This verse, Judges 8:5, is a key part of the story of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"He said to the men of Succoth...": "He" refers to Gideon, the judge and leader of Israel. Succoth was a city in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River, within the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad. Gideon was likely passing through Succoth with his army.
"...“Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me...": Gideon is requesting assistance from the people of Succoth. He's asking them to provide food for his soldiers. This is a reasonable request, as they are Israelites and should be supportive of their fellow countrymen fighting against a common enemy.
"...for they are faint...": Gideon's men are tired and hungry. They have been engaged in a difficult pursuit and are lacking sustenance. This emphasizes the urgency of Gideon's request. He needs the people of Succoth to help his troops maintain their strength.
"...and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”": This is the crucial justification for Gideon's request. He's emphasizing that he and his men are engaged in a vital military mission: to capture or kill the Midianite kings. These kings were powerful enemies who had oppressed Israel for years. By highlighting the importance of his mission, Gideon is essentially saying, "Help us, because we are doing important work to liberate you and all of Israel."
In summary, the verse means:
Gideon, leading his weary and hungry troops in pursuit of the Midianite kings, asks the people of Succoth to provide bread for his soldiers. He appeals to their sense of duty and patriotism, emphasizing that he's chasing down the enemies of Israel. This verse sets the stage for the refusal of Succoth to provide assistance, which leads to a later conflict and serves as a critical moment demonstrating the lack of solidarity among the Israelites.
This verse, Judges 8:5, is a key part of the story of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"He said to the men of Succoth...": "He" refers to Gideon, the judge and leader of Israel. Succoth was a city in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River, within the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad. Gideon was likely passing through Succoth with his army.
"...“Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me...": Gideon is requesting assistance from the people of Succoth. He's asking them to provide food for his soldiers. This is a reasonable request, as they are Israelites and should be supportive of their fellow countrymen fighting against a common enemy.
"...for they are faint...": Gideon's men are tired and hungry. They have been engaged in a difficult pursuit and are lacking sustenance. This emphasizes the urgency of Gideon's request. He needs the people of Succoth to help his troops maintain their strength.
"...and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”": This is the crucial justification for Gideon's request. He's emphasizing that he and his men are engaged in a vital military mission: to capture or kill the Midianite kings. These kings were powerful enemies who had oppressed Israel for years. By highlighting the importance of his mission, Gideon is essentially saying, "Help us, because we are doing important work to liberate you and all of Israel."
In summary, the verse means:
Gideon, leading his weary and hungry troops in pursuit of the Midianite kings, asks the people of Succoth to provide bread for his soldiers. He appeals to their sense of duty and patriotism, emphasizing that he's chasing down the enemies of Israel. This verse sets the stage for the refusal of Succoth to provide assistance, which leads to a later conflict and serves as a critical moment demonstrating the lack of solidarity among the Israelites.