Judges 8:15

*He came to the men of Succoth and said, “Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, concerning whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your men who are weary?’”* (Judges 8:15). In this verse, Gideon—who served as a judge (or deliverer) of Israel around the late 12th or early 11th century BC—confronts the leaders of Succoth, a settlement likely located east of the Jordan River near the Jabbok. Rather than helping Gideon’s weary troops as they pursued the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna, the men of Succoth had refused to give them bread. Gideon now displays tangible proof of victory: he has captured the very kings whose defeat the men of Succoth had doubted. Their refusal to assist Gideon and his men was not only an act of distrust in God’s appointed deliverer, but a disregard for God’s intervention on behalf of Israel (see how Gideon’s calling from the Angel of the Lord revealed his role as “mighty man of valor” in Judges 6:12 citeturn0file18).

By capturing Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon completes the divine plan to free Israel from oppression, echoing how God called him to rescue His people amid dire circumstances (Judges 6:14). Previously, Midian’s raids had impoverished Israel, forcing them to hide in caves and thresh wheat secretly lest the Midianites seize their produce or livestock citeturn0file18. When Gideon asked Succoth for help, the leaders refused through skepticism and fear, demonstrating a lack of faith that God would grant victory over the Midianites. Now, Gideon’s return with the two kings humiliates those who doubted God’s empowering presence.

Because Succoth’s leaders rejected the opportunity to partner in God’s deliverance, Gideon rebukes them directly. This confrontation underscores that the Lord holds His people accountable when they neglect those in need—especially those engaged in His service. Succoth had every chance to act compassionately, feed God’s faithful warriors, and share in Israel’s victory, yet they missed this blessing through distrust and self-preservation.

Gideon’s chastisement of Succoth highlights the call for God’s people to trust His promises and show hospitality toward those who labor for the good of the community.