### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **barqân**, represented by `{{H1303}}`, refers to a **thorn** or **brier**. Derived from a root meaning to burn brightly, it suggests a particularly sharp or painful plant. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** within the scriptures, both within the same narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H1303}}` are found in the account of **Gideon** `{{H1439}}` and his confrontation with the men of **Succoth** `{{H5523}}`. After the leaders of Succoth refused to provide food for his weary army, Gideon promised a harsh retribution. He **said** `{{H559}}` that once the LORD delivered the Midianite kings **Zebah** `{{H2078}}` and **Zalmunna** `{{H6759}}` into his **hand** `{{H3027}}`, he would **tear** `{{H1758}}` their **flesh** `{{H1320}}` with **briers** [[Judges 8:7]]. Later, Gideon fulfilled this threat, taking the **elders** `{{H2205}}` of the city and using thorns from the **wilderness** `{{H4057}}` and **briers** to **teach** `{{H3045}}` the men of Succoth a lesson [[Judges 8:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and severity of the use of **barqân**:
* `{{H1439}}` **Gidʻôwn** (Gideon): As a "feller" or warrior, he is the agent who uses the briers as an instrument of punishment against those who hindered his campaign [[Judges 8:7]].
* `{{H1758}}` **dûwsh** (to trample or thresh): This word, used by Gideon when he threatens to "tear" the flesh of the men of Succoth, evokes the violent agricultural process of threshing grain, highlighting the brutal nature of the intended punishment [[Judges 8:7]].
* `{{H3045}}` **yâdaʻ** (to know): In its causative sense, this word means to instruct or punish. Its use reveals that the briers were not only for torture but to impart a severe, unforgettable lesson to the men of Succoth [[Judges 8:16]].
* `{{H5523}}` **Çukkôwth** (Succoth): This is the name of the **city** `{{H5892}}` whose leaders' refusal to help prompted Gideon's punitive action with the briers [[Judges 8:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1303}}` is tied directly to its role as an instrument of judgment and instruction.
* **Punishment for Inhospitality:** The briers are used to execute a sentence against the elders of Succoth for refusing to aid Gideon's army, which was carrying out the LORD's will in pursuing the enemies of Israel [[Judges 8:7]].
* **Painful Instruction:** The act of using briers to "teach" (**yâdaʻ**) demonstrates that divine lessons and the consequences of disobedience can be delivered through intense suffering and physical discipline [[Judges 8:16]].
* **Earthly Retribution:** Gideon's use of a common object from the wilderness—a **brier**—shows how judgment can be enacted through tangible, earthly means to enforce loyalty and punish faithlessness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1303}}` **barqân** is a specific term whose meaning is defined entirely by its context in the book of Judges. While it simply means "brier," it functions as a symbol of severe retribution. It represents a tool of painful punishment used by Gideon to teach a harsh lesson about allegiance and the consequences of standing against God's appointed leader during a holy war.
TRV