Judges 8:16 - He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Judges 8:16" mean?
This verse from Judges 8:16 is a key part of Gideon's retribution against the city of Succoth for refusing to help his weary army when they were pursuing the Midianites. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context:
The Refusal of Succoth: Gideon, leading his men in pursuit of the defeated Midianite army, had asked the people of Succoth (and Penuel) for food and support for his exhausted soldiers. They refused, mocking him and saying that they would only help if Gideon had already captured the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna.
Gideon's Promise of Return: Gideon vowed to return after defeating the Midianites and punish Succoth and Penuel for their lack of help and their mocking lack of faith.
Judges 8:16 - The Punishment: This verse describes the fulfillment of that vow. After capturing the Midianite kings, Gideon returns to Succoth and takes brutal action.
Meaning of the Verse:
"He took the elders of the city..." Gideon assembled the leaders of Succoth. This suggests a public demonstration and a targeting of those responsible for the city's decision to withhold aid.
"...and thorns of the wilderness and briers..." Gideon collected thorny bushes and wild, prickly plants.
"...and with them he taught the men of Succoth." This is the crucial part. The word "taught" here doesn't mean giving a lecture. It means inflicting painful punishment. He used the thorns and briers to whip, beat, or otherwise inflict pain upon the elders. Some interpretations suggest he used the thorns to tear the flesh or flay them.
Therefore, the verse means that Gideon severely punished the leaders of Succoth by whipping them with thorns and briers. This was a harsh and brutal act of revenge for their lack of hospitality, faith, and support when Gideon needed it most.
Significance:
Justice/Revenge: The act highlights the brutal nature of justice in this period. It demonstrates the consequences of failing to support God's chosen leader and his mission.
Deterrent: The public nature of the punishment served as a warning to other cities and peoples about the importance of assisting those fighting for the liberation of Israel.
Contrast to God's Law: It is important to note that this act, while understandable in its historical context, likely exceeded what God would have prescribed according to His Law. While justice was important, personal revenge often led to excesses.
In summary, Judges 8:16 is a vivid and disturbing depiction of Gideon's harsh punishment of the elders of Succoth for their betrayal and lack of faith, using the painful instrument of thorns and briers.
Judges 8:16 - He took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.
What does "Judges 8:16" mean?
This verse from Judges 8:16 is a key part of Gideon's retribution against the city of Succoth for refusing to help his weary army when they were pursuing the Midianites. To understand its meaning, we need to consider the context:
The Refusal of Succoth: Gideon, leading his men in pursuit of the defeated Midianite army, had asked the people of Succoth (and Penuel) for food and support for his exhausted soldiers. They refused, mocking him and saying that they would only help if Gideon had already captured the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna.
Gideon's Promise of Return: Gideon vowed to return after defeating the Midianites and punish Succoth and Penuel for their lack of help and their mocking lack of faith.
Judges 8:16 - The Punishment: This verse describes the fulfillment of that vow. After capturing the Midianite kings, Gideon returns to Succoth and takes brutal action.
Meaning of the Verse:
"He took the elders of the city..." Gideon assembled the leaders of Succoth. This suggests a public demonstration and a targeting of those responsible for the city's decision to withhold aid.
"...and thorns of the wilderness and briers..." Gideon collected thorny bushes and wild, prickly plants.
"...and with them he taught the men of Succoth." This is the crucial part. The word "taught" here doesn't mean giving a lecture. It means inflicting painful punishment. He used the thorns and briers to whip, beat, or otherwise inflict pain upon the elders. Some interpretations suggest he used the thorns to tear the flesh or flay them.
Therefore, the verse means that Gideon severely punished the leaders of Succoth by whipping them with thorns and briers. This was a harsh and brutal act of revenge for their lack of hospitality, faith, and support when Gideon needed it most.
Significance:
Justice/Revenge: The act highlights the brutal nature of justice in this period. It demonstrates the consequences of failing to support God's chosen leader and his mission.
Deterrent: The public nature of the punishment served as a warning to other cities and peoples about the importance of assisting those fighting for the liberation of Israel.
Contrast to God's Law: It is important to note that this act, while understandable in its historical context, likely exceeded what God would have prescribed according to His Law. While justice was important, personal revenge often led to excesses.
In summary, Judges 8:16 is a vivid and disturbing depiction of Gideon's harsh punishment of the elders of Succoth for their betrayal and lack of faith, using the painful instrument of thorns and briers.