And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

JUDGES 8:16KJV
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Judges 8:16 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:16 mean?

Judges 8:16 describes how Gideon took the leaders of Succoth and used thorns and briers from the wilderness to punish and teach the men of the city. This act was a response to their earlier refusal to help him and his men during a time of need.

Gideon, the judge and military leader of Israel, is dealing with the elders of Succoth after they refused to give food to his exhausted troops while pursuing enemy kings. The verse shows Gideon carrying out a harsh lesson using physical punishment, emphasizing the seriousness of their lack of support and loyalty during a critical moment.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:16

  • "Taught" (יָדַע, yāda‘): This word often means "to make known" or "to teach," but in this context, it carries the sense of teaching through discipline or correction, not just instruction. The punishment was meant to be a lesson for the whole community.
  • "Thorns" (קֹוצ, qôts) and "briers" (בַּרְקָן, barkān): These are specific types of sharp plants found in the wilderness. Their mention highlights the painful and humiliating nature of the punishment, showing it was not just a symbolic act but a real, physical consequence.

Why Judges 8:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Gideon's response was not just verbal rebuke but a tangible, painful correction meant to leave a lasting impression on the people of Succoth.
  • The use of thorns and briers connects the punishment to the harshness of the wilderness, underlining the severity of the elders' refusal to help their fellow Israelites.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the escalating tension between Gideon and the Israelite towns, showing the high expectations for mutual support during times of national crisis.

Where else these words appear

“briers” Hebrew H1303 · used in 2 verses

  • Judges 8:7 And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.

“thorns” Hebrew H6975 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
  • 2 Samuel 23:6 But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
  • Jeremiah 4:3 For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

“Succoth” Hebrew H5523 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 33:17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
  • Joshua 13:27 And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
  • Judges 8:15 And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?