Judges 8:6 - The princes of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?”
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What does "Judges 8:6" mean?
This verse, Judges 8:6, reveals the fear and self-preservation tactics of the people of Succoth in the face of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Let's break it down:
Context: Gideon and his 300 men are exhausted after chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, who had been oppressing Israel. Gideon asks the people of Succoth for food for his men.
"The princes of Succoth said..." These were the leaders or prominent citizens of the city of Succoth.
"Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand...?" This is the key part. They are asking Gideon if he has already captured Zebah and Zalmunna.
"that we should give bread to your army?" This expresses their reluctance to help.
The Meaning:
The princes of Succoth are essentially saying: "Why should we help you? You haven't proven you've defeated Zebah and Zalmunna yet. What if you fail, and they come back? We'll be in serious trouble for siding with you and giving you aid."
In other words, they are hedging their bets. They are afraid to commit to helping Gideon until they are absolutely certain he has won. They're prioritizing their own safety and security over their obligation to help fellow Israelites in need.
Implications:
Lack of Faith/Courage: The response demonstrates a lack of faith in Gideon's mission and God's promise of victory.
Self-Interest: It highlights their prioritizing of self-preservation over loyalty to their fellow Israelites.
Future Consequences: This refusal to help has serious consequences later in the chapter when Gideon returns victorious (Judges 8:16-17). He punishes the people of Succoth for their lack of support.
The verse reveals a theme that occurs throughout the book of Judges: the Israelites' tendency to fall away from God and their lack of unity and cooperation, even in the face of a common enemy.
Judges 8:6 - The princes of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?”
What does "Judges 8:6" mean?
This verse, Judges 8:6, reveals the fear and self-preservation tactics of the people of Succoth in the face of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Let's break it down:
Context: Gideon and his 300 men are exhausted after chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, who had been oppressing Israel. Gideon asks the people of Succoth for food for his men.
"The princes of Succoth said..." These were the leaders or prominent citizens of the city of Succoth.
"Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand...?" This is the key part. They are asking Gideon if he has already captured Zebah and Zalmunna.
"that we should give bread to your army?" This expresses their reluctance to help.
The Meaning:
The princes of Succoth are essentially saying: "Why should we help you? You haven't proven you've defeated Zebah and Zalmunna yet. What if you fail, and they come back? We'll be in serious trouble for siding with you and giving you aid."
In other words, they are hedging their bets. They are afraid to commit to helping Gideon until they are absolutely certain he has won. They're prioritizing their own safety and security over their obligation to help fellow Israelites in need.
Implications:
Lack of Faith/Courage: The response demonstrates a lack of faith in Gideon's mission and God's promise of victory.
Self-Interest: It highlights their prioritizing of self-preservation over loyalty to their fellow Israelites.
Future Consequences: This refusal to help has serious consequences later in the chapter when Gideon returns victorious (Judges 8:16-17). He punishes the people of Succoth for their lack of support.
The verse reveals a theme that occurs throughout the book of Judges: the Israelites' tendency to fall away from God and their lack of unity and cooperation, even in the face of a common enemy.