participation and faithful support, reminding us that apathy, cynicism, or disloyalty can hinder the advancement of God's kingdom and incur spiritual consequences. It compels us to ask: Are we truly committed to seeing God's purposes fulfilled, even when it demands personal sacrifice, confronts our fears, or requires us to step out of our comfort zones? Do we stand in solidarity with those whom God has raised up, providing the necessary support, or do we stand aloof, risking the spiritual repercussions of indifference? Ultimately, it encourages a spirit of courageous faith and unwavering commitment to God's mission, recognizing that our support (or lack thereof) has eternal implications.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Gideon's punishment of Succoth so harsh?
Answer: Gideon's punishment of Succoth, though seemingly brutal by modern standards, was a reflection of the severe justice prevalent in the ancient Near East and the gravity of their offense within the covenant community. The men of Succoth were not merely unhospitable; they actively scorned and refused to support Gideon and his exhausted army, who were engaged in a divinely appointed mission to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. Their actions demonstrated a profound lack of faith in God's power and a disloyalty to the covenant, effectively hindering the Lord's work and showing contempt for His chosen deliverer. The "threshing" with thorns and briers was a public, humiliating, and painful act designed to "teach them a lesson" about the consequences of their insubordination and to reassert the authority of God's chosen leader. This act, fulfilled in Judges 8:16, underscored that obstructing God's will carried severe repercussions within the tribal society of Israel, emphasizing the importance of national unity and faithfulness to Yahweh's purposes.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Gideon's actions in Judges 8:7 reflect the harsh, retributive justice of the Old Covenant era, they ultimately point to the perfect justice and redemptive work of Christ. Gideon, as a deliverer, acted as an instrument of God's judgment against those who opposed His will, foreshadowing the ultimate Judge who will separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-33). Yet, unlike Gideon's physical retribution, Christ's work primarily involves a spiritual "threshing" of sin and death, not through inflicting pain on His people, but by enduring it for them. The "thorns" that Gideon promised to use on Succoth find their ultimate, redemptive echo in the crown of thorns placed upon Jesus' head (Matthew 27:29), symbolizing the curse and suffering He bore to deliver humanity from the consequences of its own spiritual disloyalty and rebellion. Through His sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate deliverer, not by punishing those who refuse Him with physical pain, but by offering forgiveness and new life, inviting all to partake in His victory over sin and death, a victory far greater than any earthly triumph (Colossians 2:13-15). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering grace where the law brought judgment and reconciliation where there was once alienation (John 1:29; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19).