Old Testament
Judges 8:15
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Then Gideon went to the men of Succoth and said, "Remember Zebah and Zalmunna? You mocked me, saying, 'Have you already captured Zebah and Zalmunna? Why should we feed your exhausted men?'"
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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?
What Judges 8:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Gideon confronts the men of Succoth for their lack of support during his pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. Earlier, the men of Succoth had mocked Gideon, questioning his ability to capture these enemies and refusing to provide food for his weary troops. Gideon reminds them of their scornful words, highlighting their lack of faith and support when he needed it most. This moment illustrates the tension between Gideon and the people he sought to protect, emphasizing the importance of unity and support in times of conflict. Gideon's leadership is tested not only in battle but also in rallying his own people to stand with him against a common enemy. The verse serves as a reminder that true leadership requires not just strength in battle but also the ability to inspire and gain the trust of those one leads.
How to apply Judges 8:15 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of supporting leaders and those in need, especially during challenging times. It reminds us to be encouraging rather than dismissive, as our words and actions can significantly impact others' morale and resolve.
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 8:15
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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 8:15 mean?
Judges 8:15 shows Gideon confronting the men of Succoth for their mockery and refusal to help him during his pursuit of the Midianite kings. It highlights the importance of support and faith in leadership, especially in times of conflict.
What is the significance of Zebah and Zalmunna in Judges 8:15?
Zebah and Zalmunna are the Midianite kings that Gideon is pursuing. Their mention serves to remind the men of Succoth of the seriousness of the situation and their earlier lack of support for Gideon's mission.
What lesson can we learn from Judges 8:15?
Judges 8:15 teaches the importance of supporting leaders and those in need, especially during difficult times. It reminds us that our words and actions can greatly affect others' morale.
How does Judges 8:15 illustrate leadership?
Judges 8:15 illustrates leadership by showing Gideon's challenge in rallying support from his own people. It emphasizes that effective leadership requires not only strength in battle but also the ability to inspire trust and unity.
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