And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
JUDGES 8:5KJVWhat does Judges 8:5 mean?
Judges 8:5 shows Gideon asking the men of Succoth to give bread to his weary soldiers as they continue to pursue the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. Gideon is not making a demand but a humble request for help, explaining that his men are exhausted from battle.
Gideon, the leader of Israel’s army, is speaking to the leaders of Succoth, a town east of the Jordan River. His soldiers have been fighting the Midianites and are physically worn out. Gideon’s request highlights both the urgency of his mission and the need for support from fellow Israelites as he chases down the enemy kings.
The Hebrew behind Judges 8:5
- "Give" (נָתַן, natan): This word is often used for giving or granting something, and here it shows Gideon is politely asking, not commanding, for bread.
- "Loaves" (כִּכָּר, kikkar) and "bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem): "Kikkar" refers to round loaves or portions, while "lechem" is the general word for bread or food. This makes it clear Gideon is asking for basic sustenance, not luxury.
- "Faint" (עָיֵף, ayeph): This word means weary or exhausted, emphasizing the physical state of Gideon’s men and the seriousness of their need.
Why Judges 8:5 matters
- This verse shows Gideon’s humility and the real hardships faced by his men, rather than just focusing on victory or heroics.
- It sets up the tension that follows, as the people of Succoth refuse to help, which becomes a key turning point in the story.
- The request for bread connects to a larger biblical theme of hospitality and mutual support among God’s people, highlighting what is expected in times of need.