Judges 8:14

There he captured a young man of Succoth and interrogated him. The young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth.

Study Bible

There he captured a young man of Succoth and interrogated him.
Gideon, the judge of Israel, is pursuing the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Succoth is a town east of the Jordan River, within the territory of Gad. The capture of a young man from Succoth highlights the tension between Gideon and the people of Succoth, who had earlier refused to assist him (Judges 8:5-6). This act of interrogation reflects the urgency and determination of Gideon to secure victory over the Midianites. The cultural context of the time allowed for such interrogation, especially in wartime, to gather intelligence. The young man's capture and subsequent interrogation underscore the theme of divine justice and retribution, as Gideon seeks to hold the leaders of Succoth accountable for their lack of support.

The young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth.
The act of writing down names indicates a level of literacy and record-keeping in ancient Israel, which was not universally common. The number seventy-seven is significant, often symbolizing completeness or divine order in biblical numerology. The leaders and elders of Succoth represent the town's authority and decision-makers, who had previously denied aid to Gideon. This list serves as evidence for Gideon to confront the leaders, fulfilling the principle of accountability. The mention of seventy-seven leaders may also reflect the structured governance within the tribal system of Israel. This event foreshadows the judgment Gideon will bring upon Succoth, aligning with the biblical theme of God using human agents to execute His justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gideon
The judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory over the Midianites. In this passage, he is pursuing the Midianite kings and seeking support from the people of Succoth.

2. Young Man of Succoth
An unnamed individual captured by Gideon who provides crucial information about the leaders of Succoth.

3. Succoth
A city in the territory of Gad, east of the Jordan River. The people of Succoth refused to help Gideon and his men, leading to their eventual punishment.

4. Seventy-seven Officials
The leaders and elders of Succoth who were identified by the young man. Their refusal to aid Gideon highlights their lack of faith and support for God's chosen leader.

5. Midianites
The oppressors of Israel during Gideon's time. Their defeat was a significant turning point for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Supporting God's Work
The refusal of Succoth's leaders to support Gideon serves as a warning against withholding support from God's appointed leaders and missions.

Consequences of Fear and Doubt
The leaders of Succoth acted out of fear and doubt, leading to their downfall. Trusting in God's plan is crucial, even when circumstances seem daunting.

The Role of Leadership and Accountability
The seventy-seven officials were held accountable for their actions. Leaders are responsible for guiding their people in righteousness and faith.

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
Gideon's victory over the Midianites, despite the lack of support from Succoth, underscores God's sovereignty and ability to deliver His people.

The Power of Information and Wisdom
The young man's information was pivotal for Gideon's strategy. Wisdom and knowledge play a crucial role in executing God's plans.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the response of the leaders of Succoth reflect their faith or lack thereof, and what can we learn from their example about supporting God's work today?

2. In what ways does Gideon's interaction with the young man of Succoth demonstrate the importance of seeking and using information wisely in our spiritual battles?

3. How can the account of Succoth's refusal to aid Gideon inform our understanding of leadership and accountability within the church?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced fear or doubt in supporting a God-given mission. How can the account of Gideon and Succoth encourage you to act differently in the future?

5. How does the broader account of Gideon's victory over the Midianites inspire you to trust in God's sovereignty and power in your own life challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 7
Provides context for Gideon's battle against the Midianites, showing God's power and guidance in delivering Israel.

Genesis 33:17
Mentions Succoth as a place where Jacob settled temporarily, providing historical context for the city.

Proverbs 11:14
Highlights the importance of wise counsel, contrasting the poor leadership of Succoth's officials.

Hebrews 11:32-34
References Gideon as a man of faith, connecting his actions to the broader account of faith in the Bible.