Old Testament
Judges 8:14
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He captured a young man from Succoth and questioned him. The young man wrote down the names of Succoth's leaders and elders for him — 77 men in all.
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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.
What Judges 8:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 8:14, Gideon captures a young man from the city of Succoth during his pursuit of the Midianite kings. He interrogates this young man to gather information about the leaders of Succoth, specifically their princes and elders. The young man provides a list of 77 names, revealing the political structure of the city. This act highlights Gideon's authority and the importance of local leadership in the context of Israel's struggles against their enemies. The information gathered is crucial for Gideon as he seeks to hold the leaders of Succoth accountable for their lack of support during his campaign against the Midianites. This moment illustrates the dynamics of power and loyalty in ancient Israel, as well as the consequences of failing to support God's chosen leaders in times of crisis.
How to apply Judges 8:14 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of supporting leaders who are working for the greater good. In our communities, we should be willing to stand by those who are fighting for justice and righteousness, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. Accountability is essential in leadership.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: Faint, Yet Pursuing (Judges 8:4–21)
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Gideon
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Judges 8:14
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 8:14 mean?
Judges 8:14 describes Gideon capturing a young man from Succoth to gather information about the city's leaders. This act emphasizes Gideon's authority and the significance of local leadership during Israel's conflicts.
What is the significance of the number 77 in Judges 8:14?
The number 77 represents the total count of leaders and elders in Succoth that Gideon sought to hold accountable for their lack of support. It highlights the political structure of the city and the importance of leadership in times of crisis.
Who were the leaders mentioned in Judges 8:14?
The leaders mentioned in Judges 8:14 are the princes and elders of Succoth, totaling 77 men. Their identification is crucial for Gideon as he seeks to address their lack of assistance during his campaign.
What lesson can we learn from Judges 8:14?
Judges 8:14 teaches the importance of supporting leaders who strive for justice and righteousness. It underscores the need for accountability in leadership and the impact of community support during challenging times.
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