So he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Gideon doesn't demand supplies; he humbly asks for "loaves of bread," even "morsels," showing he respects their countrymen, not as a conqueror, but as one appealing to shared humanity. This gentle approach highlights his weariness and the critical nature of his pursuit, making the later refusal by Succoth even more jarring.
So he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Gideon and his exhausted men have just won a stunning victory against the Midianites, but the main leaders, Zebah and Zalmunna, have escaped. Gideon is now in hot pursuit across the Jordan River, and as he passes through the town of Succoth, he humbly asks its inhabitants for food for his weary soldiers. He explains that his men are faint from the chase and that he's determined to capture the fleeing kings to secure a complete deliverance for Israel.
Gideon and his men just achieved an unbelievable victory, but their journey isn't over. What does it take to keep going when you're running on empty?
Pushing Past Your Limits
This moment shows that even after incredible spiritual or personal triumphs, the journey often requires continued effort and sacrifice. Gideon's army has just routed a massive enemy force, a feat that would have left anyone physically and mentally drained.
The town of Succoth has a name rooted in Israel's history. How does its location and name reveal its significance in this story?
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The Roots of Succoth
The place called Succoth, meaning "booths" or "tents," carries a rich history tied to Israel's foundational stories. Its location across the Jordan River, in the territory of Gad, places it in a region settled by Israelites after the exodus.
Understand the original words
Succoth · Hebrew Proper Noun
A city located in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River, associated with the allotment of the tribe of Gad.
lechem · Hebrew Noun
The most basic staple food in the ancient Near East, often representing essential provision and sustenance for life.
The refusal of the men of Succoth to offer basic provisions to Gideon's troops, despite being fellow Israelites, highlights a deep-seated apathy and lack of solidarity that had grown during years of oppression. Gideon's subsequent actions underscore the spiritual and national unity required to overcome such challenges.
c. 1400 BC
Jacob's Return to Canaan
Jacob, returning from Mesopotamia, camped at Succoth and built booths for his livestock, giving the place its name. This establishes the location of Succoth east of the Jordan River.
c. 1100 BC
Midianite Oppression of Israel
For seven years, the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, oppressed Israel, devastating their crops and livestock and forcing Israelites into hiding.
c. 1100 BC
Gideon's Victory at Mount Tabor
Gideon, with a small force of 300 men, miraculously defeated a massive Midianite army at Mount Tabor, killing their leaders Oreb and Zeeb.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Gideon Pursues Midianite Kings
Gideon and his exhausted men continued their pursuit across the Jordan River after the fleeing Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna.
c. 1100 BC
Capture and Execution of Zebah and Zalmunna
Gideon eventually captured Zebah and Zalmunna, who had sought refuge in Succoth and were subsequently executed for their role in oppressing Israel.
c. 1100 BC
Gideon's Judgment on Succoth and Penuel
Gideon returned to punish the towns of Succoth and Penuel for their refusal to aid his weary troops, demonstrating the consequences of failing to support God's people.
This passage shows a similar situation where David's men, though exhausted from pursuing raiders, are given sustenance by those who had escaped the same attack, highlighting the need for support even in dire circumstances.
Matthew 25:40Jesus teaches that caring for the least of these is caring for Him. Gideon's request, though for basic needs, reflects this principle as he asks his own people to show compassion to those fighting for their collective freedom.
Hebrews 12:1-2This passage speaks of the Christian life as a race where we 'run with perseverance' and 'look to Jesus.' Gideon's pursuit, despite his men's exhaustion, mirrors this spiritual discipline of pressing on toward the goal, even when weary.
Psalm 60:6-8This Psalm, likely written by David, mentions Succoth and Penuel in a context of Israel's struggles and God's promises, showing that the geographical area Gideon is in has a long history tied to the nation's triumphs and trials.
gillJudges 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 to the men of Succoth,.... The inhabitants of that place, the principal men of it, which lay in his way as he was pursuing the Midianites in their flight to their own country; for this was a city on the other side Jordan, and in the tribe of Gad and was inhabited by Israelites, Joshua 13:2…
cambridgeJudges 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."
5 . Succoth ] On the E. of Jordan, in the territory of Gad ( Joshua 13:27 ), near Penuel (cf. Genesis 33:17 ), and below it ( went up Jdg 8:8 ); and Penuel, as we learn from Genesis 32:22 ; Genesis 32:30 f., lay not far from the ford of Jabbok (Nahr ez-Zerḳâ). The question is, were Succoth and Penuel…
Gideon doesn't demand supplies; he humbly asks for "loaves of bread," even "morsels," showing he respects their countrymen, not as a conqueror, but as one appealing to shared humanity. This gentle approach highlights his weariness and the critical nature of his pursuit, making the later refusal by Succoth even more jarring.
Gideon and his exhausted men have just won a stunning victory against the Midianites, but the main leaders, Zebah and Zalmunna, have escaped. Gideon is now in hot pursuit across the Jordan River, and as he passes through the town of Succoth, he humbly asks its inhabitants for food for his weary soldiers. He explains that his men are faint from the chase and that he's determined to capture the fleeing kings to secure a complete deliverance for Israel.
Gideon and his exhausted men have just won a stunning victory against the Midianites, but the main leaders, Zebah and Zalmunna, have escaped. Gideon is now in hot pursuit across the Jordan River, and as he passes through the town of Succoth, he humbly asks its inhabitants for food for his weary soldiers. He explains that his men are faint from the chase and that he's determined to capture the fleeing kings to secure a complete deliverance for Israel.
"So he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”" — Gideon doesn't demand supplies; he humbly asks for "loaves of bread," even "morsels," showing he respects their countrymen, not as a conqueror, but as one appealing to shared humanity. This gentle ap…
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Last reviewed October 2026