“And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.”
Context:Judges 8 is part of the account of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. Gideon had just defeated the Midianites with a small army of three hundred men, empowered by God. After the victory, Gideon pursued the remaining Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. However, he faced opposition from the men of Succoth and Penuel, who refused to support him and his weary troops.
The significance of Succoth and its refusal:Succoth was a town located on the eastern side of the Jordan River. When Gideon requested provisions for his army, the men of Succoth refused to help, demonstrating their lack of faith in Gideon’s victory or their fear of retaliation from the Midianites. Their actions displayed a lack of unity and support for their fellow Israelites in their time of need.
Gideon’s capture of a young man:Frustrated by the refusal of Succoth, Gideon captured a young man from the town and sought information from him. This action suggests that Gideon was determined to hold those who withheld support accountable for their actions. By capturing the young man, Gideon aimed to gather intelligence about the leaders and elders of Succoth.
The description of the princes and elders:The young man provided Gideon with valuable information about the princes and elders of Succoth. Gideon learned the identities of sixty-seven men who held positions of authority and influence within the town. This knowledge would likely influence Gideon’s future actions and decisions regarding Succoth.
Lessons to learn from Judges 8:14:
- The importance of unity and support: The refusal of the men of Succoth to support Gideon and his troops demonstrates the significance of unity and support within a community. When faced with challenges or battles, it is crucial for believers to stand together, offering assistance and encouragement to one another.
- The consequences of self-interest and lack of faith: The men of Succoth’s decision to prioritise their own safety or interests over aiding their fellow Israelites illustrates the consequences of self-centredness and a lack of faith. Their actions reveal a lack of trust in God’s power and provision.
- Accountability for actions: Gideon’s capture of the young man and his subsequent inquiry exemplify the importance of accountability. Gideon sought to hold the men of Succoth accountable for their refusal to support him. It reminds us of the significance of taking responsibility for our choices and actions, recognising that our decisions can impact others.
- Seeking wisdom and guidance: Gideon’s decision to gather information from the captured young man shows the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance before making important decisions. By gaining knowledge about the leaders and elders of Succoth, Gideon could make more informed choices regarding how to address their refusal.
Overall, Judges 8:14 highlights the themes of unity, support, accountability, and seeking wisdom in the face of opposition or challenges. It encourages believers to prioritise the interests of the community and place their trust in God rather than succumbing to self-interest or fear.
