Judges 8 6

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?

Judges 8:6 nkjv

And the leaders of Succoth said, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?"

Judges 8:6 niv

But the officials of Sukkoth said, "Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?"

Judges 8:6 esv

And the officials of Succoth said, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?"

Judges 8:6 nlt

But the officials of Succoth replied, "Catch Zebah and Zalmunna first, and then we will feed your army."

Judges 8 verses

Judges 8 6 Meaning

This verse portrays the direct refusal of the leaders of Succoth to provide aid to Gideon and his exhausted army. Their cynical question, "Are Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hands? Should we give bread to your army?" reveals their deep skepticism, lack of faith in Gideon's ongoing victory, and a pragmatic fear of reprisal from the still-at-large Midianite kings. They prioritized their own immediate safety and resources over the welfare of fellow Israelites engaged in a vital conflict against a common enemy, effectively hindering the divinely ordained mission of deliverance.

Judges 8 6 Context

Judges 8 continues Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, who had oppressed Israel for seven years. After his miraculous victory with 300 men, Gideon and his exhausted but determined force crossed the Jordan. They were "faint, yet pursuing" (Jdg 8:4). Recognizing the immense toll of their relentless chase, Gideon requested provisions from Succoth, an Israelite city situated on the east side of the Jordan, likely in the territory of Gad. This request for essential aid, primarily food, for his weary soldiers and himself, was reasonable, particularly given that he was liberating their nation from their oppressors. The cities east of the Jordan had borne the brunt of Midianite incursions (Jdg 6:4), yet their response, beginning with Succoth, reveals their spiritual and national apathy.

Judges 8 6 Word analysis

• But (וַיֹּאמְרוּ - Vay'yomeru): "And they said." This connective indicates a response, specifically an immediate rejection or opposition to Gideon's request made in the preceding verses. It sets a defiant tone.
• the leaders (שָׂרֵי - Sar'ei): Plural of sar (שַׂר), which can mean prince, official, chief, or captain. These were the prominent civic authorities, representing the entire community. Their decision reflected the city's stance and wielded significant influence. Their leadership role obligated them to support the nation's defender.
• of Succoth (סֻכּוֹת - Sukkot): A city in the Jordan valley, east of the Jordan River (Gen 33:17; Josh 13:27; 1 Ki 7:46). Its name means "booths" or "shelters." Located on the periphery, it was often vulnerable to invaders from the east, contributing to their pragmatic fear of offending Midian.
• said (אָמְרוּ - amru): Straightforward, yet in context, carries the weight of a dismissive and challenging response.
• 'Are Zebah and Zalmunna (הֲכַף זֶבַח וְצַלְמֻנָּע - Hachaf Zevach v'Tsalmunna): "Is the palm of Zebah and Zalmunna...?" The prefix 'ha-' indicates a rhetorical question expecting a negative answer. Kaf (כַף) means 'palm' or 'hand.' This implies possession or control. The question is inherently sarcastic and contemptuous.
  • Zebah and Zalmunna: The two Midianite kings, the ultimate targets of Gideon's pursuit, symbols of Midianite oppression. Their names signify slaughter (Zebah) and shade withheld/lacking protection (Zalmunna). The Succoth leaders’ focus on these kings reveals their fear and perceived unfinished victory.
• already in your hands? (בְּיָדֶךָ - b'yadekha): Literally "in your hand." This is an idiom for being under someone's power, control, or possession. The "already" implies impatience and a demand for full, unquestionable victory before they offer support. This doubt questions Gideon's divine mandate.
• Should we give bread (נִתֵּן לֶחֶם - nit'ten lechem): "Shall we give bread?" Another rhetorical question. Lechem (לֶחֶם) refers to food in general, but specifically bread as a staple. This basic sustenance was desperately needed by the exhausted soldiers. The refusal of such fundamental hospitality and military provision is a serious indictment.
• to your army?'" (לִצְבָאֶךָ - lit'zva'ekha): "To your host/army." Tsava (צָבָא) means an army, host, or company. The question implies their hesitation to invest in what they perceive as an uncertain, yet-to-be-confirmed success. This highlights a selfish self-preservation motive overriding national loyalty and support for God's chosen deliverer.

Judges 8 6 Bonus section

The episode at Succoth serves as a significant turning point, not only exposing the moral decay in parts of Israel during the Judges period but also hardening Gideon's resolve. The cities east of the Jordan (Succoth and Penuel) had a more immediate memory of Midianite oppression, yet this familiarity paradoxically fostered fear rather than fervent desire for their permanent removal. Their questioning of Gideon's success echoes a deeper spiritual malaise, similar to Israel's unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea or the curse pronounced on Meroz in the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:23). It underscores the biblical principle that withholding aid and solidarity from God's people engaged in His work is a serious offense against God Himself. Gideon, although God's chosen deliverer, exercised a measure of human judgment in his harsh retribution against these cities, signifying that justice would prevail against those who hinder His divine plans, even from within.

Judges 8 6 Commentary

Judges 8:6 unveils the stark reality of fear and self-interest overriding national solidarity and trust in God's ongoing work of deliverance. The leaders of Succoth, facing an army weary but emboldened by a miraculous victory, prioritize their immediate safety by refusing to provide vital sustenance. Their sarcastic challenge—questioning whether Zebah and Zalmunna were already captured—reflects a pragmatic, human-centric view, lacking faith in the divine power that had already brought Gideon this far. This act is not merely a lack of hospitality but a betrayal, undermining a fellow Israelite leader actively fulfilling God's will for their liberation. Their refusal to contribute to the war effort sets a dangerous precedent and demonstrates a profound spiritual apathy, highlighting how the fear of man (or enemy reprisal) can paralyze even those who should be supporting God's work. Gideon's future actions against Succoth (Jdg 8:16-17) illustrate that such a cynical, self-serving stance, particularly against God's anointed, carries severe consequences.